Aircraft Construction Books
For Homebuilt Aircraft.

Introduction to Aircraft Design 
(Cambridge Aerospace, 11) 
by John Fielding
Softbound Book

Book Description 
A well illustrated and accessible introduction to the fundamentals of civil and military aircraft design. Giving a  largely descriptive overview of the design process, it provides an insight into the requirements of each specialist in an aircraft design team. Topics covered include the merits of different aircraft shapes, structures, airframe systems, avionics, weapons systems and costs. Appendices give a wealth of useful information, much not published  elsewhere. Suitable for undergraduate and graduate aeronautical engineering students, it is a valuable reference for  professionals and will also be of interest to aviation enthusiasts. 

Book Info 
Provides an accessible introduction to the fundamentals of civil and military aircraft design. Presents a largely descriptive overview of all aspects of the design process, and provides an insight into the requirements of each  specialist in an aircraft design team. Soft cover. DLC: Airplanes Design and construction. 

Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators 
(reprint ed)/ 676-T
by Federal Aviation Association (Editor), H. H., Jr. Hurt

Book Description 
This series of textbooks and supplements for pilots, student pilots, aviation instructors, and aviation specialists  provides information on every topic needed to qualify for and excel in the field of aviation. Most FAA Knowledge Exams' questions are taken directly from the information presented in these texts. 

This textbook presents the elements of applied aerodynamics and aeronautical engineering that directly relate to  the flight training and general flight operations of naval aviators.  $13.57

The Illustrated Guide to Aerodynamics
by H.C. 'Skip' Smith
Softbound Book

Book Description 
Most pilots and flight students wince at the mention of the term "aerodynamics" because most courses and books dealing with the subject do so using complicated scientific theory and intricate mathematical  formulas. And yet, an understanding of aerodynamics is essential to the people who operate and maintain airplanes. This unique introductory guide, which sold more than 20,000 copies in its first edition, proves  that the principles of flight can be easy to understand, even fascinating, to pilots and technicians who want  to know how and why an aircraft behaves as it does. Avoiding technical jargon and complex calculations,  Hubert "Skip" Smith demonstrates how aerodynamic factors affect all aircraft in terms of lift, thrust, drag,  in-air performance, stability, and control. Readers also get an inside look at how modern aircraft are designed including all the steps in the design process, from concept to test flight and the reasoning behind  them. This edition features expanded coverage of aircraft turning and accelerated climb performance,  takeoff velocities, load and velocity load factors, area rules, and hypersonic flight, as well as the latest  advances in laminar flow airfoils, wing and fuselage design, and high-performance lightplanes. Question  and answer sections are added for classroom use.  ISBN-10: 0830639012 $26.37

From the webmaster:  I have read this book.  I have to give it a 5 star rating.  There was a lot of information with great explanations of how things worked..  I learned new terms like Rho and Flat Plate Area.  I highly recommend this book.  C. Jeff Dyrek

A History of Aerodynamics: 
And Its Impact on Flying Machines
by John David Anderson, Jr., John D. Anderson

Book Description 
Aerodynamic principles that make flight possible were little known or barely understood as recently as one hundred years ago. It was not until the scientific breakthroughs at the beginning of the twentieth century that it became possible to design successful flying machines.  This  book presents the history of aerodynamics, intertwined with a review of the aircraft that were developed as technology advanced.  Beginning with Aristotle's scientific theories and experiments, the book continues through the aerodynamics in the early 1900s, and  concludes with modern hypersonic and computational aerodynamics. 

Race Car Aerodynamics : 
Designing for Speed
by Joseph Katz

Book Description 
"Race Car Aerodynamics" is the first book to summarize the secrets of the rapidly developing field of high speed vehicle design. Author  Joseph Katz provides clear explanations for both the engineer who wants to improve his or her design skills and enthusiasts who simply  want to understand how their favorite race cars go fast. 

Webmasters Note:  Why are race car aerodynamics books placed on this site?  It's because these guys spend millions trying to get every ounce of drag reduction out of these cars, there's big money at stake and there may be some important lessons that can be learned from the race car industry that us aero-nuts can learn.  C. Jeff Dyrek

by Ira H. Abbott, Albert E. Von Doenhoff (Contributor) 
Paperback - 430 pages 4 edition  

This is a well written book that aircraft designers and those engaged in a serious study of wing aerodynamics will find useful, helpful and handy. This is not a book for the novice but for aeronautical engineering specialists who can handle fluid dynamics theory, performance and other mathematical manipulations. Although the book has been around for some time (I first used it at university as a recommended text in aerodynamics over 25 years ago), the theory and concepts are still very much relevant and applicable today.

