An intensive development of the understanding of fixed-wing aircraft dynamic stability. The course covers the driving factors behind aircraft motion, a discussion of desirable qualities, and classic test and evaluation methods. Academic Subjects include aircraft equations of motion, dynamics requirements and flight test techniques, coupling dynamics, closed-loop handling qualities and spins. Included is a brief review of matrices, vectors, axis transforms, differential equations, and Laplace transforms.
Anticipated Student Academic Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course of instruction, the student will have a basic understanding of flight test procedures, techniques, and data analysis associated with aircraft dynamics. He/she will:
1. The fundamentals of aircraft motion analysis and equations of motion
2. Aircraft dynamics theory.
3. Regulatory requirements pertaining to aircraft dynamics.
4. Aircraft coupling dynamics
5. Spin theory and flight test techniques.
6. Regulatory requirements pertaining to aircraft departure susceptibility and spin recovery devices.
7. Closed loop handling qualities testing & techniques.
1. Flight test techniques used to quantitatively and qualitatively determine aircraft dynamics.
2. How to determine the stall characteristics of an aircraft.
Sequence of Instruction
Dynamic Stability Overview
Matrices, Vectors & Axis Transforms
Equations of Motion
Differential Equations & Laplace Transforms
Dynamics Requirements & Flight Test Techniques
Closed-Loop Handling Qualities
Spin/Departure Requirements & Flight Test Techniques
Spin Recovery Devices
Tutorials: Differential Equations & Laplace, Transforms, Dynamics Theory
Exams: Spins, Dynamics/Closed-Loop Handling Qualities
Texts and Reference Materials
NTPS Professional Course Textbook Series, Vol. IV, “Fixed-Wing Flying Qualities Flight Testing”
Process of Evaluation