The scope of the course is to provide the student with the methodology to define and to discuss the mathematical models for the study of the aircraft dynamics; the models are limited to the rigid body conditions.
Moreover the lectures lead to the basic understanding of aircraft control problems. The aircraft response to controls and to atmospheric disturbances is considered as well as the fundamentals of automatic control theory, by considering a linearized model only. Moreover fundamentals on human-machine interface problems and on flying qualities are also discussed.
The practical lessons provide the possibility to quantitatively evaluate the theoretical elements.
Furthermore, the course aims to provide tools of the technical language specifically for Flight Mechanics.
The lecture notes are written in English.

The aim of the course is to lead the student to the aeromechanical design, according to the mission requirements, by considering the main problems and the possible solutions. The learned theoretical and practical elements lead to the identification of the flight dynamic problems and their proper scientific solution. Eventually the student should know profoundly the mathematical models and the computing methodologies for flight mechanics. Therefore he/she should be able to face to the aircraft aeromechanical design, also by the integration of the information collected during the courses included in the previous degree study program. The expected result is the capability to evaluate the aircraft behavior both in trimmed and maneuver conditions and to identify static and dynamic stability requirements. In addition the basic capabilities for the design of the flight control system and for the human machine interface requirements identification should be achieved, including flying qualities requirements.

The student needs to know fundamentals of Applied Mechanics, Aerodynamics and basic Flight Mechanics. Moreover he/she should have experience of the first elements of algebraic, differential and integral calculus, as well as a good level of knowledge in matrices algebra. Eventually the capability to use basic programming techniques is required. A good level of practice in the English language is necessary, in order to be able to read the lecture notes and the scientific and technical publications in English.

Cardinal equations of rigid body mechanics. Euler angles and transformation matrices (8 hours).
Reference frame for the Flight Mechanics. Moment and forces equations. Kinematics and navigation equations (6 hours).
Mathematical models of aircraft dynamics. Simplifying assumptions. Scalar equations of motion in the defined reference systems (6 hours).
Linearization of the equations of motion. Explanation of the forces and moments acting on the aircraft. Aerodynamic derivatives. Derivatives for longitudinal and lateral-directional planes. Adimensional terms of the equations of motion. (8 hours).
Longitudinal aeromechanical characteristics: longitudinal equilibrium, static longitudinal stability, the contribution of the aircraft components, static margin; neutral point. Longitudinal controllability: control system linkage and the forward position of the CG. Longitudinal maneuver margin (10 hours).
Lateral-directional aeromechanical characteristics: directional equilibrium and static directional stability, directional control. Dihedral effect. Lateral control. Coupling effects due to control actions and angular velocity (8 hours).
Longitudinal dynamics, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Stability diagram and root loci. Unsteady longitudinal motion. Lateral-directional dynamics, eigenvalues and eigenvectors (8 hours).
Dynamics modelling of the aircraft operating at the flight envelope boundaries: mathematical models based on the use of the extended derivatives. Mathematical model of Tobak and Schiff: full linear response, non linear response, non planar motions, equivalent airplane motions (6 hours).

The tutorials explain the meaning of the theory. The exercises are prepared following the coursework with the aim to present applicative aspects. To develop the exercises the student need a calculator or a laptop.
In the classroom the tutors aids the student but they don’t execute the tutorials. For the exam the student has to give a report, complete of numerical results and graphs. The tutors assist the student during the lecture; for 50 students at least two tutors are required.
For each tutorial an homework is required.

This course is a synthesis of many aspects of flight mechanics, thus specific material for this course has been developed, provided on the personal website of a registered student. Some textbooks are recommended to deepen the theory topics of the course.
Lectures: notes (in English) provided to registered student
Tutorials: tutorial text, detailed aircraft characteristics, regulations, datcom (in English) are provided.

Possible subsidiary books:
- Bernard Etkin, Dynamic of Atmospheric Flight, Wiley & Sons
- Marcello R. Napolitano, Aircraft Dynamics, Wiley & Sons

There is only the final exam, which ensures the acquisition of knowledge and skill expectations, by conducting a written exam. In order to test rigorously the achievement of learning objectives, and then the acquisition of knowledge and understanding and ability to apply them, the verification works on all the topics presented in class.