For those seeking advanced knowledge on wing aerodynamics theory and have a flair for mathematics especially calculus, this is an excellent reference book that is well recommended.

• ISBN-10: 0486605868
• ISBN-13: 978-0486605869

Engineering Analysis of Flight Vehicles
by Holt Ashley  

Book Description

• ISBN-10: 0486672131
• ISBN-13: 978-0486672137

Book Description 
EAA proudly present this new edition of AeroCrafter, which we believe is the finest resource publication available  for today's builder. This publication is consistent with EAA's goal to provide builders, restorers and aviation  enthusiasts the most complete information to help them better enjoy recreational aviation. 

EAA continues to enhance programs that meet the needs of builders and restorers. Some of the most recent additions are the Homebuilt Aircraft council, which includes experienced builders from throughout the country  who help form policy and programs to assist EAA members; Homebuilders'  Headquarters on the EAA members'  website, which offers detailed information for builders and restorers; and the EAA SportAir Workshops, with  hands-on experience for a particular type of airplane or in a variety of building and restoring skills. 

EAA's other resources can also help make your project a success. Technical Counselors and Flight Advisors are  ready to help so both your project and piloting skills are ready when it's time for that first flight. EAA Chapters are perfect places to find people locally who match your enthusiasm for the world of flight. Of course, EAA Air Venture Oshkosh continues to be the ultimate destination and live education resource for aviation enthusiasts. 

This new edition of AeroCrafter fits well with EAA programs and activities. There are a number of new features in this edition that enhance its value. One of the most important is the accompanying CD-ROM that contains  information in an easy-to-use format for your computer. 

Flight Discipline
Kern. 
Hardbound Book

A textbook on such subjects as personal flight integrity, managing cockpit crises, prioritizing tasks, structure changing situations, procedural and regulatory  discipline, and communications discipline. A personal improvement tool that might just help the average pilot avoid a lethal pitfall like “get-there-it-is”, macho attitude,  pressure from company superiors or passengers. A blueprint for excellence in  step-by-step detail. 412 pgs., 6"x 9", hdbd  .....#0001743 $29.95

Helicopter Design & Data Man.
Dzik. 
Softbound Book

This book is for the student, the designer, or the individual whose aim is to  design and build his own helicopter. Chapters cover: Preliminary & Advanced Aerodynamics, Helicopter Controls, Design Sketches,  Roto Blades, Adhesive Bonding and Theory of Flight. Numerous drawings, 118 pgs., 6"x 9¼", sfbd.
#0001424   Price: $9.95

The author, Gale Craig , January 12, 2000
My book was intended as a fresh perspective on lift based on Newtonian principles, not as a summary of other's  ideas. Mr. Johnson's cavalier review is loaded with misstatements of fact. He insists that circulation exists only in a  line integral "and DOES NOT imply that air circulates around the wing!" He accuses me of completely misunderstanding what circulation really is. Actually, Mr. Johnson is the one with misunderstanding. Perhaps a  truly objective reading of the book would help. 

 Strangely, although we think of airplanes as flying through relatively still air, popular explanations of wings describe them as stationary in passing flow. Let's consider a still air and moving wing perspective, which is advantageous for understanding circulation. Accept as fact that an upward lifting wing in forward motion in relatively still air has  reduced pressure above the upper surface, and increased pressure below. Now let's recognize that air mass accelerates in response to the applied force of pressure, according to Newton's laws. Pressure gradients propagate at the speed of sound, reaching ahead of a lifting wing to produce acceleration of air away from higher  pressure below and toward lower pressure above. This produces forward movement below the wing leading edge, upward movement ahead of the leading edge, and rearward movement above, all in response to pressure difference. As the trailing edge approaches, the forward and rearward air movements dissipate in encounter with  opposing pressure gradients. Air left behind the trailing edge as it departs has only the downward movement.. 
 

Book Info 
Ideal introduction to the principles of flight. Deals with transonic and supersonic speeds and missiles, satellites,  and spacecraft. Revised and updated edition. Paper.