Which method is used to determine the CG of an aircraft?

The method used to determine the center of gravity (CG) of an aircraft involves calculating the total moments and then dividing that figure by the total weight of the aircraft. This process allows for a precise understanding of where the aircraft's CG is located in relation to its structure and design.

When determining the CG, you start by calculating the moments, which involves multiplying the weight of each component by its distance from a reference point (typically the nose of the aircraft). Adding all these moments together gives you the total moment. Once you have that total moment, you then divide it by the total weight of the aircraft to find the CG location.

This calculation is crucial for safe aircraft operation, as the CG affects stability, control, and performance. If the CG is too far forward or too far aft, it can lead to handling problems, such as increased stall speeds or difficulty in controlling the aircraft.

The other methods suggested do not yield the correct calculation for CG. Adding total weights alone does not consider their distribution relative to a reference point, and taking an average of moment arms does not accurately represent the overall moment effect needed for CG determination. Subtracting weights would not provide information on the balance or distribution of weight necessary for calculating the CG. Thus, the method