Weight and balance is an important aspect to the safety of flight. An overweight aircraft, or one whose center of gravity is outside the allowable limits, is inefficient and dangerous to fly. The responsibility for proper weight and balance control begins with the engineers and designers, and extends to the pilot and mechanic who flies and maintains the aircraft. This Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publication addresses this safety-crucial topic and in studying this handbook, pilots and Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) will gain the necessary knowledge on the subject of aircraft weight and balance, in preparation for the FAA Knowledge Exam as well as safe flight and maintenance operations.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Flying offers a brief history of flight, introduces the history and role of the FAA in civil aviation, FAA Regulations and standards, government references and publications, eligibility for pilot certificates, available routes to flight instructions, the role of the Certificated Flight Instructor (FI) and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) in flight training, and Practical Test Standards (PTS). Chapter 2: Aircraft Structure An aircraft is a device that is used, or intended to be used, for flight, according to the current Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14CFR) Part I. This chapter provides a brief introduction to the structure of aircraft and uses an airplane for most illustrations. Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), such as wight-shift control, balloon, glider, powered parachute, and gyroplane have their own handbooks to include detailed information regarding aerodynamics and control. Chapter 3: Principles of Flight This chapter examines the fundamental physical laws governing the forces acting on an aircraft in flight, and what effect these natural laws and forces have on the performance characteristics of aircraft. To control an aircraft, be it an airplane, helicopter, glider, or balloon, the pilot must understand the principles involved and learn to use or counteract these natural forces. Chapter 4 Aerodynamics of Flight This chapter discusses the aerodynamics of flight – how design, weight, load factors, and gravity affect an aircraft during flight maneuvers. The four forces acting on an aircraft in straight-and-level, unaccelerated flight are thrust, drag, lift, and weight. Chapter 5 Flight Controls This chapter focuses on the flight control systems a pilot uses to control the forces of flight, and the aircraft’s direction and attitude. It should be noted that flight control systems and characteristics can vary greatly depending on the type of aircraft flown. The most basic flight control system designs are mechanical and date to early aircraft. They operate with a collection of mechanical parts such as rods, cables, pulleys, and sometimes chains to transmit the forces of the flight deck controls to the control surfaces. Chapter 6 Aircraft Systems This chapter covers the primary systems found on most aircraft. These include the engine, propeller, induction, ignition, as well as the fuel, lubrication, cooling, electrical , landing gear, and environmental control systems. Chapter 7 Flight Instruments This chapter addresses the pitot-static system and associated instruments, the vacuum system and related instruments, gyroscopic instruments, and the magnetic compass. When a pilot understands how each instrument works and recognizes when an instrument is malfunctioning , he or she can safely utilize the instruments to their fullest potential. Chapter 8 Flight Manuals and Other Documents The chapter covers airplane flight manuals (AFM), the pilot’s operating handbook (POH), and aircraft documents pertaining to ownership, airworthiness, maintenance, and operations with inoperative equipment. Knowledge of these required documents and manuals is essential for a pilot to conduct a safe flight. Chapter 9 Weight and Balance Compliance with the weight and balance limits of any aircraft is critical to flight safety. Operating above the maximum weight limitation compromises the structural integrity of an aircraft and adversely affects its performance. Operations with the center of gravity (CG ) outside the approved limits results in control difficulty. Chapter 10 Aircraft Performance This chapter discusses the factors that affect aircraft performance which include the aircraft weight, atmospheric conditions, runway environment, and the fundamental physical laws governing the forces acting on an aircraft. Chapter 11 Weather Theory This chapter explains basic weather theory and offers pilots background knowledge of weather principles. It