When the landing gear of an airplane moves rearward upon gear retraction, what happens to the center of gravity (CG)?

When the landing gear of an airplane moves rearward upon gear retraction, the center of gravity (CG) of the aircraft shifts aft. This occurs because the landing gear, which is a significant mass, is typically located at the front part of the aircraft, often beneath the wings or towards the nose.

As the gear retracts, that weight is effectively moving from a forward position to an area that is closer to the aircraft's center line or even slightly behind it, depending on the specific design of the aircraft. This change in mass distribution causes the CG to shift aft.

Understanding the effects of gear retraction on CG is crucial for flight engineers, as shifts in CG can impact the aircraft's stability and handling characteristics. An aft CG can lead to changes in pitch behavior and potentially make the airplane more sensitive in flight, which is a considerable factor for safe operation.