Book Description

* Offers a readable, thorough overview of basic aerodynamics, with numerous discussions of aviation history and development
* Includes new coverage of the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and illustrations to help explain the material
* More than a dozen "design boxes" draw the reader's attention and illustrate the practical applications ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent Aerospace Engineering Reference
This excellent book is full of examples and equations to help students relate to the fundamental concepts in an introductory aerodynamics class.

The book is especially useful for reference, as it explains the derivations and many forms of complex equations such as the continuity equation. Furthermore, there are lots of examples of real-world design situations and historical backgrounds.

Overall, one of the best books I have used in my undergraduate aerospace engineering curriculum.

Excellent book!
Great book for first and second semester aerodynamics. Especially the sections on supersonics and hypersonics. Links the technical and historical aspects of aerodynamics to give a very good global perspective of the subject. Anderson also provides "roadmaps" which tend to help the reader stay on track as to where the discussion is going. Those are especially helpful for technical books such as this one.

Fundamentals of Aerodynamics
This book is one of the best written books I have. This book is well-organized, clearly written and easily understood. Each chapter contains a road map to keep the reader well aware of the proper flow of ideas and concepts.

A start for every aeonautics/aerospace engineer student
This book with the the book "Computational Fuid Dynamiscs"of the same author, is a very strong tool for every student interested ion the field of aerodynamics and CFD. Very easy to read and understand, without any doub is the best book in the field that i have ever read.

Looking for "Basical Publications" in Aero: Found one
This book covers all the aerodynamics a basic research engineer in aerodynamics would like to know. From non viscous to viscous and from subsonic to hypersonics. boundary layer and schockwave theories all included. Every part starts clearly with a nice outline the book will follow to come to the desired theorie. We use it for our doctorate program at Delft Aerospace, Delft University of Technology. ... Read more

Book Description

The completely rewritten and revised Second Edition updates a famous work originally published by the Hughes Aircraft Company. Much more than a simple introduction, the book is actually a history, reference, tech manual, and textbook rolled into one beautiful illustrated volume, packed with full color photos, drawings, tables and charts, plus knowledgeable, informative text.

Twelve new chapters cover all the sophisticated stealth radar techniques. Over 90% of the illustrations are in color as the book describes over a dozen airborne radar systems currently in service, from long-range surveillance to environmental monitoring. The first three chapters can be used as a stand-alone briefing on modern radar for readers who need a quick introduction.

Key Features:

- Brilliantly illustrated full-color photographs, graphs, and figures

- 12 new chapters completely update the content

- Excellent for both specialists and nonspecialists

Reviews (6)

Not easy reading
I bought this book because I work with radar and would like to improve my understanding of it. This book is a good middle ground, but for a dummy like me, several chapters require re-reads. One of the most annoying things is that when the author describes related material, he doesn't compare and contrast as much as write one paragraph on the attributes of thing A and then another paragraph on thing B using all but two words that were used in the first paragraph. The reader must wade through this writing and then compare and contrast themself.
So, it's a good book and probably a great book if you have a better than average technical background, but it's not as easy as the first few pages (Amazon free preview) lead you to believe.

amazing book
This is a very good book. It is interesting to read although you are not an engineer in electrical or eletronics. Very informative. Recommended for all students who interested to study avionics.

Good into book
Its a good introductory book. The illustrations are helpful. Its a good place to start for someone who does not have experience in signal processing or communications.

Great Introductory Book for New Radar Systems Engrs Like Me
This book is a great reference for any radar related questions. I felt it was organized fairly well and especially geared for novices in the field like me. The illustrations aided me in understanding some of the tougher concepts and I especially enjoyed the historical sidebar descriptions that spanned the history of radar-equipped airplanes. For the next edition, I hope the authors expand their appendices to include more expansive summary set of equations and concepts as even a quicker reference.

A radar book for EVERYBODY!
Great Book! Generations of Radar Teachers at the Technical School of the German Airforce have been using this book as a source for information. The author is capable of explaining complex issues with simple words and a few little slides. So his book helps us to prepare Radar lessons for our pupils: radar technicians (air defense radar). We are happy that this book is available for everybody, finally! ... Read more

Book Description

This practical handbook for Space Mission Engineering draws on leading aerospace experts to carry readers through mission design, from orbit selection to ground ops. SMAD III updates the technology, provides greater emphasis on small spacecraft design and the cost-reduction process, and includes more detail on multi-satellite manufacturing, space computers, payload design and autonomous systems. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good and bad
I teach a Space Systems Engineering class and have used this book as a class text. I've found it to be both good and bad.

On the good side, SMAD provides a very good overview of the satellite and mission design process. It's full of realistic and experience-based design information, and useful data and algorithms for sizing and costing.

Especially useful are the "Process" tables, which map out the design process into several distinct steps.

The book has its downsides, though.

The various authors are usually far too verbose -- their points are often lost in the blizzard of words. The length of the book could be profitably cut by at least 100 pages.

Also, the authors often come to the table with a distinct agenda, which leads them to say things which are not necessarily accurate. (See, e.g., Wertz's diatribes on autonomous orbit determination and maneuver planning -- the latter is almost a veiled advertisement for a software product being sold by Wertz's company.) The effect is to cut off consideration of other valid options.

Finally, the book can be extremely uneven in the level of technical knowledge required. For example, Chapter 9 (Payload Design) presupposes a tremendous amount of detailed knowledge of, say, optical payloads, to the effect that: if you knew all of the stuff required, you wouldn't need SMAD; and if you don't know the stuff, SMAD won't help you.

