Sec.
23.177 - Static directional and lateral stability.
(a) The static directional
stability, as shown by the tendency to recover from a wings level sideslip
with the rudder free, must be positive for any landing gear and flap
position appropriate to the takeoff, climb, cruise, approach, and landing
configurations. This must be shown with symmetrical power up to maximum
continuous power, and at speeds from 1.2 VS1 up to the maximum
allowable speed for the condition being investigated. The angel of
sideslip for these tests must be appropriate to the type of airplane. At
larger angles of sideslip, up to that at which full rudder is used or a
control force limit in §23.143 is reached, whichever occurs first, and at
speeds from 1.2 VS1 to VO, the rudder pedal force
must not reverse.
(b) The static lateral
stability, as shown by the tendency to raise the low wing in a sideslip,
must be positive for all landing gear and flap positions. This must be
shown with symmetrical power up to 75 percent of maximum continuous power
at speeds above 1.2 VS1 in the take off configuration(s) and
at speeds above 1.3 VS1 in other configurations, up to the
maximum allowable speed for the configuration being investigated, in the
takeoff, climb, cruise, and approach configurations. For the landing
configuration, the power must be that necessary to maintain a 3 degree
angle of descent in coordinated flight. The static lateral stability must
not be negative at 1.2 VS1 in the takeoff configuration, or at
1.3 VS1 in other configurations. The angle of sideslip for
these tests must be appropriate to the type of airplane, but in no case
may the constant heading sideslip angle be less than that obtainable with
a 10 degree bank, or if less, the maximum bank angle obtainable with full
rudder deflection or 150 pound rudder force.
(c) Paragraph (b) of this
section does not apply to acrobatic category airplanes certificated for
inverted flight.
(d) In straight, steady
slips at 1.2 VS1 for any landing gear and flap positions, and
for any symmetrical power conditions up to 50 percent of maximum
continuous power, the aileron and rudder control movements and forces must
increase steadily, but not necessarily in constant proportion, as the
angle of sideslip is increased up to the maximum appropriate to the type
of airplane. At larger slip angles, up to the angle at which full rudder
or aileron control is used or a control force limit contained in §23.143
is reached, the aileron and rudder control movements and forces must not
reverse as the angle of sideslip is increased. Rapid entry into, and
recovery from, a maximum sideslip considered appropriate for the airplane
must not result in uncontrollable flight characteristics.
[Doc. No. 27807, 61 FR
5190, Feb. 9, 1996]