USAF Test Pilot School. Flying Qualities Textbook, Volume 2, Part 1
Abstract
Flying Qualities is that discipline in the aeronautical sciences that is concerned with basic aircraft stability and pilot-in-the-loop controllability. With advent of sophisticated flight control systems, vectored thrust, forward-swept wings, and negative static margins, the concept of flying qualities takes on added dimensions. In aeronautical literature there are three terms bandied about which are generally considered synonymous. These terms are flying qualities, stability and control, and handling qualities. Strictly speaking, they are synonymous. An early publication by Phillips in 1949 defines flying qualities of an aircraft as those stablity and control characteristics that have an important bearing on the safety of flight and on the pilots' impressions of the ease of flying an aircraft in steady flight and in maneuvers. The specification's stated purpose of application is to assure flying qualities that provide adequate mission performance and flight safety regardless of design implementation or flight control system mechanization. Successful execution of the military mission then is the key to flying quality adequacy. A definition of flying qualities which can be agreed upon by both the USAF and the US Navy is: Flying qualities are those stabilty and control characteristics which influence the ease of safely flying an aircraft during steady and manuevering flight in the execution of the total mission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA170959