Despite these problems, it is still a very good and useful book -- you just have to be careful sometimes in how you use it.

Outstanding inclusive text on satellites
This is an outstanding text covering all aspects of space missions and satellites. Orbital geometries, payload design, spacecraft design, subsystems, communications, operations, propulsion, launch systems, reliability. You name it, it's covered. It has become a valuable and indispensable resource in my personal library! ... Read more

Book Description

This set includes the award winning book as well as its companion software. Buy both and save!

This highly regarded textbook presents the entire process of aircraft conceptual design—from requirements definition to initial sizing, configuration layout, analysis, sizing, and trade studies—in the same manner seen in industry aircraft design groups. Interesting and easy to read, the book has more than 900 pages of design methods, illustrations, tips, explanations, and equations, and has extensive appendices with key data essential to design. The book is the required design text at numerous universities around the world and is a favorite of practicing design engineers.

RDS-STUDENT aircraft design software is a valuable complement to the text. RDS-STUDENT incorporates the design and analysis methods of the book in menu-driven, easy-to-use modules. Like the book, the program is now metric-friendly and all inputs and outputs can be interchanged between metric and fps units with the press of a button. A 69-page user’s manual is provided with the software, along with the complete data files used for the Lightweight Supercruise Fighter design example in the back of the book.

RDS-STUDENT runs on any PC-compatible system (486 or better) and runs on any version of Windows or DOS. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

BEST AIRCRAFT DESIGN BOOK EVER
We use this book for Aircreaft design I and II at Embery Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach Florida. Great Book...Iy you are a professional or an amateur and want just one book to learn almost everything about aircraft design this is definitely the book for you...There is a lot of information in the book..great for a 2 semester course. from structures to aerodynamics to structures to stability and control to final conceptual design...

this book is cool
This book goes over the entire design of airplane and is a great place to start if you want to be in the airplane design business. it is published by the american institute of aeronautics and astronautics so they probably know what they are talking about. i definitely recommend this book.

Information required
Kindly request is made .how to procure these books ,I am an indian and staying at Secunderabad -India .Kindly send me your Email address and communication address with the Price list of the books mentioned below.
Also request if you could kindly send me other aerodynamics/aircraft design,jet engines,aircraft structures /related books so that in future we can place the order to you.

Request is made to kindly firnish the following details as soon as possible.

1.Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach (Aiaa Education Series) by Daniel P. Raymer, J. S. Przemieniecki

2.Rds-Student: Software for Aircraft Design, Sizing, and Performance, Enhanced and Enlarged Version 4.2

3.Theory of Wing Sections
by Ira H. Abbott, Albert E. Von Doenhoff

4.Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach (Aiaa Education Series) by Daniel P. Raymer

5.Aerodynamics of Wings and Bodies
by Holt Ashley, Marten Landahl (Photographer)

Outstanding summary of conceptual aircraft design
Mr. Raymer has managed to explain a very complicated process in a way that is both understandable and interesting. Conceptual aircraft design (i.e., starting with nothing but a set of performance criteria to be met) is a multi-variable problem in which the value of most of the variables depend on other variables. The solution of such problems require initial approximations with subsequent iterations. Mr. Raymer explains the conceptual design process, gives historic values used for first approximations and makes good use of actual examples. Two conceptual designs, one a homebuilt aerobatic aircraft and the other a supersonic fighter, are provided in the Appendix to illustrate the procedures described in the book. I found the book interesting both in subject matter and writing style. Although written as a college textbook, the use of actual aircraft to illustrate various points and the author's obvious desire to be precise about his descriptions makes the book easy to follow and fun to those interested in the subject. ... Read more

Book Description

A just-in-time update of the classic airport industry reference praised as "excellence and comprehensive" (Bookends). Supplies aviation professionals and academicians with current airport industry developments, techniques, technolog, statistics, trends, and legislation. This edition highlights technological advances in both airside and landside airport operations and management; an expanded look at the growing issue of privatizaiton; and an updated and revised Test Bank. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent reference for any student of airport management
Airport Planning & Management is an excellent reference for any student of airport management or aviation.

The book details just about every facet of how an airport is run. From airport site selection to runway design and everything in between, Airport Planning & Management just about covers it all.

The chapters are all well written and extremely well organized. Any aviation enthusiast who is interested in how airports are run will find this a valuable reference.

wqeq
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Book Description

This book is intended for a one semester, freshman/sophomore level course entitled introduction to aerospace engineering or introduction to flight.

Anderson's book continues to be a market leader. It has dominated the first course in the aero sequence since it was first published in 1978. It is the most accessible book on the market due to Anderson's ability to motivate the student with a unique historical view that provides a wealth of technical material. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Yeah, it is the best out there however...
why is it so absurdly expensive? For the kind of money that outlandishly greedy corporation McGraw Hill charges, is it any wonder they can afford expensive twin towers across from Radio city music hall in New York city.

But the book is fantastic and the author has a flair for writing

"THE BEST" book on all of the basics of aerodynamics
I have read several texts on the fundamentals of aerodynamics and flight. This book is by far the best at clarity of explanation with the right mixture of mathematics and applications. The math is enough to educate you on the fundamentals without burying you in endless derivations without giving you the answer to "what does it all mean". When you are done reading it, you will know the theory, the application, and the historical significance. I wish this had been the text I picked up first.

Great start-up book for aerospace/aeronautical engineers
Anyone interested in learning the fundamentals in aerodynamics, aircraft design and aircraft control (as well as some astrodynamics) should have this book. Even in my upper class aerospace engineering courses I have found this book to be a GREAT help explaining the basics in a simple, methodical way.

