What are the control characteristics of an aircraft with the center of gravity (CG) forward of limits?

When the center of gravity (CG) of an aircraft is positioned forward of the limits, it significantly affects the aircraft's control characteristics, particularly in pitch. A forward CG increases stability in the pitch axis, leading to a condition known as "very stable pitch." This stability arises because a forward CG causes the center of lift to be behind the center of gravity, which means that any nose-up pitch will create a restoring moment that tends to return the aircraft to level flight.

However, a forward CG can also pose challenges with elevator control. While the aircraft may be stable, the elevator authority may become inadequate at lower airspeeds or during certain maneuvers, which can make it difficult to achieve the desired pitch changes. The heavy elevator forces associated with a forward CG can make controlling the aircraft more demanding, although this is not the principal focus of the correct answer.

In contrast, the other options describe characteristics that do not align with the effects of a forward CG. For example, the mention of "unstable pitch" or "light elevator forces" does not apply in this scenario, as a forward CG inherently increases stability and requires more effort to maneuver the aircraft. Thus, while there are trade-offs in terms of control efficacy, the core idea is