This course analyses the dynamic characteristics of aircraft equipped with simple control systems, leading to an awareness of modern aircraft control systems and their effect on the performance of aircraft. The theory is illustrated with a practical flight test sortie.

Teaching Sessions: 1 hour, twice per week

Laboratory Session: 3 hours each

Flight testing sortie

100% degree examination

It is not practicable to offer reassessment in any aspect of this course that requires practical or group work; this includes the flight test sortie.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course aims to enable students to analyse the dynamic characteristics of aircraft equipped with simple control systems, to make students aware of modern aircraft control systems and their effect on the performance of aircraft, and to give practical experience of flight testing.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ assess the handling qualities of an aircraft based on its dynamic modes;

■ describe the process by which handling qualities are assessed by experiment;

■ explain the operation, and be able to analyse the performance of, simple stability augmentation systems;

■ apply methods for control system design;

■ describe the function of advanced control systems;

■ perform a flight test, record and interpret the results.

Attendance at all laboratories

Attendance at all tutorials

Timely submission of all assignments

Attendance at all tests and examinations, gaining a nonzero mark