Define "center of gravity" in relation to an aircraft.

The center of gravity (CG) in an aircraft is the point at which the total weight of the aircraft is considered to act. This point is critical for flight stability and control, as it affects how the aircraft behaves in the air. When the center of gravity is positioned correctly, it ensures that the weight is evenly balanced, which is crucial for maintaining proper pitch and overall stability during flight.

When the CG is too far forward or too far aft, it can lead to difficulties in controlling the aircraft, impacting its performance in various phases of flight. Thus, understanding the concept of the center of gravity is essential for pilots and engineers in order to ensure safe and efficient aircraft operation. Proper weight distribution and loading techniques are used to manage the CG within the designed limits to keep the aircraft within safe operational parameters.