What effect does too much weight forward of the CG have on an aircraft's performance?

Having too much weight forward of the center of gravity (CG) impacts an aircraft's performance significantly, particularly by decreasing its climb capability. When the CG is positioned too far forward, the aircraft becomes nose-heavy, which can lead to a number of performance issues.

A forward CG results in a higher pitch attitude during flight, which can reduce lift and increase drag. As the aircraft attempts to climb, the additional nose-heavy condition requires more elevator authority to maintain desired pitch attitudes, leading to inefficiencies in climb performance. Additionally, the aircraft may need to fly at a higher angle of attack to maintain altitude, which can further increase drag and, in turn, degrade climb performance.

Balancing weight and the location of the CG is crucial for ensuring optimal climbing, turning, and overall flight characteristics. Proper loading and weight distribution help maintain the aircraft’s performance and stability, facilitating effective flight operations.