ABSTRACT
Trim and stability are revisited in this chapter, now with respect to the longitudinal aerodynamic control, that is, elevator. Neutral point determination via trimming of aircraft in actual flight tests, determination of most forward location of centre of gravity (CG) limit to compensate for CG shift, and typical elevator deflection limits ensuring handling qualities requirements are presented. Shift in neutral point location with Mach number and CG management in conventional and relaxed static stability airplane are graphically illustrated. Numerical examples are presented throughout the chapter elucidating concepts, such as, non-minimum phase response of airplanes to elevator control.
