What is an aircraft’s center of gravity (CG)?

The center of gravity (CG) of an aircraft is indeed the point where the aircraft's mass is evenly distributed. This point is crucial for flight stability and control; it affects how the aircraft behaves in the air, particularly during maneuvers and when experiencing aerodynamic forces.

When the CG is within the specified limits, an aircraft will exhibit stable flight characteristics. If the CG is too far forward or too far aft, it can lead to handling difficulties, such as excessive nose-up or nose-down tendencies. Maintaining the correct CG is essential for achieving optimal aerodynamic performance and safety during various phases of flight.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of CG. For instance, the highest point on the aircraft does not relate to mass distribution and could refer to various external points, such as a wingtip. The point of maximum lift pertains to lift generation, not to the distribution of mass, and the location of fuel tanks involves weight changes but does not define CG itself. Understanding the CG is therefore critical for pilots and engineers in order to ensure that an aircraft performs safely and efficiently.