The equation derivations included in the book are essential for a complete understanding of the material. Some basic calculus skills are needed, but anyone interested in engineering should have that anyway. The Appendix and Atmospheric Tables in the back of the book are also a great reference. The book also includes a historical point of view, essential to understanding why planes look the way they do today. This book is written in a style similar to his lectures, using everyday language and vocabulary.

Dr. Anderson is an incredible professor and author--making even the most complicated of subjects easy to understand.

Aerodynamics for Everyone!
This truly is a gem of a book for the general reader with an intelligent interest in matters aeronautical, as well as the beginning student in aero engineering. It does not plumb the depths of the subject - there are other books (including ones by the same author) which do that. But it covers a huge scope, from aerodynamic fundamentals, through aircraft characteristics and performance, to propulsion systems, and a little about structures and materials. Supersonic and hypersonic flight are included. The treatment is quantitative (there are lots of equations), but in a simplified form and at a level which should be comprehensible to anyone with high-school mathematics. The maths is there to convey principles, without losing the reader in a myriad of detail. Three things which make this book stand out are the clear, approachable style of the author, the fascinating historical perspectives which are sprinkled throughout the book, and the illustrative "design boxes".

Introduction to Flight
I am a student of Aerospace engineering in the University of Florida, and I used this book in an introductory course. Aside from a few sections entitled "Design Boxes" I found the book veered away form topics usually included in an introductory book. The author is so overly concerned with trying to prove his equations mathematically that he looses sight of the big picture. Personally, I have found model airplane books to be much more useful for an introduction to basic airplane design than this monstrosity. ... Read more

Book Description

The #1 New York Times bestselling memoir that inspired the film October Sky, Rocket Boys is a uniquely American memoir--a powerful, luminous story of coming of age at the dawn of the 1960s, of a mother's love and a father's fears, of a group of young men who dreamed of launching rockets into outer space . . . and who made those dreams come true.

With the grace of a natural storyteller, NASA engineer Homer Hickam paints a warm, vivid portrait of the harsh West Virginia mining town of his youth, evoking a time of innocence and promise, when anything was possible, even in a company town that swallowed its men alive. A story of romance and loss, of growing up and getting out, Homer Hickam's lush, lyrical memoir is a chronicle of triumph--at once exquisitely written and marvelously entertaining.

Now with 8 pages of photographs.

... Read more

Reviews (442)

A Moving Memoir
Homer Hickam's Rocket Boys was one of those books that I couldn't put down, and I thought about for a long time after I finished it. There is humor mixed in with the story of one boy's determination to succeed in achieving his goals. I would recommend this book to people who are looking for an inspiring story. It is about growing up in a rural mining town in West Virginia struggling to accomplish goals in space when the main concern of the town is what is below the ground, not what is above it. I thought that this was an excellent book and would recommend it to teenagers as well as adults. It's considered an adult book, but it is an easy book to read and teenagers can relate to the main character. This is one of my favorite books.

Through reading this book, I have learned that hard work and determination will allow a person to reach his or her goals in life. In this book, Homer Hickam had many obstacles to overcome in order to reach his goal of becoming a rocket scientist. This book has taught me that if I have a dream, I must try to reach it. No matter how many and how hard the obstacles are that come in the way of dreams, a person must keep trying. I would also recommend seeing the movie that was based on this book, October Sky. October Sky is an accurate presentation of the story. If you have already seen the movie, you are sure to enjoy this book.

October Sky: A Memoir
Rocket Boys

This is a book which was inspired by a boy's desire to please his father. Homer Hickman Junior, referred to as Sonny, grew up in Coalwood, a mining town in West Virginia. Sonny's mother knew he was special; she encouraged him regardless of the upsets, the destruction, or his fathers reluctance from him to go on. Spanning his years in high school, this memoir evokes encouragement, disappointment, and sheer ecstasy. To see the blossoming of a "geeky" child into a man revered in Coalwood and all through out society should be an inspiration to us all. All of his efforts were concentrated on a single person, his father, to gain his full support. Rocket Boys is a book which is impossible to put down, looming in the back of your head until you finish. A magnificent read. Attending high school and being in those formative years gave me a chance to reflect on what the message might be. Every nook and cranny of the book is something a person can relate to, a well thought out memoir

Loved this book!!
I'm not sure which was more interesting--the story of the rocket building or the story of growing up in a small West Virginia coal mining town. I was captivated by both.
To those that say this book doesn't appeal to women--nonsense! I'm a woman and am recommending it to my daughter and all my friends.
And finally, to the reviewer that said the movie is better--I loved the movie, but guess what, the book was even better.

Excellent - a quick read
This book really drew me in - although it is nearly 400 pages long, I finished it within two days! Highly recommended - especially if you have an interest in space/rocketry. However, it is hard to imagine many people who wouldn't enjoy this book. Better than the movie. I'm also amazed that a "rocket scientist" can write so well.

