Definition
The most forward position the empty-weight center of gravity (CG) of an aircraft is permitted to be located, as specified by the manufacturer. If the empty-weight CG falls within the forward and aft limits, no further CG calculations are required for the aircraft in its current configuration.
Plain English
The furthest forward point where the aircraft's balance point is allowed to sit when the aircraft is empty. As long as the empty balance point stays within the allowed forward and aft range, the aircraft is known to be safely balanced.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft weight-and-balance records, maintenance weighing reports, and equipment-change calculations.
Derivation
‘CG’ is short for ‘center of gravity’ — the single point where the aircraft would balance if suspended. ‘Forward’ here simply means toward the nose. ‘Empty-weight’ refers to the aircraft with no fuel, crew, passengers, or payload — only the basic aircraft and required equipment.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps the aircraft stable and controllable at its lightest weight; exceeding the limit can reduce elevator effectiveness.
Analogy
Think of balancing a ruler on your finger. The forward empty-weight CG limit is like a mark on the ruler showing the farthest forward your finger can be while the empty airplane still balances within the approved range.
Intuition Check
Do not read “empty” as meaning completely bare or weightless. In this context, “empty weight” is a defined aircraft weighing condition, and “forward” means toward the aircraft’s nose along the weight-and-balance measuring line.
Example Sentence 1
After installing the new avionics package, the technician recalculated the empty-weight CG and confirmed it was still within the forward empty-weight CG limits published in the TCDS.
Example Sentence 2
A forward empty-weight CG that is too far forward can make rotation difficult on takeoff.