Definition
The most forward position along the aircraft's longitudinal axis at which the center of gravity is permitted to be located for safe flight, as established by the manufacturer and published in the aircraft's Type Certificate Data Sheet and Pilot's Operating Handbook. Loading the aircraft so the CG falls ahead of this limit is prohibited because it produces excessive nose-heaviness, increased stall speed, higher control forces, and reduced elevator authority -- particularly during the landing flare.
Plain English
The furthest forward the aircraft's balance point is allowed to be. If the airplane is loaded so the balance point sits ahead of this point, it is unsafe and not legal to fly.
Context Anchor
Seen in weight-and-balance calculations, loading graphs, and the aircraft flight manual or pilot’s operating handbook before flight.
Derivation
“Forward” means toward the nose of the aircraft. “Center of gravity” comes from physics and means the central balance point of an object’s weight. “Limit” means an approved boundary that must not be passed.
Why Pilots Care
Exceeding the forward CG limits reduces elevator effectiveness and can make rotation or flaring impossible.
Analogy
Think of balancing a loaded wheelbarrow. If too much weight is placed too far forward, it may still be under its total weight capacity, but it becomes hard to lift and control.
Intuition Check
Do not read “forward CG limits” as a general suggestion to keep weight near the front. It means a specific approved boundary: the aircraft’s balance point must not be farther forward than that limit.
Example Sentence 1
After loading two heavy passengers up front and filling the forward baggage compartment, the pilot recalculated and found the CG was right at the forward CG limit, so some weight had to be moved aft.
Example Sentence 2
Placing heavy items too far forward can push the airplane past its forward CG limits and reduce elevator authority.