Initial Airworthiness Determining the Acceptability of New Airborne Systems

Designed as an introduction for both advanced students in aerospace engineering and existing aerospace engineers, this book covers both engineering theory and professional practice in establishing the airworthiness of new and modified aircraft.

 Initial Airworthiness includes:

· how structural, handling, and systems evaluations are carried out;

· the processes by which safety and fitness for purpose are determined; and

· the use of both US and European unit systems

Covering both civil and military practice and the current regulations and standards across Europe and North America, Initial Airworthiness will give the reader an understanding of how all the major aspects of an aircraft are certified, as well as providing a valuable source of reference for existing practitioners.

What is airworthiness.?.- The atmosphere.- The pitot static system.- The flight envelope.- First principles of structural approval.- Approving an aircraft's main flight structure.- Undercarriage structural approval.- Control surfaces and circuits.- Powerplant airworthiness.- Crashworthiness.- Introduction to flying qualities evaluation.-Longitudinal stability and control.- Lateral and directional stability and control.- Aeroplane Asymmetry.- Stalling characteristics.- Systems assessment.- Facilitating continued airworthiness.

Dr. Guy Gratton has worked for 25 years in evaluating the safety of aircraft, with his work spanning every class of manned aeroplane from large airliners, via jet fighters to gliders and single seat microlights; this has included the complete clearance of several new aircraft designs, as well as testing every major component of an aircraft. He has taught, and continues to teach, this subject at several UK universities as well as managing several aeronautical research facilities.