Pitching moment when CP is forward of CG

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 14 of 25 on Loading and Performance. ACS element UA.IV.A.K1b · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA small UA is loaded so that its center of pressure (CP) is forward of its center of gravity (CG). What pitching tendency does the Remote Pilot study guide say this creates?

AA nose-down pitching moment
BNo pitching moment, since the forces are in line
CA nose-up pitching moment

Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. A nose-up pitching moment

A — incorrect A nose-down tendency occurs when the CG is forward of the CP, the opposite arrangement.
B — incorrect Lift at the CP and weight at the CG are not in line when one is forward of the other, so a pitching moment results.
C — correct The guide states that if the CP is forward of the CG, a nose-up pitching moment is created.

BACKGROUND

An aircraft's weight is concentrated at the center of gravity (CG) and the aerodynamic lift forces occur at the center of pressure (CP). When the CG is forward of the CP there is a natural tendency for the aircraft to pitch nose down. When the CP is forward of the CG, a nose-up pitching moment is created. For this reason designers fix the aft limit of the CG forward of the CP for the corresponding flight speed.

STUDY TIP

Picture lift lifting the point where it acts: lift forward of the weight raises the nose.

KEY POINTS

CG forward of CP: nose-down tendency.
CP forward of CG: nose-up pitching moment.
Aft CG limit is placed forward of the CP.

SOURCES

remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch4 "Weight"

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