*Covers lightplane performance flight testing methods, measures, and computer applications *Includes CD-ROM with sample spreadsheets containing equations to help readers perform their own flight tests *Describes GPS (Global Positioning System) test method for airspeed calibration and rapid-wind camera method for takeoff performance

Serves as a single source reference, from the basic theory to practical cases, for certification flight testing and operational performance monitoring. The book provides more real-life examples than are offered in traditional textbooks.

Annotation The measurement of performance during an airplane's flight, testing is one of the more important tasks to be accomplished during its development as it impacts on both the airplane's safety and its marketability. This book discusses performance for both propeller-driven and jet aircraft.

Introduction to Flight Testing Introduction to Flight Testing Provides an introduction to the basic flight testing methods employed on general aviation aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles Introduction to Flight Testing provides a concise introduction to the basic flight testing methods employed on general aviation aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles for courses in aeronautical engineering. There is particular emphasis on the use of modern on-board instruments and inexpensive, off-the-shelf portable devices that make flight testing accessible to nearly any student. This text presents a clear articulation of standard methods for measuring aircraft performance characteristics. Topics covered include aircraft and instruments, digital data acquisition techniques, flight test planning, the standard atmosphere, uncertainty analysis, level flight performance, airspeed calibration, stall, climb and glide, take-off and landing, level turn, static and dynamic longitudinal stability, lateral-directional stability, and flight testing of unmanned aircraft systems. Unique to this book is a detailed discussion of digital data acquisition (DAQ) techniques, which are an integral part of modern flight test programs. This treatment includes discussion of the analog-to-digital conversion, sample rate, aliasing, and filtering. These critical details provide the flight test engineer with the insight needed to understand the capabilities and limitations of digital DAQ. Key features: Provides an introduction to the basic flight testing methods and instrumentation employed on general aviation aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. Includes examples of flight testing on general aviation aircraft such as Cirrus, Diamond, and Cessna aircraft, along with unmanned aircraft vehicles. Suitable for courses on Aircraft Flight Test Engineering. Introduction to Flight Testing provides resources and guidance for practitioners in the rapidly-developing field of drone performance flight test and the general aviation flight test community.

Pilots, aviation students, kitplane builders, aircraft fleet operators and aeronautical engineers can all determine how their propeller-driven airplanes will perform, under any conditions, by using the step-by-step bootstrap approach introduced in this book. A few routine flying manoeuvres (climbs, glides, a level speed run) will give the necessary nine numbers. High-school level calculations then give performance numbers with much greater detail and accuracy than many other methods - for the reader's individual aircraft.

An introduction into the art and science of measuring and predicting airplane performance, ""Introduction to Flight Testing and Applied Aerodynamics"" will benefit students, homebuilders, pilots, and engineers in learning how to collect and analyze data relevant to the takeoff, climb, cruise, handling qualities, descent, and landing of an aircraft. This textbook presents a basic and concise analysis of airplane performance, stability, and control. Basic algebra, trigonometry, and some calculus are used. Topics discussed include: Engine and propeller performance; Estimation of drag; Airplane dynamics; Wing spanwise lift distributions; Flight experimentation; Airspeed calibration; Takeoff performance; Climb performance; and, Dynamic and static stability. Special features: examples containing student-obtained data about specific airplanes and engines; simple experiments that determine an airplane's performance and handling qualities; and, end-of-chapter problems (with answers supplied in an appendix).