Synopsis

Accidents, incidents and episodes from development programs will be used as motivation to introduce and apply proven basic flight control and handling qualities concepts, methods and criteria. Case studies will include civil and military events. Aircraft used as examples will include the A-4, A-10, A-300, A-320, B-1, B-2, C-17, F-117A, F-15, F-18, F-22 and Lancair. The different approaches to control inceptor and control law philosophy will be discussed.

MATLAB examples will be demonstrated. An overall goal of the course is to emphasize methods and ideas that are consistent and insightful, from initial concepts and advanced design through linearized models, nonlinear and piloted simulations and actual flight test.

Key Topics

• Quantifying the quality Talking to/working with the pilot. Fundamentals and review of pilot rating scales, relations between Levels, classes, states, etc. Handling qualities experimental design.
• Basics and aerodynamic limits of aircraft response Static stability, agility, stall, deep stall. 
• Quick review of/introduction to derivatives Non-dimensional, dimensional and approximate factors. How derivatives appear in, and help us understand, simplified equations of motion. 
• Review of basic control analysis concepts Linear methods, frequency responses, numerator effects, line.
• Phugoid and short period modes Longitudinal dynamics: Control Anticipation Parameter, stick force per g. Examples of measuring parameters from real flight data. 
• Lateral-directional handling qualities Definitions, modes of motion, numerator/denominator effects, requirements and how to cut through the complexity of the responses. 
• Basic pilot-in-the-loop criteria The crossover model and more-modern extensions.
• Elementary closed-loop systems Dynamic high order effects of components, robustness, feedforward example (aileron-rudder interconnect), feel system effects.
• Equivalent systems & bandwidth Equivalent delay and τ_p.
• Other criteria Neal-Smith, Gibson, R Smith, Nelson, Brief introduction to response-types; e.g., attitude- vs rate- command.Pilot-Induced Oscillations and their avoidance.
• Pilot-in-the-loop simulation and flight test Potential traps in working with real pilots in simulated or actual flight projects. Briefing, data acquisition and analysis.
• High-angle-of-attack handling Brief review of phenomena, traditional criteria including C_nβdyn et al, and their relation to modern criteria.
• Summary of control design principles FLIGHT Control as one way to include handling criteria in the design process. Comments on current design approaches.

Who Should Attend

This course will be of interest to control engineers, aerodynamicists, avionics specialists, pilots, flight test engineers, simulation engineers and others who need some depth or appreciation of this important and challenging interface.

Course Information

Type of Course: Instructor-Led Short Course

Course Level: Intermediate

Course is available in the following format:

• On-site Course
• Standalone/Public Course

Course Length: 3 days

Instructor: John Hodgkinson