Presents examples of lessons learned in airplane design since 1945. The lessons are largely drawn from the aircraft design and accident/incident literature. The author hopes that this book will contribute to the safety of flight. A brief summary is presented of safety statistics, certification and operational standards, safety standards and their relationship to design in general. Accident/incident discussions are presented in the following areas: operational experience; structural design; flight control system design; powerplant installation design; systems design; manufacturing and maintenance; aerodynamic design; configuration design and aircraft sizing. In each case the discussion starts with the recounting of a problem which arose. Then the probable cause of the problem is identified, one or more solutions are indicated and finally a lesson learned is formulated. Since many designers will eventually become program managers, it is instructive to recount some trials and tribulations associated with marketing, pricing and program decision making. As is shown by many examples in this book, safety of airplanes often starts in the design phase. However, sometimes the certification process itself, for whatever reason, fails. This book will be useful to practicing design engineers, test pilots and program managers. It can be used in the classroom to help in the education of future aircraft designers and engineering/maintenance personnel. (Publisher's blurb)

Through the darkest days of the Second World War, an elite group of courageous civilian women risked their lives as aerial courier pilots, flying Lancaster bombers, Spitfires and many other powerful war machines in thousands of perilous missions. The dangers these women faced were many: they flew unarmed, without radio and in some cases without instruments, in conditions where even unexpected cloud could mean disaster. In The Female Few, five of these astonishingly brave women tell their awe-inspiring tales of incredible risk, tenacity and sacrifice. Their spirit and fearlessness in the face of death still resonates down the years, and their accounts reveal a forgotten chapter in the history of the Second World War.

This is the true account of one of America's greatest aircraft producers, North American Aviation: its rise and its fall. It is the story of its only two CEOs: "Dutch" Kindelberger and Lee Atwood. One would oversee its rise, and the other would oversee its fall across the tumultuous backdrop of the Age of Flight. The real reason for the fall may never be known, but some of those involved share their viewpoints in this book.The story provides perspective on why things happened, shares anecdotes about the people and the airplanes, and what both did for aviation. Their achievements and what they represent in our imagination is the stuff of legend.We hope all of our readers-aviation buffs, historians, and future CEOs-gain an insight into the effort, rewards, and pitfalls that lie along the path to achieving great things.Warren E. Thompson. Military Aviation Historian, says of North American Aviation: The Rise and Fall of an Aerospace Giant, "John Casey was in upper management positions with North American Aviation from 1941 until he retired in 1968. His knowledge of the aviation manufacturing business during World War II and the early years of the Cold War with the Soviet Union is second to none. He has written several books, and this one is the best yet. His book could fit the profile of just about any aerospace giant that has disappeared over the past 40+ years. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in aviation."

In 1994, the most popular president since FDR has only weeks to live, but his deteriorating condition must be kept secret to bolster the precarious new East-West negotiations. Only one man could save him--a man who died in a 1942 Japanese POW camp in the Philippines. The thrills come off right on time.--Publishers Weekly.

This edition of this this flight stability and controls guide features an unintimidating math level, full coverage of terminology, and expanded discussions of classical to modern control theory and autopilot designs. Extensive examples, problems, and historical notes, make this concise book a vital addition to the engineer's library.