Question

Longitudinal stability means __________

(a) stability about pitching axis

(b) stability about yawing axis

(c) stability about lateral axis

(d) stability about negative yawing axis

The question was asked at a job interview.

This key question is from Longitudinal Static Stability and Control-1 topic in division Stability, Control, and Handling Qualities of Aircraft Design

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) stability about pitching axis

To explain I would say: Longitudinal stability means stability about pitching axis. Pitch up or pitch down moments will be included in this type of stability. Stability about yawing axis is called directional stability and similarly stability about lateral axis is called Lateral stability.