Rocket Boys
One day my class teacher told us we would all be picking a book, reading it, and writing a critique for it. Then she told us we would be placing it on the internet. I wasn't too thrilled about any of this. This book turned out to be a lot better than I thought it would be. Rocket Boys, by Homer H. Hickam was written beautifly, tellling the story of a few young boys trying to reach a common goal. Homer "Sonny" Hickam Jr. starts out as a freshman in highschool trying to find a way with the ladies, especially Dorthy, and battling the jocks, one being his brother, for popularity. Sonny takes a sudden intrust in Sputnik. This is what gets him started on his incredibly passoinate love for rockets. His father is a miner and is always gone, as where his mother is incredibly supporting to whatever he does as long as he "doesn't blow himself up." Miss Rilly was another very supporting person in Sonny's life. She is the one that provides the "fuel" for Sonny's dream when she gives him a book on rocketry and encourages him to enter the science fair. I loved how the story is so vivid and colorful, how you can see the excitement, anger, fear, and love that the character expresses. This story also shows you that you have to keep trying to get what you want, and that not everything comes easily, but if you work hard for it, it can be very rewarding. Sonny learns this when he decides to enter the county science fair. It ends up being incredibly rewarding, and surprising to him. He ends up in the national science fair and returns home with a medal. Sonny eventually ends up working for NASA and accomplishing his dream. I loved this book because it was what really happened to him and it shows. He made a lot of really great frinds along the way, whether in the mine workshop or just some "different" people at school. I give this book five stars and would read it again anyday! ... Read more

Book Description

From the early pioneers to the latest spaceflight technology, this groundbreaking book charts the inspirational story behind humankind's conquest of the skies.

In the 100 years since the Wright brothers' first powered flight, aviation has witnessed many memorable events. From record-breaking flights and aerial warfare, to advances in aircraft design and the race for space, Flight covers the most memorable moments in the history of aviation. Describing the feats of the brave men and women who piloted the early flying machines, to the pioneers of long-distance flight and the test pilots who ushered in the jet age, Flight is a gripping narrative of humankind's quest to conquer the skies and explore space. Loaded with spectacular full-color photographs, dramatic first-hand accounts, and fact-filled profiles on a huge range of aircraft, this is an enthralling account of a century of innovation and adventure. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Best HISTORICAL Book on Aviation....
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's "Flight: 100 Years of Aviation," by R.G. Grant and John R. Dailey LOOKS like a "coffee table book." It is SO much more than that - although at over 400 pages and approximately 1000 magnificent photographs, it certainly would fit the bill. It is worth every penny of it's cost.

As the female Vice-President of two small aviation restoration companies, I collect a lot of aviation books. This is absolutely the BEST historical view on aviation. The information and photographs that it provides on early aviation are the best that I have seen. It features memorabilla as well as photos of aviation's many pilots/inventors. Almost all of the photographs were new to me and not simply the same photos shown in all the other books.

Later models are glossed over a little more, but I imagine that the book would have been over 1000 pages if they had gone into much more detail. This book is meant to serve as an overview of aviation's history. Most aviation history books simply feature the planes. This book details so MUCH more. It discusses black boxes, ejection seats, posters, newspaper clippings and much more; truly giving a well-rounded view of aviation.

If you are a pilot or simply interested in aviation - or if you know a young person who is interested in aviation....THIS is the book to buy them. The photographs ALONE are worth purchasing this book!

A feast for the eyes
This is an impressive book which takes you through the history of manned flight, the Pioneers, 1st World War, Flying Boats & Airships, 2nd World War, Jet Age, Cold War, Space Travel, finishing up with light aircraft & hobby craft.

The material has been prepared in conjunction with both the US Smithsonian Institution's National Air & Space Museum, and the UK Imperial War Museum, Duxford; consequently the contents have strong credentials.

There are relatively few drawings, because what you get on every page are excellent photographs, mostly in colour, on high quality paper : aircraft, inventors, pilots and events - a feast for the eyes, accompanied by solid informative text. Nothing is overlooked. A lovely book to keep.

If you buy just one big airplane book, buy this one
This is an amazing great big book. There are hundreds of big glossy books of planes and aviation history in bookstores, and with the 100 years of powered controlled flight anniversary, there will no doubt be a few more bowing the shelves. But if you want to buy just one, say for a present, then this is the one to buy. It is balanced, it is complete, it has pictures and text in harmony -- and it is not slapped together like some other slightly embarrassing flying tomes.

Over 400 pages perfect for a youngster, yet written well enough for any adult. Is it perfect? No. But 400 pages of perfection would be hard. I would have put in RJ's rather than the F-28 in the current small airliner section, but complaining about a couple of details should not hide the fact that this is one big cool book. Whatever more detailed specialized books about flying you get later, you will not need to get a great big glossy exciting celebration of flight book again. You'll already have one of the best.

One Hundre Years and Counting
This handsome record of a century of flight is a large-format heavyweight that has all the pleasures--and all the flaws--we've come to expect from a Dorling Kindersley ("DK") production. It's big, sprawling, richly illustrated and full of detail--you can lose yourself in it for hours at a time, and go back to it often. The whole of flight's crowded century is covered from the Wright Brothers to space vehicles, with two world wars (plus Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm), barnstorming, the growth of civil aviation and everything else in-between, plus a chapter on the "pre-flight" pioneers who dreamed or experimented before the Wrights. The page layouts are handsome, the illustrations big, plentiful and colorful, and the text is well-organized. Individual chapters cover specific periods; within them, fascinating developments and people are covered in sidebars. That approach gives full coverage without getting the general text bogged down, and it allows tight focus on some of the many personalities who have gone with the wings. (Yes, Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart are still familiar names--but most people will need to be reminded of the purple-jumpsuited Harriet Quimby, and Bessie Coleman, and the Red Eagles, among others.)

