Flight Theory and Aerodynamics: A Practical Guide for Operational Safety 3rd Edition
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Flight Theory and Aerodynamics is the essential pilot's guide to the physics of flight, designed specifically for those with limited engineering experience. From the basics of forces and vectors to craft-specific applications, this book explains the mechanics behind the pilot's everyday operational tasks. The discussion focuses on the concepts themselves, using only enough algebra and trigonometry to illustrate key concepts without getting bogged down in complex calculations, and then delves into the specific applications for jets, propeller crafts, and helicopters. This updated third edition includes new chapters on Flight Environment, Aircraft Structures, and UAS-UAV Flight Theory, with updated craft examples, component photos, and diagrams throughout. FAA-aligned questions and regulatory references help reinforce important concepts, and additional worked problems provide clarification on complex topics.
Modern flight control systems are becoming more complex and more varied between aircrafts, making it essential for pilots to understand the aerodynamics of flight before they ever step into a cockpit. This book provides clear explanations and flight-specific examples of the physics every pilot must know.
- Review the basic physics of flight
- Understand the applications to specific types of aircraft
- Learn why takeoff and landing entail special considerations
- Examine the force concepts behind stability and control
As a pilot, your job is to balance the effects of design, weight, load factors, and gravity during flight maneuvers, stalls, high- or low-speed flight, takeoff and landing, and more. As aircraft grow more complex and the controls become more involved, an intuitive grasp of the physics of flight is your most valuable tool for operational safety. Flight Theory and Aerodynamics is the essential resource every pilot needs for a clear understanding of the forces they control.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
From the Inside Flap
ALL THE FLIGHT THEORY AND AERODYNAMICS PILOTS NEEDREFRESHED BY NEW AUTHORS
Flight Theory and Aerodynamics served as the authority on practical aeronautics under the authorial leadership of Charles Dole and James Lewis, and now, this fully revised and updated Third Edition continues the legacy with additional expertise from the new crew: Joseph Badick and Brian Johnson.
With little engineering and mathematical background, you can apply the principles of aerodynamics in the cockpit with this comprehensive yet easy-to-understand guidebook. This revitalized edition features:
- Brand-new chapters on flight environment, aircraft structures, and UAS-UAV flight theory
- Updated examples of modern aircrafts, component photos, and diagrams
- Enhanced study features, such as FAA-aligned questions and regulatory references, more worked algebra and engineering problems, highlighted learning objectives, and a robust glossary
Take the pilot-centric approach to flight with Flight Theory and Aerodynamics, Third Edition.
From the Back Cover
ALL THE FLIGHT THEORY AND AERODYNAMICS PILOTS NEEDREFRESHED BY NEW AUTHORS
Flight Theory and Aerodynamics served as the authority on practical aeronautics under the authorial leadership of Charles Dole and James Lewis, and now, this fully revised and updated Third Edition continues the legacy with additional expertise from the new crew: Joseph Badick and Brian Johnson.
With little engineering and mathematical background, you can apply the principles of aerodynamics in the cockpit with this comprehensive yet easy-to-understand guidebook. This revitalized edition features:
- Brand-new chapters on flight environment, aircraft structures, and UAS-UAV flight theory
- Updated examples of modern aircrafts, component photos, and diagrams
- Enhanced study features, such as FAA-aligned questions and regulatory references, more worked algebra and engineering problems, highlighted learning objectives, and a robust glossary
Take the pilot-centric approach to flight with Flight Theory and Aerodynamics, Third Edition.
About the Author
A former marine, the late CHARLES E. DOLE taught flight safety for twenty-eight years to officers of the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy, as well as at the University of Southern California.
The late JAMES E. LEWIS was an associate professor of Aeronautical Science at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, former aeronautical engineer for the Columbus Aircraft Division of Rockwell International, and retired Ohio National Guard military pilot.
JOSEPH R. BADICK has over forty years of flight experience in single, multi-engine, land /seaplane aircraft. Rated in commercial rotor-craft and gliders, with the highest rating of (A.T.P.) Airline Transport Pilot. A licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic, with inspection authorization (I.A.), he has installed numerous aircraft aerodynamic performance (S.T.C's) Supplemental Type Certificates, with test flight checks. He holds a Ph.D. (ABD) in Business from Northcentral University of Arizona and a Master's degree in Aeronautical Science. He was a Naval Officer for 30 years as an Aeronautical Engineer Duty Officer (AEDO), involved in all aspects of aircraft maintenance, logistics, acquisition, and test/evaluation. Currently he is a professor of aviation at a community college in the Career Pilot/Aviation Management degree programs.
BRIAN A. JOHNSON is a former airline and corporate pilot who holds a multi-engine Airline Transport Pilot certificate, in addition to Commercial pilot single-engine land/sea privileges. He is an active instrument and multi-engine Gold Seal flight instructor with an advanced ground instructor rating. He holds a Master's degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and currently serves in a faculty position for a two-year Career Pilot/Aviation Management degree program, in addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member in the Aeronautical Science department of a major aeronautical university.
Product details
- Publisher : Wiley-Interscience; 3rd edition (November 21, 2016)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 384 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1119233402
- ISBN-13 : 978-1119233404
- Item Weight : 1.88 pounds
- Dimensions : 7.6 x 1 x 9.4 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #705,188 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #684 in Aeronautics & Astronautics (Books)
- #730 in Aerospace Engineering
- #1,471 in Mechanical Engineering (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Brian A. Johnson is a former regional airline pilot and corporate pilot who holds an airline transport pilot
certificate with a multi-engine rating, in addition to commercial pilot single-engine land/sea privileges and a
remote pilot certificate with a small unmanned aircraft system rating. He is an active instrument and multiengine Gold Seal flight instructor with an advanced ground instructor rating and serves as a FAASTeam
representative.
He holds a master’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
and currently serves as an associate professor for a two-year Career Pilot/Aviation Management
degree program, in addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member for the Aeronautics department in
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide campus.
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Book in excellent condition. Contents relevant and an easy level for pilots and related professionals.










