Pilot Background and Vehicle Parameters Governing Control Technique in STOL Approach Situations

The report describes the results of a simulator investigation to identify path control restrictions for STOL aircraft which are independent of short period attitude control qualities. Various aspects of path response coupling were explored using selected variations in thrust inclination and Xw, the incremental drag with angle of attack. Piloting technique was another variable induced through a pertinent set of instructions and briefings. It was found that the pilot's opinion of a given situation and control technique depends on the details of the response coupling involved; and on the pilot's background-related bias for a 'preferred' technique. Prepared in cooperation with Systems Technology Inc., Hawthorne, CA. Rept. no. 2012-IR.