What is the term for the characteristics that determine how well an aircraft can maintain stability in flight?

The term that refers to the characteristics determining how well an aircraft can maintain stability in flight is static stability. Static stability is defined as the initial tendency of an aircraft to return to its original position after being disturbed. It describes the aircraft's equilibrium conditions when it is displaced from its flight path.

In essence, if an aircraft has good static stability, it will naturally resist changes to its flight path and will quickly return to level flight after a disturbance, such as turbulence or control input. This is crucial for pilot control and safety, allowing for a smoother flying experience even in adverse conditions.

In contrast, aerodynamic balance pertains to the distribution of aerodynamic forces but does not directly address the stability in the same way as static stability does. Flight control authority focuses on the effectiveness of control surfaces, which affect maneuverability more than stability. Dynamic responsiveness, while relevant to how quickly an aircraft reacts to control inputs, does not encapsulate the inherent stability characteristics that static stability provides.