How does the position of the center of gravity affect performance?

The position of the center of gravity (CG) plays a critical role in the stability and control of an aircraft. When the CG is located within the designed limits, it contributes to the aircraft's ability to maintain level flight, respond predictably to control inputs, and recover from disturbances. If the CG is too far forward or too far aft, it can lead to handling issues such as increased stall risk, difficulty in maintaining control, and challenges in achieving stable flying conditions. Therefore, understanding and managing the CG position is essential for ensuring that the aircraft operates efficiently and safely.

The other choices, while potentially related to aircraft performance, do not specifically capture the primary impact of CG position. For example, while CG can have some indirect effects on fuel efficiency and cargo space, its most significant and direct influence is on the stability and control characteristics of the aircraft, making this the most accurate choice.