Which action is listed as an option to improve in-flight stability?

Which action is listed as an option to improve in-flight stability?

• A. Install a drag chute
• B. Increase airspeed
• C. Hover while in flight
• D. Tilt the load

Answer: (A)

Stability in flight means the aircraft resists disturbances and returns to a steady path. Deploying a drag chute adds a controlled amount of drag, which acts like a damper on the airframe. That extra drag slows and smooths the motion, helping to suppress oscillations and keep the aircraft on a steady trajectory when gusts or rapid control inputs try to push it off course. It provides a predictable braking force that enhances controllability during deceleration or approaches. Increasing airspeed often makes the aircraft more susceptible to gusts and dynamic effects, reducing stability in many situations. Hovering in flight isn’t a feasible maneuever to improve stability in forward flight, and tilting the load shifts weight and aerodynamic forces in ways that can destabilize rather than stabilize the aircraft.

Stability in flight means the aircraft resists disturbances and returns to a steady path. Deploying a drag chute adds a controlled amount of drag, which acts like a damper on the airframe. That extra drag slows and smooths the motion, helping to suppress oscillations and keep the aircraft on a steady trajectory when gusts or rapid control inputs try to push it off course. It provides a predictable braking force that enhances controllability during deceleration or approaches.

Increasing airspeed often makes the aircraft more susceptible to gusts and dynamic effects, reducing stability in many situations. Hovering in flight isn’t a feasible maneuever to improve stability in forward flight, and tilting the load shifts weight and aerodynamic forces in ways that can destabilize rather than stabilize the aircraft.