FAA Ground School Practice Test

An airplane said to be inherently stable will:

1. Require more effort to control

2. Require less effort to control

3. Have higher stall speed

4. Be more effective at low speeds

The correct answer is: Require less effort to control

An inherently stable airplane is designed such that when it is disturbed from a straight and level flight, it will naturally return to that flight condition without requiring significant input from the pilot. This characteristic allows for a smoother and more effortless control experience, as the aircraft is engineered to resist changes in its flight path. When an airplane is inherently stable, it will tend to return to its original flight orientation after encountering turbulence or any other disturbances, which minimizes the workload on the pilot. This means that less pilot input is required to maintain control, making the aircraft easier to fly, especially for less experienced pilots. Inherent stability is crucial for promoting safety and reducing pilot fatigue, particularly during long flights or in adverse conditions. Therefore, the need for less effort to control an inherently stable airplane is a significant advantage that enhances overall flight performance and pilot confidence.