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Flight handling qualities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

G. D. Padfield
G. D. Padfield*
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Abstract

This paper describes the methodology and key results from the first three years of delivery of ‘Flight Handling Qualities’ (FHQ), a problem-based-learning core module for fourth year Master of Engineering (MEng) undergraduates in Aerospace Engineering and optional module for the Systems Engineering MSc Programme, at the University of Liverpool. The module aim is to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to tackle aircraft handling qualities (HQs) and related ‘whole aircraft’ problems. Students are presented with the theory of handling qualities engineering in a series of interactive lectures. The students work in teams of four or five and undertake a number of team-building exercises throughout the first semester. Teams are presented with the idea that the aircraft with its handling qualities is the focus for knowledge acquisition and skills development. Each team is given the task of assessing and quantifying the HQs of a particular aircraft in a particular role, and then developing fixes to any handling deficiencies they identify; the current aircraft include the Wright Flyer, Grob 115, Black Hawk, Bo-105 and XV-15. Teams write an interim report at the end of the first term and a final report at the end of the second term, showing how they have assessed the aircraft, developed solutions to the problems and made recommendations concerning the aircraft’s suitability in the defined role. The reports also address the technical feasibility and economic viability of the proposed upgrades. The teams present their work to mock ‘customers’ (group of staff, another student team, visiting Industrialists) with the objective of demonstrating that the aircraft is now fit for the role. Each individual student maintains a ‘personal learning journal’, in which they document the development of their understanding of handling qualities and, more general, transferable skills. The module is designed to enable students to engage in all elements of the conceive-design-implement-operate (CDIO) cycle.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 110 , Issue 1104 , February 2006 , pp. 73 - 84
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2006 

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