WHY does a body weigh less at the equator than at the poles? What is meant by scale effect? What is induced drag? What is a ramjet? When do we fly at the minimum drag speed? Does the flattest glide give the longest time in the air? What are the effects of load on performance? Why does an aeroplane spin? What is inherent stability? What is a shock wave? Does the speed of sound change with height, and if so why? What is a Mach angle? What is the area rule? What is escape velocity? What is the time of circular orbit of a satellite 1000 miles from the earth's surface?

These are but a few of the hundreds of questions posed-and answered-in this book. The first chapter gives a summary of mechanics, then follow chapters on air and airflow, on aerofoils, thrust, level flight, gliding and landing, peforrmance, manoeuvres and stability and control. After this the reader is taken in his imagination into the air on a test flight as subsonic speeds are practically demonstrated. Then he is introduced to flight at transonic speeds, at supersonic speeds and finally to the problems of missiles, satellites, and space-ships.

With this book as his guide the student or apprentice will find that he can learn the fundamental principles on which flight depends without the need for delving into higher mathematics; the cadet learning to fly, and even the experienced pilot, will find the answers to his queries and a new interest in the problems that he meets with in flight. 1974 bible for thousands of pilots and flight instructors