I give this five stars, but just barely. DK books are heavily design-oriented--page layouts must blend innumerable design items (text, illustrations large and small, captions, schematics and sidebars) into harmonious compositions. DK usually succeeds, but often at the reader's expense by sacrificing legibility. For example, captions in small italics are always hard to read, and especially so when laid over colored backgrounds or photos. The schematic indicators identifying specific airplane features are occasionally misplaced. The editing is a bit sloppy: "blooded" and "bloodied" are not synonyms, and there are many dangling modifiers--elementary grammatical lapses that should have been corrected. The proof-reading isn't up to snuff either. In one case a display quote contains a typo (inexcusable in large type); moreover, the quote seems distorted from its text version. One sidebar simply ends in mid-sentence: The text was too long for the space, and someone forget to cut it to fit. And the South African RAF ace "Sailor" Malan spelled his given name Adolph, not Adolf. DK owes readers rather more attention to detail.

Excellent Aviation History Resource
I first opened this book in a local bookstore and was glued to the stories and beautifully formatted sections. The sections are really well illustrated, with interesting facts, characters, and informative overviews of the key aircraft of the last hundred years. It is so complete, and full of information that it is a resource to come back to again and again. I've never owned any book about airplanes, but now I see why! This puts all aircraft history at your fingertips. ... Read more

Book Description

In the early 1940's, Wolfgang Langewiesche wrote a series of articles in Air Facts analyzing the various aspects of piloting techniques. Based on these articles, Langewiesche's classic work on the art of flying was published in 1944. This book explains precisely what pilots do when they fly, just how they do it, and why. These basics are largely unchanging. The book applies to large airplanes and small, old airplanes and new, and is of interest not only to the learner but also to the accomplished pilot and instructor. Today, several excellent manuals offer the pilot accurate and valuable technical information. But Stick and Rudder remains the leading think-book on the art of flying. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

A classic read for any pilot.
"Get rid at the outset of the idea that the airplane is only an air-going sort of automobile. It isn't. It may sound like one and smell like one, and it may have been interior decorated to look like one; but the difference is -- it goes on wings."

Still the best way to get the fundamentals straight. In the 1930's test pilot Wolfgang noticed that the words and the realities of piloting did not seem to agree. After careful thought, he published a series of articles for Air Facts magazine that analyzed the true actions of stick and rudder. The book was released in 1944 and has been in print ever since. Some of the writing shows its age -- I don't think any flight instructor will talk about the airplane's flippers -- but the actual actions of the flight controls has not changed. If you are a pilot and you don't have this book, you need to add it to your professional bookshelf.

Should be on the "Required Reading" list for all pilots!
"Stick and Rudder" is absolutely, without a doubt, the best book ever written on the actual mechanics of making an airplane fly. It discusses, in clear, understandable terms, what good pilots do when flying airplanes. I first read this book while I was a student pilot struggling with landings. After I read it, I began applying the techniques the author discusses, and noticed an immediate improvement in my flying. Now that I'm a CFI, I recommend this book to all my students. In my opinion, this should be THE book used to teach basic flight maneuvers!

good, but not great
This is a good book, but I would not call it great. The content is relevant to any pilot - let's face it the dynamics and characteristics of flight for winged craft haven't changed since the original book was authored, nor are they likely too.

The author made many very correct observations on flight and how it works at a time when so little was understood. It is clearly a classic text. Reading the book will give you a very thorough understanding of many of the nuances and characteristics of flight that any pilot should want to know. It's very difficult not to recommend this book for that reason.

However, this is where I'd have to advise people to look elsewhere. This book is old, it's not the content which is out of date but the style of writing is archaic and difficult to follow. It may also lose some clarity, or be drawn out in some examples due to what may be translation problems too.

The author takes an awful long time, many many pages to describe the same principles over and over again. It does reinforce, it does give a thorough understanding...yet it is hard to follow because it drones on long after you got the point and can be boring. I had a great amount of trouble finishing the book for this reason.

A more modern book can get to the point much quicker, with more straightforward text, formatting and diagrams. To me, this is more educational as points are less easily lost.

This book is cheap. If you have the cash around then buy it and judge for yourself. Combined with some of the other pilot study courses you will find this helps to reinforce many points and details, in some cases offering a much deeper understanding. This book is not a bad purchase by any means.

However, you don't _need_ this book. I saw all the reviews and really felt that I did need it, that I should own it. If you personally need to be more selective about your purchasing then choose a great flying instructor who can speak to the additional details and questions you need answered and have a browse through other titles in the bookshop to find which is best for you. Select the right study guide, such as Jeppesen. Choose the books more specific to the topics that you feel weaker on, such as weather flying or aviation safety books.

There are indeed many good aviation books, but unfortunately I have not been able to find a more modern text which is a direct equivalent to this book. There is definately a gap which a modernized version of this text could fill. The closest I know, are actually gliding/soaring books by the author Pigott - great texts on aerodynamics and the art of flying.

You are Flying in Your Imagination
My suggestion is to read this book first if you are thinking of taking flying lessons.

If and when you start flying lessons you of course will pilot the plane and become familiar with the controls, but during the flying lessons in the air you will also be involved in dealing with what seems like an overwhelming amount of other information. The plane seems small and strange. It is cramped and a bit noisy. There are many instruments. Often you will be thrown about if there is some weather. And the instructor might be yelling command plus you must communicate with others by radio. So there are many things unfamiliar and they must be absorbed and then the lesson is over quickly - or so it seems. All of the details are important but before you start it helps if you can develop an intuitive feel for how a plane moves and is lifted in the air.

The aim of the book is to explain in simple terms the physics of flight and to develop within the reader an intuitive feel for air flight. Flying is a three dimensional activity and does not come easily or obviously. The ideas about the control of flight can become somewhat intuitive if you read this book. It presents flying in its basics without the hype - in a way in which you can visualize flying - and can start develop the intuition and the appreciation.

