Date of Award

12-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Sciences

First Advisor

David C. Fleming

Second Advisor

Brian A. Kish

Third Advisor

Brooke E. Wheeler

Fourth Advisor

Ratneshwar Jha

Abstract

The Cessna 172N is a small, fixed-wing, single-engine aircraft. The modified Cessna 172N included a swapped engine to a Lycoming O-360-A4M, tuned exhaust, and variable timing ignition installed. Test flights on this aircraft were performed order to evaluate the stability and control characteristics of the Cessna 172N, and compare them with the regulations in the Title 14 CFR Part 23 Airworthiness Standards for Normal, Utility, Acrobatic, and Commuter Category Airplanes. The flight test consisted of four separate tests performed during a single flight, departing from and returning to Melbourne Orlando International airport (KMLB). The data was collected through static and dynamic longitudinal, lateral, and directional stability testing, however some of the data reduction was unable to be completed due to lack of equipment. The overall stability and control of the modified Cessna 172N was able to be analyzed as well as able to be confirmed as stable and controllable, as the stability, controllability, and trim of the test aircraft followed the regulations written within Title 14 CFR Part 23.

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