is designed to help them gain a good understanding of how weather affects daily flying activities. Understanding the theories behind weather helps a pilot make sound weather decisions based on reports and forecasts obtained from a Flight Service Station (FSS) weather specialist and other aviation weather services. Be it a local flight or a long cross-country flight, decisions based on weather can dramatically affect the safety of the flight. Chapter 12 Aviation Weather Services In aviation, weather service is a combined effort of the National Weather Service (NWS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Defense, DOD), other aviation groups and individuals. While weather forecasts are not 100 percent accurate, meteorologists, through careful scientific study and computer modeling, have the ability to predict weather patterns, trends, and characteristics with increasing accuracy. These reports and forecasts enable pilots to make informed decisions regarding weather and flight safety before and during a flight. Chapter 13 Airport Operations This chapter focuses on airport operations both in the air and on the surface. By adhering to established procedures, both airport operations and safety are enhanced. Chapter 14 Airspace This chapter introduces the various classifications of airspace and provides information on the requirements to operate in such airspace. For further information, consult the AIM and 14 CFR parts 71, 73, and 91. Chapter 15 Navigation This chapter provides an introduction to cross-country flying under visual flight rules (VFR). It contains practical information for planning and executing cross-country flights for the beginning pilot. Chapter 16 Aeromedcial Factors It is important for a pilot to be aware of the mental and physical standards required for the type of flying done. This chapter provides information on medical certification and on a variety of aeromedical factors related to flight activities. Chapter 17 Aeronautical Decision-Making This chapter focuses on helping the pilot improve his or her ADM skills with the goal of mitigating the risk factors associated with flight in both classic and automated aircraft. In the end, the discussion is not so much about aircraft, but about the people who fly them. Includes Appendix with tables of information, a glossary and an index.
Every day in the United States, over two million men, women, and children step onto an aircraft and place their lives in the hands of strangers. As anyone who has ever flown knows, modern flight offers unparalleled advantages in travel and freedom, but it also comes with grave responsibility and risk. For the first time in its history, the Federal Aviation Administration has put together a set of easy-to-understand guidelines and principles that will help pilots of any skill level minimize risk and maximize safety while in the air. The Risk Management Handbook offers full-color diagrams and illustrations to help students and pilots visualize the science of flight, while providing straightforward information on decision-making and the risk-management process.
The Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook has been prepared in recognition of the importance of weight and balance technology in conducting safe and efficient flight. The objective of this handbook is twofold: to provide the airframe and powerplant mechanic (A&P) with the method of determining the empty weight and empty weight center of gravity (EWCG) of an aircraft and to furnish the flight crew with information on loading and operating the aircraft to ensure its weight is within the allowable limit and the center of gravity (CG) is within the allowable range.
The Flight Navigator Handbook provides information on all phases of air navigation and is a source of reference for everyone in the field, from navigators to navigator students. This handbook explains how to measure, chart the earth, and use flight instruments to solve basic navigation problems. It also contains data pertaining to flight publications, preflight planning, in-flight procedures, and low altitude navigation. Specific topics covered throughout the pages of this informational and helpful guide include: Reading maps, charts, and grids Dead reckoning Radio aid fixing and radio navigation Celestial concepts and special celestial techniques Computing altitude Pressure pattern navigation And much more! Additional information can also be found in the four included and up-to-date appendixes. This includes a listing of references and supporting information used in this publication; mathematical formulas to use as an aid in preflight and in-flight computations; chart and navigation symbols; and a Celestial Computation Sheet.
