What is meant by dynamic stability?

Dynamic stability refers to the tendency of an aircraft to return to its original flight path over time after experiencing a disturbance, such as turbulence or control input changes. This concept is crucial for understanding how an aircraft reacts after being perturbed from its equilibrium or intended flight condition.

When an aircraft exhibits good dynamic stability, it will naturally return to its original attitude or trajectory after a disturbance, which is vital for safe and predictable flight performance. It involves the gradual motion of the aircraft restoring itself and can occur over a series of oscillations or rebounds until stability is regained.

This aspect of flight control is essential for pilots and engineers, as it influences how easily an aircraft can be controlled and the level of comfort for passengers and crew. Strong dynamic stability leads to a smoother flying experience and can prevent the aircraft from entering dangerous flight conditions caused by excessive oscillations or deviations from the intended path.