What is the effect of snow accumulation on the aircraft?

Snow accumulation on an aircraft can indeed lead to a shift in the center of gravity (CG) due to the added weight of the snow, particularly if it accumulates on specific parts of the fuselage or wings. When snow adheres to the rear sections of the aircraft, it can increase the weight at the tail end, causing the CG to shift aft. This aft shift can make the aircraft feel tail heavy, which could impact its handling characteristics during takeoff, flight, and landing.

In terms of aircraft performance, an aft shift in the CG can complicate control because it may require greater effort to maintain level flight and could also affect the stability of the aircraft. It's particularly critical in flight operations as the change in CG could lead to the need for adjustments in pilot inputs or could lead to an inadvertent stall if not managed properly.

Snow does not increase lift substantially while on the aircraft; in fact, it can reduce aerodynamic efficiency. Therefore, believing that snow accumulation does not lead to a significant change is a misunderstanding of its effects. Similarly, increased lift does not occur due to snow, nor would one expect a forward shift caused by accumulation on a well-designed aircraft like the Falcon 7X. Managing and removing snow from the aircraft is essential