Static & Dynamic Stability

081-04-01Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

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.
Written and reviewed by

Pablo Asensio · 2026-04-01

Aeronautical engineer. Passed the thirteen EASA ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge exams studying from these very notes. Writes and reviews each topic against the Part-FCL Learning Objectives.

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