Which statement correctly describes a potential hazard when the helicopter's center of gravity is aft of the aft limit?

Which statement correctly describes a potential hazard when the helicopter's center of gravity is aft of the aft limit?

• A. The helicopter can easily achieve high airspeeds with minimal cyclic input.
• B. Tail rotor efficiency improves with forward speed.
• C. The helicopter might not attain higher airspeed due to max forward cyclic.
• D. Tail strike is possible due to aft CG limitations.

Answer: (D)

When the center of gravity sits behind the aft limit, the helicopter becomes tail-heavy and less stable in pitch. That means it has a stronger tendency to rise the nose when you apply forward control, which drives the tail downward toward the ground during takeoff or rotation. With the tail closer to the ground, the tail structure or tail rotor can strike, especially during low-speed transitions or high-pitch attitudes. So, the most relevant hazard is tail strike due to this aft CG position.

When the center of gravity sits behind the aft limit, the helicopter becomes tail-heavy and less stable in pitch. That means it has a stronger tendency to rise the nose when you apply forward control, which drives the tail downward toward the ground during takeoff or rotation. With the tail closer to the ground, the tail structure or tail rotor can strike, especially during low-speed transitions or high-pitch attitudes. So, the most relevant hazard is tail strike due to this aft CG position.