THE MECHANICS OF LIGHT AIRCRAFT FLIGHT

This book is intended for airplane pilots, amateur aircraft manufacturers, and those who wish to develop their knowledge of flight mechanics and aerodynamics.

The fundamental principles governing the flight of an aircraft are explained, preceded by basic notions concerning aerodynamics, anemometry (altitude and speed), flight control operation and the power train. The different phases of flight are studied, starting with straight flight and ending with take-off and landing; they are approached from the point of view of performance, as well as from the point of view of flight qualities (control surfaces and flight stability). The limits of the flight envelope, the consequences of icing and turbulence, as well as aspects specific to twin-engine aircraft are presented at the end of the book.

As for a pilot, light aircraft is often the first step in an aeronautical career, this book can also be considered as an introduction to the study of flight mechanics. Indeed, if the principles of flight are the same for all aircraft, the simplicity of light aircraft design and the more restricted range of speed and altitude in which they evolve, allow an easier approach to the different notions of flight mechanics.

The general presentation is intended to be as simple as possible and the use of mathematical equations limited to a minimum. The authors have therefore chosen to present at the end of the different chapters certain aspects which are not essential for a first reading and which may appear more complex.