Directional stability

Directional Stability

Directional stability refers to an aircraft’s ability to maintain a straight and stable flight path in the horizontal plane by resisting deviations from the desired flight direction. It is the stability about the vertical axis of an aircraft, such that the aircraft tends to return to the flight aligned with the relative wind when disturbed from the equilibrium state. The vertical tail plays a crucial role in providing directional stability by creating a force that counters any lateral disturbances caused by the crosswind. The directional stability is critical for safe and efficient flight operations as it enables the pilot to keep the aircraft on the desired trajectory, even during adverse weather conditions or turbulence. Overall, directional stability is a vital aspect of aircraft design and plays a crucial role in ensuring operational safety and flight performance.