# Static & Dynamic Stability

> Definitions of static and dynamic stability, including positive, neutral, and negative states.

- **Subject:** 081 — Principles of Flight
- **Section:** 081-04 — Stability
- **Topic code:** 081-04-01
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-04-01
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/principles-of-flight/stability/static-and-dynamic-stability/

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## Static Stability
The **initial** tendency of an aircraft to return to its original equilibrium position after being disturbed.
*   **Positive**: Initial tendency to return to the original position.
*   **Neutral**: Tendency to remain in the new displaced position.
*   **Negative**: Initial tendency to move further away from the original position (Divergence).

## Dynamic Stability
The behavior of the aircraft **over time** after being disturbed. It concerns the **damping** of oscillations.
*   **Positive**: Oscillations decrease in amplitude over time (Damped).
*   **Neutral**: Oscillations remain constant in amplitude (Undamped).
*   **Negative**: Oscillations increase in amplitude over time (Divergent).

## Relationship
*   An aircraft can be statically stable but dynamically unstable (it tries to return, but overshoots more each time).
*   However, for an aircraft to be dynamically stable, it **must** be statically stable.

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