Best Aircraft Design & Construction Books of 2026

The Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C is the official source for learning to fly and for many of the test questions in the FAA Knowledge Exams for pilots. It covers basic pilot skills and knowledge that are essential for piloting airplanes, providing information on transitioning to other airplanes and the operation of various airplane systems. Developed by the Flight Standards Service in cooperation with aviation educators and industry, this handbook is ideal for student pilots, pilots who wish to improve their flying proficiency, and flight instructors. The current 2022 edition is printed in color and has 405 pages.

The Helicopter Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-21B is the official technical manual for individuals preparing for private, commercial, or flight instructor pilot certificates with a helicopter class rating. This handbook provides detailed coverage of aerodynamics, flight controls, systems, performance, flight maneuvers, emergencies, and aeronautical decision-making. It also serves as a valuable training aid for certificated flight instructors. The book is printed in color, has 201 pages, and was released in 2019. Overall, the Helicopter Flying Handbook is an essential resource for anyone looking to become a helicopter pilot or instructor.

Where Is My Flying Car? by J. Storrs Hall is a fascinating analysis of the technological stagnation that has occurred since the 1970s. The author examines the root causes of this stagnation and offers a bold vision for a future powered by exponential progress that is rich in abundance and wonder. Hall's book is an urgent and timely analysis of technological progress over the last 50 years. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of computing and the future of technology.

The Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Study Guide FAA-G-8082-22 is the official guide released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2016 and updated in 2022. This guide covers the knowledge areas required to prepare for the Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating airman knowledge test. The guide is organized according to the knowledge areas covered on the airman knowledge test, including regulations, airspace classification, weather effects, emergency procedures, and more. This book is a must-have for anyone seeking to become a certified drone pilot.

The Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General: FAA-H-8083-30A (Black & White): (AMT Aircraft Mechanic Textbook & Study Guide) is an affordable black and white print that offers basic information on principles, fundamentals, and technical procedures in the subject matter areas common to both the airframe and powerplant ratings. The handbook aids students enrolled in a formal course of instruction preparing for FAA certification as a maintenance technician as well as for current technicians who wish to improve their knowledge. The book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn the theory and methods of application of aviation maintenance.

The AC 43.13-1B & AC 43.13-2B - Aircraft Inspection, Repair & Alterations: Acceptable Methods, Techniques and Practices: (FAA Advisory Circular) is a must-have handbook for Aviation Maintenance Technicians, repair stations, aircraft owners, and homebuilders. This FAA Advisory Circular provides detailed standards for acceptable methods, techniques, and practices for the inspection, repair, and alteration of aircraft. It combines two important Advisory Circulars (ACs) written by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on this topic. The book covers a wide range of topics including aircraft hardware, engines, fuel, exhaust, avionics, and human factors. The book is illustrated throughout and includes a glossary and a list of useful acronyms and abbreviations. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone involved in aircraft maintenance and repair.

This fourth edition of Spacecraft Systems Engineering provides comprehensive coverage of spacecraft design and space mission implementation, covering a wide range of space applications and science. The text has been updated, with rewritten chapters and a new chapter on Assembly, Integration and Verification. With an emphasis on subsystem elements and their interactions, this book is an outstanding resource for aerospace engineering students and professionals in the space sector. It is highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates and practitioners. Overall, Spacecraft Systems Engineering is a valuable asset for those involved in the technical aspects of spacecraft design and engineering.

The Art of NASA provides a unique insight into the history of American space exploration through a collection of approximately 200 artworks from NASA's visual artists. The book covers 60 years of space exploration, including landmark missions such as Gemini, Mercury, and Apollo, as well as post-Space Race accomplishments. The illustrations offer a glimpse into what the space program might have looked like, and the insightful text provides wonderful stories associated with the art. The Art of NASA is a fascinating look at the art of illustration, the development of now-familiar technologies, and a must-read for anyone interested in space exploration.

The Weight and Balance Handbook FAA-H-8083-1B is an authoritative guidebook for pilots and airframe and powerplant mechanics. The book is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of weight and balance technology, which is critical to safe and efficient flight. It covers topics such as determining the empty weight and center of gravity of an aircraft, loading and operating an aircraft, and ensuring that its weight and center of gravity remain within allowable limits. The book is printed in color and is full-sized, making it easy to read and understand. Overall, this book is an essential resource for anyone involved in aviation repair and maintenance.

The Glider Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-13A is an essential technical manual for glider pilots and applicants preparing for glider category rating. This color-printed handbook includes comprehensive coverage of aerodynamics, ground operations, flight maneuvers, soaring weather, techniques, and cross-country flights. It also contains detailed information on aeronautical decision-making, components and systems, performance limitations, traffic patterns, and emergencies. With 266 pages and all errata/addenda as of 2022, the book is a valuable training aid for flight instructors. However, topics such as radio navigation, communication, and regulations are covered in other FAA publications. Overall, this handbook is a must-have for anyone who wants to improve their knowledge of glider flying.