Exploratory flight investigation of ride quality in simulated STOL environment

A flight test experiment is described, in which various aspects of ride qualities were explored. Situations included simulated cruise and terminal area maneuvers, as might be typical of STOL transport operations. Various motion components were studied in isolation and in many combinations. The experiment included runs with and without turbulence, variations in airplane stability and handling qualities, and differences of pilot technique. The ride quality was strongly affected by roll, yaw, and heave motions; but very little by pitching. It was strongly affected by airplane stability and handling qualities and, in some cases, by piloting technique.