Customer Reviews

Encyclopedia of Technical Aviation

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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"The Encyclopedia of Technical Aviation" is a valuable addition to the library of any pilot, or for that matter anyone interested in aviation. It is organized alphabetically, as you would expect, and has extensive explanations of most any aviation related term you can think of. As an aside, the only term I have tried to look up and have not found is "RAT" (Ram Air Temperature). It does include "TAT" (Total Air Temperature), but I was trying to find the definitive answer on how the two differ.

The lack of "RAT", though, is (by far) the exception, as the book covers most all other topics more thoroughly and concisely than any other single volume I have found. This volume would be especially useful to people upgrading to complex aircraft (especially jets) for the first time. The section discussing FMS (Flight Management System) information and use would be very helpful to pilots transitioning to their first 'glass' airplane. The book has hundreds of illustrations, and all key points requiring visual illustration seem to have an easy to grasp drawing, chart, diagram, or graph, as appropriate.

This book is useful to pilots at all levels, as it discusses the very basic things like the forces acting on an aircraft in flight, to advanced EFIS and FANS concepts. This book is a one stop reference goldmine for pilots. The chances are very high that if it isn't in here, it isn't that important for a pilot to know.

I used this book to help me with an upcoming interview. The book contains alot of good content, however it is poorly organized. The author has altered and changed many fundamental terms used in aviation. An example would be L/D Max is referred to as VIMD. VIMD is not a valid term, and for a first time reader it can be misleading. I believe a book that is titled as an "Encyclopedia" should stay true to it's content and be well researched. The content is all there, however many of the fundamental acronyms and terms in the book have been reworded by the author.
All in all, it is not a bad book to use as a backup reference to help assist the learning of certain concepts. I would not recommend this book as a sole reference. The shortest definitions were the best. No index in the back of the book made it difficult to read or find certain key terms. This is an encyclopedia, so it shouldn't be needed, however the overly wordy text had me thumbing back and forth throughout the book attempting to decipher certain key words that the author decided to invent.
I know this seems like a overall negative review, if you do purchase read with caution. Again not a bad supplemental resource, just have a lot of supplemental information to back your research up.

It is a big help for the pilot who really wants to know aviation. I think all pilots should have this book as a perfect source. At the end I have to indicate my appreciations to the author who has done the best.