General Aviation Aircraft Design, Second Edition, continues to be the engineer's best source for answers to realistic aircraft design questions. The book has been expanded to provide design guidance for additional classes of aircraft, including seaplanes, biplanes, UAS, high-speed business jets, and electric airplanes. In addition to conventional powerplants, design guidance for battery systems, electric motors, and complete electric powertrains is offered. The second edition contains new chapters: - Thrust Modeling for Gas Turbines - Longitudinal Stability and Control - Lateral and Directional Stability and Control These new chapters offer multiple practical methods to simplify the estimation of stability derivatives and introduce hinge moments and basic control system design. Furthermore, all chapters have been reorganized and feature updated material with additional analysis methods. This edition also provides an introduction to design optimization using a wing optimization as an example for the beginner. Written by an engineer with more than 25 years of design experience, professional engineers, aircraft designers, aerodynamicists, structural analysts, performance analysts, researchers, and aerospace engineering students will value the book as the classic go-to for aircraft design. - The printed book is now in color, with 1011 figures and illustrations! - Presents the most common methods for conceptual aircraft design - Clear presentation splits text into shaded regions, separating engineering topics from mathematical derivations and examples - Design topics range from the "new" 14 CFR Part 23 to analysis of ducted fans. All chapters feature updated material with additional analysis methods. Many chapters have been reorganized for further help. Introduction to design optimization is provided using a wing optimization as an example for the beginner - Three new chapters are offered, two of which focus on stability and control. These offer multiple practical methods to simplify the estimation of stability derivatives. The chapters introduce hinge moments and basic control system design - Real-world examples using aircraft such as the Cirrus SR-22 and Learjet 45
FLIGHT THEORY AND AERODYNAMICS GET A PILOT'S PERSPECTIVE ON FLIGHT AERODYNAMICS FROM THE MOST UP-TO-DATE EDITION OF A CLASSIC TEXT The newly revised Fourth Edition of Flight Theory and Aerodynamics delivers a pilot-oriented approach to flight aerodynamics without assuming an engineering background. The book connects the principles of aerodynamics and physics to their practical applications in a flight environment. With content that complies with FAA rules and regulations, readers will learn about atmosphere, altitude, airspeed, lift, drag, applications for jet and propeller aircraft, stability controls, takeoff, landing, and other maneuvers. The latest edition of Flight Theory and Aerodynamics takes the classic textbook first developed by Charles Dole and James Lewis in a more modern direction and includes learning objectives, real world vignettes, and key idea summaries in each chapter to aid in learning and retention. Readers will also benefit from the accompanying online materials, like a test bank, solutions manual, and FAA regulatory references. Updated graphics included throughout the book correlate to current government agency standards. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to basic concepts in physics and mechanics, aerodynamic terms and definitions, and the primary and secondary flight control systems of flown aircraft An exploration of atmosphere, altitude, and airspeed measurement, with an increased focus on practical applications Practical discussions of structures, airfoils, and aerodynamics, including flight control systems and their characteristics In-depth examinations of jet aircraft fundamentals, including material on aircraft weight, atmospheric conditions, and runway environments New step-by-step examples of how to apply math equations to real-world situations Perfect for students and instructors in aviation programs such as pilot programs, aviation management, and air traffic control, Flight Theory and Aerodynamics will also appeal to professional pilots, dispatchers, mechanics, and aviation managers seeking a one-stop resource explaining the aerodynamics of flight from the pilot's perspective.
Wilderness EMS is designed for EMS providers and leaders who deliver medical care in the wilderness, and those practicing wilderness medicine as part of a formal team. The textbook is a comprehensive, expertly-written reference ideal for this fast-changing and multidisciplinary specialty. This first-of-its-kind text provides specialized instruction and best practices for wilderness EMS practitioners and students – crucial information for the success of today’s rescue missions. A strong foundation in evidence-based medicine, clinical experience, and field applicability makes it especially useful for any EMS provider in a wilderness environment.
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, created by the Federal Aviation Administration, is the official reference manual for pilots at all levels. An indispensable and invaluable encyclopedia, it deals with all aspects of aeronautical information. Each chapter focuses on a different area that pilots are tested on in flight school and must need to know before they fly a plane on of their own. These topics include: aircraft structure principles of aerodynamics flight controls aircraft systems flight instruments and more Flight manuals and documentation are also covered, as is specialized information on such matters as weight and balance, aircraft performance, weather, navigation, airport operations, aeromedical factors, and decision-making while flying. An updated appendix, detailed index, and full glossary make this book easy to navigate and useful in quick reference situations.
