What is the significance of the Center of Gravity (CG) in load planning?

The Center of Gravity (CG) is a crucial factor in load planning because it directly influences aircraft stability and handling during flight. Proper CG positioning ensures that the aircraft maintains balance and can perform as expected under various flight conditions. When the CG is within acceptable limits, the aircraft exhibits controlled and predictable behavior, which is essential for safety.

If the CG is too far forward or backward, it can lead to difficulties in controlling the aircraft, potentially resulting in unsafe flight characteristics. For example, an excessively forward CG may cause issues with takeoff and landing, while a rearward CG might lead to difficulty in pitch control. Therefore, understanding and determining the CG is critical for load planners to ensure that the aircraft operates within safe and efficient parameters.

The other options—cargo shipping costs, fuel efficiency, and cargo type selection—while relevant to logistics and operational considerations, do not have the same direct impact on the fundamental performance and safety of the aircraft in flight as the CG does.