Originally Posted by
FullOppositeRudder
Posted by Anliv in response to my speculation:
Thank you, I appreciate the information. I've learnt something... It's been a good day.
In response to another comment from PM:
...From where I come from (gliding), .... Nevertheless, thanks for your challenge Pilot Mike - point taken - we fly in different disciplines;
Although I an both ATPL(A) and rotary, I was also a gliding instructor, so I have a fairly reasonable appreciation of powerless flight, hopefully matching yours.
Although aft C of G is known to be slightly more efficient in conventional f/w aircraft, both powered and powerless, due to more lift coming from the tail, reducing the induced drag on the main wings, the pitch attitude is set for the performance required: a different C of G simply affects the control forces (and positions) to achieve that required attitude, to a first order of magnitude, even in gliders. I hope that makes sense and helps.