Longitudinal stability

Longitudinal stability refers to an aircraft's ability to maintain or return to its original pitch position (nose up or down) after being disturbed. It ensures the aircraft can balance itself along its front-to-back axis, providing smooth and controlled flight. If the plane's nose dips or rises due to turbulence or other factors, longitudinal stability helps it correct those movements automatically, maintaining steady flight without excessive pilot input. This stability is achieved through design features like the aircraft's center of gravity, tail surface, and flight control systems, all working together to keep the aircraft balanced in the pitch direction.