Objectives: Fixed Wing Stability and Control reviews the concepts and maneuvers for evaluating and determining the stability and control characteristics of single- and multi-engine aircraft. These concepts will be used to develop test cards and maneuvers for evaluating the stability and control of a Mooney M20K and a Cessna 310 aircraft. Spin test demonstrations are performed in a Super Decathlon aircraft. Post test data analysis and final test report will be submitted by students.

Textbooks:

Introduction to Flight Test Engineering, RTO AGARDograph 300, Flight Test Techniques Series – Volume 14, AC/323(SCI-FT3)TP/74

Flight Testing of Fixed-Wing Aircraft, Ralph D. Kimberlin, AIAA Education Series, ISBN-13 978-1563475641, ISBN-10 1563475642

Curriculum:

1. Review
   1. Static and Dynamic Longitudinal Stability
   2. Longitudinal Control and Trim
   3. Static and Dynamic Lateral-Directional Stability
   4. Rolling Performance
   5. Directional Control
   6. Spin Characteristics
2. Test Methods and Maneuvers
   1. Control Pulses
   2. Pushover and Pullup
   3. Roll Reversal
3. Flight Test Planning
   1. Test Card Development
   2. Instrumentation and Data Methods
   3. Safety Review
   4. Test Briefing
4. Evaluation of Stability and Control
   1. Mooney M20K
   2. Cessna 310 (minimum control speed – engine out)
   3. Super Decathlon (spin characteristics testing)

Duration: 6 days

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