TABLE OF CONTENTS In order to perform its intended mission an aircraft must have adequate stability and control. The quantity of each of these items will depend on the mission or purpose of the aircraft. For instance, a transport aircraft is interested in a high stability level in order to give the passengers a smooth ride through turbulence, while at the other end of the spectrum, the fighter aircraft needs a high level of controllability for air combat maneuvering. So, like aircraft performance, the stability and control is a function of the aircraft mission. As a result, the applicable regulations that govern the levels of stability and control are somewhat different depending on the aircraft's mission.
For civilian airplanes, FAR Part 23 specifies the requirements for light aircraft under 12,500 lb gross weight.
For transport aircraft or aircraft over...
