This week while visiting my local library, I ran across a book that bridges the gap between the usual text for pilots and laymen that simplify a complex subject, often to the point of inaccuracy, and the college texts that presume a knowledge of mathematics and science that many modelers don’t have. The title is “Illustrated Guide To Aerodynamics” by Hubert “Skip” Smith. Although first published in 1985, it is still available.

It includes chapters on performance, stability and control, design and some airfoil data. It doesn’t sacrifice accuracy for the sake of simplicity, and uses mathematics where necessary, although not usually beyond a high school level. If you are serious about understanding more about why your airplane flies like it does, and how to make improvements based on science rather than guesswork, this is a book you need