Customer Reviews

Composite Construction for Homebuilt Aircraft: The Basic Handbook of Composite Aircraft Aerodynamics, Construction, Maintenance and Repair Plus, How-To and Design Information

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Good book, unless you know what you want. If you are looking at building, and are looking for options, then check this one out. It covers several different composite kitplanes (and one-offs) and a generalization of how they are assembled. If you are designing or already building, move on. Sorry, but its just too general...

This 2nd Edition is copyrighted 2000 (though another section says the book is written in 1995) but much of the information is ten years out of date. The book could also benefit from a book copy editor - there are too many typos and the text does not have a good flow from idea to idea.

On the other hand, for the price, this is a good basic introduction to composite aircraft construction.

After reading the reviews on this book and all the references to it on various home builder sites I expected to find much more about composites than what is included. This book only touches the surface of basic composite aircraft construction technique and materials. It is filled with allot of general information about various aircraft kits that are now readily available on the web. I would have liked to have seen more on how to deal with the various types of structral members, fastener joints, and basic material testing that every builder needs to understand and apply during the build.

I guess the book gives a decent overview of composite construction in homebuilt aircraft. But I concur with the other reviewer that it is poorly edited (written), a little incoherent, and (this bothers me the most) contains illustrations with no text directing the reader to them. I guess you're supposed to figure out for yourself which drawing goes with the text you're currently reading. Frustrating, i tell ya.

G'day,
I cannot understand other reviewer's criticisms of this book,- I regard it as my "bible". It is the most imformative & inspiring Composites book I have found,- regardless of cost, (even if the section on Kevlar appears to come direct from the DuPont archives). The reason I found this site was due to a search for a new updated edition,- sadly not to be.
I STRONGLY recomend this book to ANYONE with an interest in the subject or Composites in general.
Cheers
Mal Booth

This book is a good book but does not talk about the design of planes very much but talks more about putting the planes together and how it is done.

I found this book to be of limited value. Discussion of design is very basic and only helpful as the most basic of an introduction to aircraft design. You will certainly not know how to design an airplane after reading this book. Nor will you gain the insight needed to build with composites. I would only recommend this to an absolute beginner in the field. Even then, I think there is just too little good knowledge to be gain. Perhaps time (& money) would be better spent on the aircraft design books from Chris Heintz, Dan Raymer, or Zeke Smith.

If I'd read the reviews, I would have saved my money....save yours, this book has all the weaknesses listed by others and does NOT offer any more help for the would-be builder that a few internet searches will.

Since getting my first set of plans for Jack's "lambie lasarator" as a child (around 1970?) Jack has effected my life in a positive manner. Now at 45 years old, I am a better builder for having read: Composite construction for homebuilt aircraft.
Thanks,
N.Brian DelCampo
Racine, WI.

i would like to know more about how to build an aircraft.please send me the details through e mails. Regards, sandeep shetty