When is an aircraft considered to be "Nose Heavy"?

An aircraft is considered "Nose Heavy" when the AFT Index falls within the range of 1 to 20. This index measures the center of gravity position relative to the aircraft's reference point. A lower AFT Index indicates that the center of gravity is positioned forward in relation to the wings, causing the nose to be heavier. This could result in more difficult handling characteristics during flight, particularly affecting the aircraft's stability and control.

AFT Index values that fall in the higher ranges indicate a more balanced or tail-heavy configuration, which can have different implications for flight performance. Thus, understanding the significance of the AFT Index helps in effectively managing the aircraft's weight distribution for optimal flight safety and performance.