What does "dynamic stability" refer to in aviation?

Dynamic stability in aviation specifically refers to how an aircraft responds to disturbances over time. When an aircraft is disturbed from its equilibrium state, whether by turbulence, control inputs, or other factors, dynamic stability describes the character and timeline of its return to that state. This includes factors such as oscillations, the rate of return to level flight, and whether the aircraft stabilizes in a steady state or continues to diverge from its original flight path.

In other words, if the aircraft is disturbed, dynamic stability will determine whether the airplane will eventually level off, oscillate around a point, or continue an ever-increasing deviation from its intended path. This aspect of stability is critical for pilot control and overall flight safety, as it influences how easily an aircraft can be maneuvered and maintained in level flight after disruptions.

Understanding dynamic stability is essential for pilots, as it involves assessing the longitudinal, lateral, and directional stability of an aircraft, which influences performance and handling during flight.