Introduction

This is not a book of new knowledge. It is, rather, an arrangement of existing knowledge from many sources into a concise presentation of what pilots should know about basic aircraft systems, based on my experiences over thirty-five years of flying and fourteen years of teaching Aircraft Systems to university students.

This text includes a brief study of the fundamentals of physical matter (from which airplanes are made) and mechanics (how airplane parts act and react) and sufficient study of each type of system which, when understood, will allow the professional pilot to stay abreast of the learning which must occur as the pilot advances into management of more and more complex aircraft.

How To Use This Textbook

Bold words have been chosen to call the reader’s attention to their importance . When you read a bold word, be alert because the word will be defined or described within the sentence OR it has been so defined earlier OR shortly will be defined.

Bold Words:

1. Are about to be defined or described―be alert for this.
2. Are important to the pilot’s knowledge base―learn them!
3. Are very important to the meaning of the sentence. If they are not defined, they are considered to be common knowledge. If you don’t know the word and can’t find it defined nearby in the text, seek its meaning in the classroom or from other books.
4. If you run across a word you don’t know that isn’t bold, stop and consult your dictionary. It is the only way you will be able to fully understand the sentence you have just read and besides, this is how we all build our vocabulary.

Insofar as possible, publishing standards (abbreviations, etc.) follow those of the publications manual of the APA as it is a standard that is widely accepted by aviation programs in higher education.

This book is designed to permit the student to self-learn. To utilize your instructor most efficiently, learn the assignment BEFORE coming to class. Use the study questions, as one method, to see how well you have understood what you have studied. Make notes or questions on what you don’t understand so you can get further explanation and clarification from your instructor. This way. the instructor won’t need to use valuable class time to teach you what you can learn on your own. In the class time saved, your instructor can take you “beyond the book .” By this means, even more can be learned in the time available. Remember—it’s YOUR class time!

For the pilot who is not involved in a formal study program, welcome to another opportunity to have fun—learning more about airplanes! I hope you enjoy the adventure .