PIO: A Historical Perspective

Abstract

These problems relating to Pilot Induced Oscillations have manifested themselves since the earliest days of manned flight. The earliest recorded examples of PIO date back to the Wright brothers first aircraft. The earliest filmed records date back to just prior to World War 2, with the XB-19 aircraft which suffered a pitch PIO just prior to touchdown. Four classes of PIO have been identified, into which all of the known incidents can be grouped. These are: (1) Essentially Single Axis, Extended Rigid Body Effective Vehicle Dynamics; (2) Essentially Single Axis, Extended Rigid Body with Significant Feel-Systern Manipulator Mechanical Control Elements; (3) Multiple Axis, Extended Rigid Body Effective Vehicle Dynamics; and (4) PIO's Involving Higher Frequency Modes.