Four or five stars.

Jack in Toronto.

Every pilot must read this book!
This is one of the most time-tested, authoritative texts in coupling the theory of flight to your actions in the cockpit. And it has not equations or complex concepts - written for you and me, this book will keep the engineers and the non-engineers hooked! The explanation for angle of attack is simply beautiful- the importance of the angle of attack can not be understanted. And the understanding you will gain from this book will help you fly every day.

I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Following on from the hugely successful previous editions, the third edition of Spacecraft Systems Engineering incorporates the most recent technological advances in spacecraft and satellite engineering. With emphasis on recent developments in space activities, this new edition has been completely revised. Every chapter has been updated and rewritten by an expert engineer in the field, with emphasis on the bus rather than the payload.

Encompassing the fundamentals of spacecraft engineering, the book begins with front-end system-level issues, such as environment, mission analysis and system engineering, and progresses to a detailed examination of subsystem elements which represent the core of spacecraft design - mechanical, electrical, propulsion, thermal, control etc. This quantitative treatment is supplemented by an appreciation of the interactions between the elements, which deeply influence the process of spacecraft systems design.

In particular the revised text includes

• A new chapter on small satellites engineering and applications which has been contributed by two internationally-recognised experts, with insights into small satellite systems engineering.

• Additions to the mission analysis chapter, treating issues of aero-manouevring, constellation design and small body missions.

Reviews (2)

Good Overall
Having taken a spacecraft course that utilized Fortescue and Stark as its primary text, I can say that I thought it was a horrible choice.

While the bulk of the material is an excellent overview of the topic, introducing subject matter in all areas (attitude control, propulsion, orbit manuevers etc.), the theoretical proof in the text leave much to be desired.

The text offers virtually no examples of the math it introduces, and thus, makes it very diffcult to apply any of the information that it presents. It is well developed for almost liberal arts type reading, but I did not feel it served very well as a science and engineering text.

Spacecraft Systems Engineering, oh how helpful it is
I am about fifteen and I am very interested in engineering, so I bought this book. I will tell you that this has tought me so much about engineering and the importance of math. It contains equations for everything from life support systems to propulsion systems. I would reccomend this for anyone interested in working in the field of spacecraft engineering or just has 70 bucks to spend on an interesting insight into what it takes to build a spacecraft. I have talked to some engineers and they told me that this book will get you on your way to a carrer in this field. It covers all systems and in great detail even if you want to build your own minicraft(science fair, worked too. Well that is all. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Very good book! Lots of interesting questions.
The book has lots of fun questions and the answers are very informative. The longer answers include a 2nd sidebar of info. Includes the basic questions that most space enthusiasts should know plus more in-depth questions. Some about the shuttle, the early Gemini and Mercury missions, Apollo and also planet-related questions. Worth reading and a good reference book, when you need to know the dimensions of the shuttle payload bay, for example (15 feet by 60 feet).

Lots of space facts
What a fun read! Lots of items that could be used either at a space party or indeed to educate kids. There are so many cool factoids and many excellent color photos. Bill Pogue should be congratulated for putting this excellent book together. I also like to see Apogee appealing to the armchair astronaut in us all without being too technical.
I would recommend this book, especially to any teachers that might consider it. ... Read more

Book Description

Weather Flying is regarded in the industry as the bible of weather flying. Robert Buck, a general aviation and commercial pilot with tens of thousands of hours of flight time, explains weather in a nontechnical way, giving pilots useful understanding of weather and practical knowledge of how to judge it and fly it. Covers weather flying psychology, en route weather changes, radar and how to use it, taking off in bad weather, and much more. Winner of the Flight Safety Foundation's Publication Award; recommended by the FAA. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

weather is confusing...
... and will remain so after you read this book. Everything in Buck's book is useful but it is tough to remember all of his rules without a solid grounding in meteorology. The cover's subtitle "a practical book on flying in all kinds of weather" is accurate. This book is about practice, not theory. However, after finishing the book, I was disappointed to find myself as ignorant as ever about weather and completely at the mercy of the FAA briefers.

My favorite instrument flying primer.
I got my instrument rating 25 years ago, and Buck's Weather Flying recommendations are still fresh and pertinent. A friend just shared that she is going to tackle an instrument rating, and Weather Flying came to mind as the perfect gift to make a safe pilot. I still use his practical recommendations in my infrequent IFR flights, and feel that it has contributed to making me a safer pilot. Sorry if this sounds a bit corny, but few books have stuck with me like this. PS: If you're interested, try T.R. Fehrenbach's "The Reckoning" or "This Kind of War" if you want something that will also stick with you through life.

Tom

The real-world truth about IMC
Buck entertains and teaches. Alone, that is a talent, but add to that Buck's experience and his ability to observe and anticipate our weaknesses as pilots, and this book becomes a valuable down and dirty reality check. If you are a high-time pilot or just getting under the hood for real, read this book.

There is a particular joy to flying with the clouds. The style of Buck's writing captures this uniqueness. It also warns the pilot of the consequences of not preparing for the same event.

Weather Flying is a fast read, yet might just save you from being tangled up in a ball of scrap aluminum.

