How does the position of the center of pressure change during flight?

The center of pressure is the point on an airfoil or wing where the total aerodynamic force effectively acts. This position is influenced significantly by the angle of attack, which is the angle between the chord line of the wing and the oncoming airflow. As the angle of attack changes, the distribution of pressure over the wing alters, which in turn causes the center of pressure to shift.

When the angle of attack increases, the airflow starts to separate at different points, leading to a change in the lift distribution and shifting the center of pressure typically forward (closer to the leading edge). Conversely, if the angle of attack decreases, the center of pressure moves back (toward the trailing edge). Understanding this dynamic is crucial for pilots, as it impacts the aircraft's stability and control characteristics during flight.

The other options do not accurately reflect the behavior of the center of pressure. For instance, the center of pressure does not remain stationary as it responds to aerodynamic changes, nor is it solely influenced by altitude, which primarily affects air density and performance rather than the center of pressure directly. Additionally, stating that it never changes ignores the fundamental aerodynamic principles governing flight.