Use of non-thermal, atmospheric pressure plasma discharge as aerodynamic actuator for airflow boundary layer control is a promising technique and exciting research subject. Here, we present our works on this type of actuator using surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). Firstly, the intensity of light emitted by plasma on two sides of DBD board was measured by using a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The results suggest that light intensity increases with the thermal emission of electrode. Then, the plasma was analyzed with a high spectral resolution spectrometer; the spectra were dominated by the N2 molecular bands which enable the determination of gas temperature. Finally, measurements of plasma induced airflow in still air were also performed. The results showed a different velocity on the two sides of DBD board.