Very Enjoyable and Understandable Reading
A very informative and easy-to-read book on weather flying. Being a student pilot, I found the book very helpful in understanding the weather around us. Makes you "think" before you "fly". Definitely enjoyed the book ;)

The best book on the subject I've ever read!
An indispensable guide to flying in real-world weather. No book can teach good judgement, but this one comes close. ... Read more

Book Description

By far the most comprehensive book on the subject, the completely new Second Edition of Airport Operations updates the many developments in this fast-changing industry. The book provides a broad perspective on the effects of deregulation, privatization, and commercialization. Thoroughly illustrated, it examines the most current practices in airport security and terminal access, cargo relations, noise control, scheduling issues, and more. It is equally valuable to aviation educators and students as well as to airport personnel. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Very comphrensive to all areas of airport operations
This book is an excellent text to all airport related personnels. I found it's particularly useful to people working in airport and/or aviation management who want to gain more in-depth understanding to all areas of airport operations. This book can also serve as in-house classroom training text for airline personnel. A highly recommended one!

A valuable book for any transport researcher
This book provides a thorough analysis in all facets of airport operations and provides the reader with a logistical insight that is unmatched. While the book provides a great overview, it lacks information particularly on air cargo development and facility planning at airports. While the growth in air cargo traffic significantly outpaces passenger growth, air cargo development issues at airports become more significant. Air cargo development issues must be addressed by airport authorities. This book only makes scant reference to this. However, "Airport Operations" is a valuable book to all airport authorities, consultants and transport researchers. No doubt, a very timely piece of information.

A very complete, accurate, and timely explanation of Airport
This is a great source of information and very clear definitions of many of the key issues relating to Airport Management and Operations. Although written primarily from the European and Asia Pacific Airport and Airline perspectives, the author has worked very hard to include North American issues and examples. As The Airport Industry moves continually towards privatization, these differences will move to the background and be less obvious; and less important. This is a great starting place for the researcher or the occasional affectionato

I've based my studies on that. Amazing amount of Knowledge.
Don't be afraid of the great amount of number data. It's all understandable ... Read more

Book Description

Aerospace Engineering/Mechanical Engineering
The definitive text on rocket propulsion-now completely revised to reflect rapid advancements in the field
For more than fifty years, this seminal text has been regarded as the single most authoritative sourcebook on rocket propulsion technology. More comprehensive and coherently organized than any other book on the subject, Rocket Propulsion Elements guides readers evenhandedly through the complex factors that shape propulsion, with both theory and practical design considerations.
With more than a third of the text and illustrations either completely new or extensively revised, this latest edition includes current information on engine structures, nozzle theory, gas properties, thrust chambers, launch vehicles, and more. With a detailed table of contents breaking down each chapter into subsections-as well as an expanded index of key words-the Seventh Edition efficiently steers readers quickly to the information they need. Other highlights include:
* Separate chapters on liquid, solid, and hybrid propulsion systems and a new chapter on thrust chambers including the new aerospike nozzle
* Comprehensive coverage of rocket propulsion technology, with applications to space flight, satellite flight, and guided and unguided missiles
* Problem-solving examples and exercises relevant to actual design situations
* More than 340 illustrations, including photographs, tables, and graphs
* Coherent, up-to-date chapter on electrical propulsion balancing fundamentals with practical aspects and applications
For professional engineers in the aerospace and defense industries as well as undergraduate and graduate students in mechanical and aerospace engineering, this time-honored resource is indispensable for its scope of coverage and utility. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

The gem of any rocketry-related library!!!!!
The seventh edition of this book is absolutely amazing!!! It presents the material in a clear and concise manner without losing the reader. This book provides up to date information about every type of rocket propulsion system from solids and liquids, to hybrids and exotics. It also includes sections on design and trade studies for different systems. Of particular interest to me were the sections on hybrid propulsion and liquid engine injector design. This book is highly recommended to anyone interested in rocket propulsion design and analysis! 5 stars indeed!!!!!

Rocket Propulsion Elements
This is the definitive "text book" for the subject of rocket propulsion. Its coverage of the subject is both broad and detailed. Probably a third of the book can be understood with no more than high school level physics and mathematics. The remainder requires some exposure to undergraduate level mechanical engineering, mathematics and physics, e.g. integral calculus, thermodynamics, etc. This book is in its 7th edition and it shows. The authors have a clean, precise, almost mechanical writing style that you would expect in a highly evolved technical work of this type. I do have one minor bone to pick with this book. The authors have clearly spent their lives doing rocketry in the mega million dollar world of NASA, General Dynamics, etc. Most of the graphs and diagrams emphasis big, big, rockets, e.g. graphs focusing on thrust chambers that operate at 5000 p.s.i. I suspect that most readers are either university students or individuals involved in experimental rocketry. Those that fall into the later category might benefit from better coverage of rocketry done with less exotic materials, fuels, and operating parameters. That minor weakness aside, this book covers in its 700 or so pages, everything that has been learned in the field of rocketry in the last 70 years and it presents this material at a fairly detailed technical level. It is therefore the book against which all others in the field will be judged.

A Must-Have Textbook for every Aerospace Engineer
This is the single best book on rocket propulsion systems, covering both liquid and solid rocket engines, hybrid rocket systems, and a dedicated chapter on electric propulsion. The authors include excellent illustrations and graphs to enhance the text, and practical examples which help the reader to grasp the theory. After loaning a copy of this book for over two years from my library, i finally bought it! Definitely recommended to all engineers and scientists who want to expand into the area of rocket propulsion.

Beware of Typographical Errors
The readability of this book makes it a good investment for aspiring rocket engineers.

Just be aware that this edition has a lot of typographical errors. Out of the few chapters for which I've checked the math (2, 3, and 11), I found typos/errors in examples 2-2, 2-3, and 11-3, typos in equations 3-16, 3-26, and two incorrect references to past equations on page 49.

