Evaluating stall characteristics - best procedure?
I recently had the interesting experience of sitting in on a preliminary evaluation of a light aircraft (DA42) by a French military test pilot at CEV Istres. One of the checks was on the stall characteristics.
I was interested to observe that the TP seemed to pay no attention to holding the altitude steady in the approach to the stall, and the stall characteristics (both clean and in landing configuration) were recorded when we were in a descent of around 700fpm. He appeared to keep the stick deflection constant as the stall approached.
This seemed odd to me (as just a CPL) as in all the training I have ever been subjected to, I have been told to maintain altitude until stall, requiring a rapidly increasing stick deflection as we go down the wrong side of the lift/drag curve.
As a frustrated wannabee test pilot I'd be grateful for any comments!