Customer Reviews

Introduction to Flight (Mcgraw-Hill Series in Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anyone interested in learning the fundamentals in aerodynamics, aircraft design and aircraft control (as well as some astrodynamics) should have this book. Even in my upper class aerospace engineering courses I have found this book to be a GREAT help explaining the basics in a simple, methodical way.

The equation derivations included in the book are essential for a complete understanding of the material. Some basic calculus skills are needed, but anyone interested in engineering should have that anyway. The Appendix and Atmospheric Tables in the back of the book are also a great reference. The book also includes a historical point of view, essential to understanding why planes look the way they do today. This book is written in a style similar to his lectures, using everyday language and vocabulary.

Dr. Anderson is an incredible professor and author--making even the most complicated of subjects easy to understand.

This truly is a gem of a book for the general reader with an intelligent interest in matters aeronautical, as well as the beginning student in aero engineering. It does not plumb the depths of the subject - there are other books (including ones by the same author) which do that. But it covers a huge scope, from aerodynamic fundamentals, through aircraft characteristics and performance, to propulsion systems, and a little about structures and materials. Supersonic and hypersonic flight are included. The treatment is quantitative (there are lots of equations), but in a simplified form and at a level which should be comprehensible to anyone with high-school mathematics. The maths is there to convey principles, without losing the reader in a myriad of detail. Three things which make this book stand out are the clear, approachable style of the author, the fascinating historical perspectives which are sprinkled throughout the book, and the illustrative "design boxes".

I am an aerospace engineer, but also appreciate books which can explain the complex in clear and interesting language. If you want a good introduction into aerodynamics and the history of flight, this is it. Anderson will "trick" you into learning this complex subject because of his talent for explaining and teaching.

I have read several texts on the fundamentals of aerodynamics and flight. This book is by far the best at clarity of explanation with the right mixture of mathematics and applications. The math is enough to educate you on the fundamentals without burying you in endless derivations without giving you the answer to "what does it all mean". When you are done reading it, you will know the theory, the application, and the historical significance. I wish this had been the text I picked up first.

This book is amazing. Most engineering texts are exhausting to read, but Anderson's is clear, organized, and complete. I've never had a better learning tool--I'll keep it for life.

This book is not only insightful and helpful in the realm of Aerodynamics, and gas dynamics, but is easily applicable to any type of engineering necessary. I myself am a studying Aerospace Engineer, and I found that this book was a good "jump start" to that field of work. Easily understandable, yet not "Basic" This book is a must have for anyone interested in Aerodynamics. Do not think that because this book is titled, "INTRODUCTION" it is basic!

5 Stars.

Introduction to Flight, by John D. Anderson, is the ultimate introduction to flight mechanics and aircraft performance for engineers. Much of the content is also applicable to pilots, although some may find the math to be excessive at some points.

Anderson's writing reflects an excellent grasp of the subject matter, as well as an obvious talent for teaching complex content to those new to the field. Whether you're using this book as a primary or secondary text, for self-instruction, or as a professional reference, you'll find it up to the task.

Also recommended are Dr. Anderson's other titles, including:

- Fundamentals of Aerodynamics

- Modern Compressible Flow with a Historical Perspective

- Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics

"Introduction to Flight" is an excellent book on the fundamentals of aerodynamics, and the history of flight. The book gives a comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics including aerodynamics, aircraft design, aircraft control, propulsion systems, supersonic and hypersonic flight as well as structures and materials.

The author did a good job of taking the otherwise complex subject of flight into a clearly explained and illustrated subject making it interesting and easy to follow by anyone with a high school level of knowledge of physics and mathematics. The book is well written with easy to follow explanations and worked examples. The reader will find the book simple to understand due to the author's generous use of diagrams and graphs.

The book is recommended reading for aeronautical engineering students, flight enthusiasts and pilots.

I'm very satisfied with the product. It came in a very condition as it is described. However, I think the seller should put it there as an international edition book, not just paper back. Because, I found out that sometimes, international edition books, the contents are the same as US edition but the problems are not. Luckily, this book has the same problems as the US hard cover edition.

all of my rocket scientist friends (literally rocket scientists!) say this is the best, bar none, intro to Aero book on the planet.