FLIGHT EVALUATION OF A STABILITY AUGMENTATION SYSTEM FOR LIGHT AIRPLANES.
Abstract
The results of a flight evaluation of a Stability Augmentation System (SAS) for light airplanes are reported and discussed. Twenty-six non-instrument rated private and commercial pilots, whose distribution by rating and flight hours was typical of those who are involved in IFR disorientation accidents, and five instrument rated commercial pilots were flown. Quantitative measures of the bank angle, airspeed, altitude and heading were recorded during a series of planned VFR and IFR tasks with the SAS ON and OFF. Qualitative data were obtained from the subject pilots by questionnaire and the recorded observations of the safety pilot. A statistical analysis was made of the differences in pilot performance during system ON and system OFF operation. It was shown that the stabilizing effects of SAS, although not sufficient in itself to prevent this type of accident, significantly improved the non-instrument rated pilot's ability to maintain control of the airplane during an inadvertent encounter with IFR conditions. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0643177
Entities
People
- Franklin F. Eckhart
- G. Warren Hall
- Paul A. Martino
Organizations
- Calspan