Factors Affecting Stability

Question 1

What is the Static Margin?

Answer 1

IT’s the distance between the aft limit and the neutral point.

It’s when the aft CG limit is set to maintain the minimum acceptable level of positive stability. It will always be ahead of the neutral point by a distance, known as the Static Margin.

Question 2

What is the MAC?

Answer 2

the chord of an equivalent untwisted, rectangular wing with the same pitching moment and lift characteristics as the actual wing

Question 3

What is Stick Force Stability?

Answer 3

It’s when an aircraft behaves in a way which requires forward stick force is speed is increased to keep the same attitude, and a rearward stick force to stop the nose from dropping if speed is reduced in level flight.

Or if a pull force is required to maintain a speed below the trim speed.

Question 4

What is aerodynamic damping?

Answer 4

It’s when the horizontal stabiliser has a downward motion into the relative flow when the aircraft is pitching up, therefore increasing its effectiveness, stability, and giving resistance to the manoeuvring taking place.

It produces an increase in the stick force required to make the manoeuvre

Question 5

What determines the position of the forward CG limit?

Answer 5

Insufficient manoeuvrability and flare capability

Question 6

What limits the aft CG location?

Answer 6

insuficcient stick force stability
excessive in-flight manoeuvrability