T&E 4007 Introduction to FW P&FQ Testing

Course Description

This 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. Four 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.

Anticipated Student Academic Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

Be familiar with:

  • · Transonic Aerodynamics
  • · Light Aircraft Engine-Out
  • · Longitudinal Non-Linearities
  • · Standard Atmosphere
  • · Aero-elasticity
  • · Closed Loop Handling Qualities
  • · Subsonic Aerodynamics
  • · Energy Management
  • · Takeoff and Landing
  • · Drag Polar
  • · Dimensional Analysis
  • · Mach Effects on Stability and Control
  • · Jet Cruise.
  • · Aircraft Control Systems.

Understand:

  • · Pitot-Statics
  • · Propeller Cruise
  • · Climb Performance
  • · Longitudinal Static Stability
  • · Longitudinal Maneuvering Stability
  • · Lateral-Directional Static Stability
  • · Stalls
  • · Equations of Motion and Dynamics