In-flight investigation of large airplane flying qualities for approach and landing

Abstract

A study of the handling qualities of large airplanes in the approach and landing flight phase was performed utilizing the Total In-Flight Simulator. A 1 million Ib statically unstable airplane model was used as a baseline about which variations were made. The primary variables were relative pilot position with respect to center of rotation, command path time delays and phase shifts, augmentation schemes, and levels of augmentation. The results indicate that the approach and landing task with very large airplanes is a fairly low bandwidth task. Low equivalent short-period frequencies and relatively long time delays can be tolerated. As the pilot position is moved aft toward and then behind the center of rotation, pilot ratings are degraded.