The effects of aircraft design and atmospheric turbulence on handling and ride qualities

The effects of aircraft dynamic characteristics on passenger ride quality were investigated to determine ride-quality isocontours similar to aircraft handling-qualities contours. Measurements were made on a motion-base simulator while varying the aircraft short-period and Dutch Roll frequencies and dampings. Both pilot ratings and subjective ride-quality ratings were obtained during simulator flight. Ride and handling qualities were found to be complimentary for the Dutch Roll mode, but not for the short-period mode. Regions of optimal ride and handling qualities were defined for the short-period mode, and the effects of changes in turbulence level studied using mathematical models.