Understanding Flight, Second Edition

Book excerpt: Discover how planes get--and stay--airborne Now you can truly master an understanding of the phenomenon of flight. This practical guide is the most intuitive introduction to basic flight mechanics available. Understanding Flight, Second Edition, explains the principles of aeronautics in terms, descriptions, and illustrations that make sense--without complicated mathematics. Updated to include helicopter flight fundamentals and aircraft structures, this aviation classic is required reading for new pilots, students, engineers, and anyone fascinated with flight. Understanding Flight, Second Edition, covers: Physics of flight Wing design and configuration Stability and control Propulsion High-speed flight Performance and safety Aerodynamic testing Helicopters and autogyros Aircraft structures and materials