Introduction to FW Performance & Flying Qualities Flight Testing
Course Description
This two week short course is designed to satisfy the demand for engineers, pilots and flight test support personnel who require practical experience in aircraft performance, stability and control, handling qualities, flight test instrumentation data handling, as well as a working knowledge of FAA and military specifications pertaining to piloted aircraft. Classroom academics are tailored to prepare the students for practical in-flight tests. Seven flights are performed in a medium weight transport aircraft. These aircraft have been instrumented to serve as in-flight laboratories. On each of the sorties the students participate as flight test engineers, gathering data for post-flight analysis. Two additional sorties are flown in light aircraft to allow the students to give practical hands-on experience in performing the various flight test techniques as a pilot. At the conclusion of the course, students present their findings and recommendations on both mission suitability and regulatory compliance in an oral report to the staff.
Flying Summary
| Flight | Aircraft | Mission |
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 |
Merlin III Merlin III Merlin III Merlin III Merlin III Merlin III Merlin III C-172 / Light a/c C-172 / Light a/c |
Dove Pitot Static Calibration, Trailing Bomb or Cone Cruise Performance CL-CD, SAR etc. Excess Power, Climbs and Level Accelerations Longitudinal Static Stability, Neutral Point Determination Maneuvering Stability, Turns, Pull-Ups, Pushovers Lateral-Directional Static Stability, Configuration Effects Dynamics & Stalls Performance FTT’s Flying Qualities FTT’s |
Flights 1 - 7 Instrumented Flying Classroom Flights 8 - 9 Student "Hands On" Flights
Subjects Covered
| Introduction Aircraft Control Systems Jet Cruise Dimensional Analysis Longitudinal Static Stability Takeoff and Landing Subsonic Aerodynamics Longitudinal Maneuvering Stability Closed Loop Handling Qualities Standard Atmosphere Longitudinal Non-Linearities Transonic Aerodynamics Pitot-Statics |
Lateral-Directional Static Stabilit Mach Effects on Stability and Control Drag Polar Equations of Motion & Dynamics Energy Management Propeller Cruise Stalls Aeroelasticity Climb Performance Light Aircraft Engine-Out |
Pre-requisites
None. Familiarity with calculus is a plus.