Two of the most important aspects of a successful aircraft are its maneuverability and controllability. Providing a stable, responsive platform is part of the engineer's responsibility to design for the benefit of mankind and preservation of human life.
Some aircraft designs are inherently unstable, or unflyable.
Such topics are treated mathematically and in discussion. Aircraft automatic control systems and stability augmentation, such as those used in today's cutting-edge fighter aircraft, are covered. The laboratory involves application of control theory to aircraft control system synthesis. The faculty may require courses in a ddition to those specified here depending upon the student's preparation and progress. A student must satisfactorily complete the Basic Program before being permitted to take courses in the College of Engineering at the 200-level or higher.