A limited flight test investigation of pilot-induced oscillation due to rate limiting

This paper presents the results of a limited flight test investigation of pilot-induced oscillation (PIO) due to elevator rate limiting. Three aircraft dynamics, seven rate limits, and two head-up display (HUD) tracking tasks were evaluated on the NT-33A variable stability aircraft by three pilots. Nine sorties totaling 12.8 flight hours were flown from 11 through 22 April 1997 at the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California. Comparisons were based on Cooper-Harper ratings, PIO ratings, and pilot comments.