Suppression of Pilot-Induced Oscillation

The purpose of this simulation study and flight test was to attempt to eliminate oscillatory departures and/or pilot-induced oscillations (PIOs) by means of selectively attenuating pilot command in the oscillatory frequency range. While rate limiting is a major contributor to many PIOs, this study examined both rate limiting and system time delay PIO events. A more broad approach to eliminating oscillatory departures and PIOs will assist pilots in maintaining aircraft control and therefore save both lives and aircraft. This simulation study was conducted at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and at the United States Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS), Edwards AFB, California. The flight test project was flown in the USAF NF-16D Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA) aircraft (S/N 86-0048) at Edwards AFB, CA. This aircraft was maintained and operated by the Veridian Engineering, Flight Research Group, Buffalo, New York.