Variable Stability Flight and Ground School Test Education

In order to enhance safety and understanding, we provide pilots and engineers of all skill levels with hands-on test experiences. So you are not a flight tester? No problem. Come checkout our Variable Stability / In-Flight Simulator options for general aviation, business, and airline pilots. We implement the ideal mixture of academics, ground simulation, and in-flight demonstrations in one curated package.

BEST value in the industry

Starting at $995
    • ½ day page starting at $995
    • Not a test pilot – no problem
    • Be a safer pilot or engineer by choosing one of our in-flight safety demonstrations
    • Better understand your aircraft’s weight and balance. Safely experience multiple Center of Gravity locations. Try it in our ground simulator first then in flight
    • Alternatively, choose from the simulated in-flight icing demonstrations leveraging years of NASA icing research on wing and tail plane stalls
    • Upgrade to the full day package
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Variable Stability Aircraft & In-Flight Simulators

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What is a variable stability system?

Variable Stability Systems (VSS) aircraft utilize specialized aircraft with adjustable stability and control characteristics to simulate the handling qualities of various aircraft types during the same flight. This training method allows pilots and engineers to experience a wide range of flying conditions and control strategies in a safe, controlled environment, enhancing their ability to handle diverse aircraft and situations.

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Why Flight Level Engineering?

At FLE, we’re driven by a singular purpose: make variable stability demonstrations accessible to any pilot or engineer at any skill level. Discover why FLE is the best value in VSS / In-flight simulation.

VARIABLE STABILITY SIMULATOR AND AIRCRAFT OPTIONS
COMING IN 2026
RESERVE YOUR DEMONSTRATION TODAY

GOOD

½ Day Package

$995

The ½ day package is the perfect amount of time for a quick introduction to variable stability aircraft. This includes a ground school, ground simulator, and In-Flight Simulation experience.

FULL Day Package

$4,795

The full day package allows you to dig into to 1 of our 8 syllabi. This includes a ground school, Variable Stability System ground simulator, and a VSS / In-Flight Simulation experience.

BEST

5 Day Package

$14,495

The 5-day package includes a comprehensive three-day ground school, a 2 hour VSS ground simulator, and a 2 hour Variable Stability System / In-flight Simulation experience.

PERFECT

5 Day Professional Package

CUSTOM PRICING

This 5-day package is our professional option. This includes 3 ground schools, 3 variable stability ground simulator sessions, and 3 variable stability aircraft in-flight experiences.

Looking to customize a training with us? Get in touch today.

Syllabi Options​

Variable Stability Simulator and Aircraft Options Coming in 2026 – Reserve Your Demonstration Today. Choose from 1 of our 4 packages. These including the 1/2, full day, 5-day, and professional options.

Option #1: Longitudinal Syllabus

  • Phugoid
  • Short Period Natural Frequency
  • Short Period Damping Ratio
  • Longitudinal Center of Gravity
  • Maneuvering Stability
  • Feel System
  • DLC beep trim & automated sweep
  • Control System Lag Filter
  • Control System Lead/Lag Filter
  • Control System time delay
  • Handling qualities Evaluation

Option #2: Lateral & Directional​ Syllabus

  • Directional static stability
  • Lateral static stability
  • Dutch roll damping ratio
  • Dutch roll natural frequency
  • Dutch roll phi/beta ratio
  • Yaw due to lateral control
  • Roll mode time constant
  • Roll mode command gain
  • Side force beep trim & automated sweep
  • Control System Lag Filter
  • Control System Lead/Lag Filter
  • Control System time delay
  • Handling qualities Evaluation

Option #3: Advanced Flight Controls Syllabus – Up-and-Away

  • Angle of attack command
  • Pitch rate command
  • Nz command
  • C*U command
  • Actuator rate limiting (pitch/roll)
  • Time delay (pitch/roll)
  • Handling qualities evaluation

Option #4: Advanced Flight Controls Syllabus – Landings ​ ​

  • Baseline Navion
    • Straight in landing
    • Offset landing
  • Angle of attack command
  • Pitch rate command
  • Nz command
  • Unstable pitch
  • Sidestick
  • Time delay (pitch/roll)
  • Actuator rate limiting (pitch/roll)

Option #5: Pilot Induced Oscillations Syllabus – Up-and-Away ​

  • Discrete & Sum of Sines Tracking
    • Baseline Navion
    • Baseline “large” aircraft
    • Sluggish “large” aircraft
    • Non-linear Feel system elements
    • Time delay (pitch/roll)
  • Proverse Yaw and High Dihedral effect
  • Reduced stability due to CG change
  • Actuator rate limiting (pitch/roll)
  • High Command Gain (pitch/roll)
  • Boundary Avoidance Tracking (pitch/roll)

Option #6: Pilot Induced Oscillations Syllabus - Landings​ ​

  • Baseline
  • Reduced stick motion
  • Lag filter (pitch/roll)
  • Nonlinear pitch command gain
  • Time delay (pitch/roll)
  • Sensitive (pitch/roll)
  • Actuator rate limiting (pitch/roll)
  • Nonlinear forces & high dihedral effect

Option #7: In-flight Icing​ Syllabus

  • Baseline Navion
  • Pre-activation Ice Stall Demonstration
  • Baseline Twin Otter – 0 deg Flap
  • Baseline Twin Otter – 20/30 deg Flap
  • Twin Otter failed boot ice shape and 20/30 deg Flap
  • Twin Otter stability and control ice shape 20 deg flap
  • Twin Otter stability and control ice shape 30 deg flap

Option #8: Tour of the CH and PIO Rating Scales​ Syllabus

  • Baseline Navion handling qualities evaluation with CH rating scale
  • Experience Level 1 CHR
  • Experience Level 2 CHR
  • Experience Level 3 CHR
  • Baseline Navion handling qualities evaluation with PIO rating scale
  • Experience PIOR 1 / 2
  • Experience PIOR 3 / 4
  • Experience PIOR 5
  • Experience PIOR 6