What might occur if an aircraft is not stable?

If an aircraft is not stable, the pilot may struggle to regain control after disturbances because stability is critical for the aircraft’s ability to return to a steady flight condition after encountering turbulence, wind gusts, or other disturbances. An unstable aircraft may respond unpredictably to control inputs, making it more challenging for the pilot to manage the flight, particularly during critical phases like takeoff and landing. This can lead to increased workload for the pilot and might necessitate aggressive control measures to maintain desired flight paths or attitudes, impacting safety and performance.

In contrast, a stable aircraft tends to naturally return to its original flight path or attitude when subjected to minor disturbances, allowing for smoother transitions and easier handling, particularly in adverse conditions. Thus, stability is paramount for safe and effective flight operation, especially in commercial aviation where reliability and safety are essential.