An improved technique for normalizing engine-out minimum-control airspeed data

Due to the expenses associated with flight testing today's aircraft, there is present an ever-increasing demand for improved, more efficient test methods. In light of these demands, this study proposes a new, more direct method for determining the minimum-control airspeed for aircraft operating under asymmetric power.

This new technique for normalizing minimum-control airspeed data is applied to a light, twin-engine, propeller-driven aircraft with the critical engine inoperative. In order to determine accuracy and efficiency, this method is compared with the extrapolation technique presently in use for determining standardized values.

Results show the technique proposed in this study to be equally precise and more efficient when compared to present-day methods. Unnecessary flight hours and time spent reducing data is substantially reduced while still maintaining today's standards for accuracy.