Perhaps this is average for three chapters in a technical book, but with all the positive reviews of the 7th edition I thought I'd point out a reason to find an earlier (or wait for a later) edition.

Excellent Book!! This is the BEST!!
This is the best book on rocket propulsion that I have seen. The reading is smooth and the jargon is kept to a simple amount to understand with out being a rocket scientist. Diagrams and charts are excellent in explaining what the author is talking about. Author keeps it simple for all!! ... Read more

Book Description

A new edition of the almost legendary textbook by Schilchting completely revised by Klaus Gersten is now available. This book presents a comprehensive overview of boundary-layer theory and its application to all areas of fluid mechhanics, with emphasis on the flow past bodies (e.g. aircraft aerodynamics). It contains the latest knowledge of the subject based on a thorough review of the literature over the past 15 years. Yet again, it will be an indispensable source of inexhaustible information for students of fluid mechanics and engineers alike. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Must-have Book for Fluid Mechanics Researchers!
This is the best and the most classical fluid mechanics book that i have read. Read it through carefully and you will get much from it. Reading it from time to time can give you many new knowledge every time.

Applause
An excellent resource. A tough act to follow for any other author of BLT books.

Another ChE classic!
This book is as much as a classic as BSL's "Transport Phenomena" (the bible) - it surely is a "holy" book to me! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Clear and detailed writing of Satellite Communications.
Mr. Elbert's book is eminently readable and offers a clear concise explanation of the various uses of satellite. Suitable both for engineers and non technical persons. If you work in telecommunications, you should have this book. ... Read more

Book Description

A brand-new edition of the classic guide on low-speed wind tunnel testing While great advances in theoretical and computational methods have been made in recent years, low-speed wind tunnel testing remains essential for obtaining the full range of data needed to guide detailed design decisions for many practical engineering problems. This long-awaited Third Edition of William H. Rae, Jr.'s landmark reference brings together essential information on all aspects of low-speed wind tunnel design, analysis, testing, and instrumentation in one easy-to-use resource. Written by authors who are among the most respected wind tunnel engineers in the world, this edition has been updated to address current topics and applications, and includes coverage of digital electronics, new instrumentation, video and photographic methods, pressure-sensitive paint, and liquid crystal-based measurement methods. The book is organized for quick access to topics of interest, and examines basic test techniques and objectives of modeling and testing aircraft designs in low-speed wind tunnels, as well as applications to fluid motion analysis, automobiles, marine vessels, buildings, bridges, and other structures subject to wind loading. Supplemented with real-world examples throughout, Low-Speed Wind Tunnel Testing, Third Edition is an indispensable resource for aerospace engineering students and professionals, engineers and researchers in the automotive industries, wind tunnel designers, architects, and others who need to get the most from low-speed wind tunnel technology and experiments in their work. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The only wind tunnel book available
This is the only book that contains everything one needs to know about sub sonic wind tunnel. For students doing a project or a course in experimental fluid mechanics, or those whose work involve aerodynamics, this will be a good reference. Anyone who has been through fluid mechanics courses during their undergraduate years know the importance of wind tunnel testing. This book covers topics from wind tunnel designs, to measurements, boundary corrections, testing procedures and the nonaeronautical applications of wind tunnel.
However, as wind tunnel is initialy design and most widely use in the study of aeronautics, one needs to have some knowledge in aerodynamics in order to fully understand and appreciate this book.

The classic "must-have" for wind tunnel test work
The original is the one book everyone in the wind tunnel test area had open on their desk. It covered everything from overall theory of aerodynamic testing to details of wind tunnel design. The revision brings it up to date with use of computers and digital test gear. ... Read more

Book Description

Used increasingly in telecommunications, scientific research, surveillance, and meteorology, satellites rely heavily on complex onboard control systems. This book explains the basic theory of spacecraft dynamics and control and the practical aspects of controlling a satellite. The emphasis is on analyzing and solving real-world engineering problems.Among the topics covered are orbital dynamics, attitude dynamics, gravity gradient stabilization, single and dual spin stabilization, attitude maneuvers, attitude stabilization, and structural dynamics and liquid sloshing. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive volume enhances the readers understanding of the mechanics of flight through a combination of theory and applications. Topics are presented in a logical order and coverage within each is extensive, including a detailed discussion on the quaterion formulation for six-degree-of-freedom flight, which is not found in any other book. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A must have
This text provides unparalled detail in it's discussion of flight mechanics. It contains clear and concise derivations of underlying equations and has well planned figures and example problems. Subject matter includes static and dynamic stability, propulsion, lifting line theory, 6-dof flight simulation with quaternions, along with many other essential topics. I particularly appreciated the straightforward way in which Phillips applies numerical methods to solving many of the problems. The equations required are located in such a manner as to make it easy to find what you need. Though mainly geared toward subsonic flight, I have found the understanding gained through this book invaluable in the design of supersonic vehicles. This is a great book for students learning the subject for the first time and a must have for engineering professionals and aircraft enthusiasts.

Thorough, Meticulous, Comprehensive
I am an Aerospace engineer working for the Air Force. While attending the annual AIAA aerospace convention in Reno Nevada, I met a professor from Denmark who raved about the work and research of a professor local to the west, Phillips. This seasoned scholar from Denmark wouldn't miss a session if he found Phillips' name appearing in it. I picked up the "Mechanics of Flight" which was on display for the first time at that conference. Due to the mountain of topics covered (900+ pages) I can't say that I have read every line of that book but the material I studied was impressive. I've never seen such complete derivations right from F=MA. The explanations are meticulous and thorough. I coded a real-time 6-DOF flight si