Flight Theory and Aerodynamics: A Practical Guide for Operational Safety - Hardcover

A guide to the theory and practical application of aerodynamics as it relates to flying an airplane. Outlines relevant principles of physics and aerodynamics with a minimal amount of algebra and trigonometry. Each section includes practical exercises, a summary of symbols, and a summary of equations. Geared towards non-engineering personnel.

This basic text in aeronautics for students of aviation safety approaches the subject from the pilot’s rather than the engineer’s viewpoint, unlike most other books in the field. It explains, as simply as possible, the theory and practical application of aeronautical principles in terms that both professional and non-professional pilots can readily understand. The mathematics is restricted to the level of high school algebra and trigonometry, and is kept to the minimum required to illustrate applications of the basic concepts presented. The author has drawn his material from courses he has taught in Flying Safety over the past eighteen years. He has taught thousands of Air Force, Army, Navy and many foreign Air Force pilots. The vast majority of these students did not have an engineering background. The first two chapters cover the basic concepts of aerodynamic principles and the construction of the thrust-required curves. Chapter 3 expands these basic principles and applies them to both thrust-producing and power-producing aircraft. The causes of many slow-speed aircraft accidents are discussed in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 discusses the problems of takeoffs and landings and the accelerations encountered during these phases of flight. Chapter 6 covers maneuvering flight. Chapter 7 explores high-speed flight in the transonic and supersonic speed regions. Static and dynamic stability and control of aircraft are analyzed in Chapter 8. There are problems at the end of each chapter, with answers given at the back of the book. The basic philosophy underlying this clear text can be stated as follows: "Any well-coordinated, intelligent person can be taught to fly an airplane—but a basic understanding of the aerodynamic principles involved will help the pilot to be a safer operator and help avoid the pitfalls that often lead to disaster." To this end, the author applies the understanding method rather than the do-it-this-way-because-I-say-so method of learning that is so often used in flight training. Flight Theory and Aerodynamics is currently used as the basic text for the USAF Flying Safety Officer courses. It can be used by the U.S.N. Aviation Safety Officer course, the USAAA’s Aviation Safety Officer course, and as a text for professional pilots and flying safety personnel. By promoting a better understanding of technical problems, aviation mishaps can be reduced. Any competent instructor, with the aid of Charles E. Dole’s book, should be able to design a course in basic aerodynamics that requires from 8 to 40 (present USAF requirement) classroom hours of instruction.