Theory of Flight

This book is unlike any on its subject I have ever encountered. Even though the author of this book passed away in 1953, it has a clearness and depth directed towards understanding the essentials of flight that make it a worthwhile - and very inexpensive - read today. Of course, to supplement this book, given the progress made in the field since the author's death, you'll require several textbooks. Part one is entitled "Equilibrium and Steady Flow in the Atmosphere". Chapter one of that section, though correct in its physics, is simply not applicable to high-speed or turbine-powered aircraft. The other chapters in part one, though, are a great introduction to the dynamics of incompressible fluids that are still completely relevant. Part two is entitled "The Airplane Wing", and contains material that the author not only expertly compiled, he actually contributed much of this material to wing theory himself. Again, you'll need supplementary material to be current on this information. Part three is entitled "Propeller and Engine". Where propellers are still in use, the information in this book is correct. The basics on the airplane engine are here, but again time has marched on as to the forefront of technology. Part four on "Airplane Performance" talks about performance problems in propeller planes. You'll need other material to understand how the jet engine affects performance. Part five on "Airplane Control and Stability" contains great sections on the theory of non-uniform flight and also a very clear introduction to the theory of dynamic stability. Information on automatic controls is missing, though. I'd say read this book and use it as a reference as a basis for understanding the mathematics and theory of flight. Use it as a firm foundation for learning about the more modern aspects of the field. One thing I really appreciated about this book is how it is essentially self-contained. The author develops the mathematics as needed, and it is generally well-illustrated, which is generally not a feature of older engineering textbooks. There are problems at the end of each chapter. Unfortunately, though, answers are not included. It is definitely geared for the upper-level undergraduate engineering student that has already finished physics, calculus, statics, and dynamics. Highly recommended.

To say the text is a classic work on the subject is an understatement. It offers a lucid introduction to the many concepts of aeronautical design that traditionally challenge students. It is a required text for those wishing to advance their understanding of theoretical aerodynamics and its profound implications toward applied aircraft design. Though prerequisite knowledge of aeronautics will augment the text, none is assumed by the author and the mathematical derivations presented within are complete. Most of the empirical data and equations are still quite valid although the text was printed decades ago, before aerodynamics attained its current level of analysis. Anyone involved in the development of subsonic conventional aircraft will want to add this to their research library as a valuable reference.