Endeavor and most large aircraft measure CG as which of the following?

• A. % MAC
• B. Mean Aerodynamic Chord
• C. Distance from datum
• D. Arm length

Answer: (A)

CG on Endeavor and most large aircraft is measured as a percentage of the mean aerodynamic chord. Expressing the CG this way ties the load distribution directly to the wing’s geometry, so the allowable range stays meaningful across different fuel loads and configurations. The mean aerodynamic chord is a single representative wing length that reflects the wing’s planform, providing a stable reference. By using a percent MAC, you can compare where the CG sits relative to the wing’s aerodynamic center without needing exact inch measurements for every configuration, and you can convert to inches if needed. Smaller airplanes, by contrast, typically quote CG as a distance from a reference datum (the arm), which is why percent MAC is the preferred standard for large aircraft.