The Aircraft Cockpit

The aircraft cockpit has evolved beyond all recognition since the dawn of flight — from nothing more than a cradle among the struts and wires of the early flying machines to the digitalized 'front office' of today's airliner or the futuristic environment of the fighter pilot.
In the first book of its kind, L. F. E. Coombs surveys the evolution of the pilot's place from the first powered flight of 1903 to the present, and on into the future. Significant civil and military aircraft types are selected to show the more important changes as aviation science and technology have progressed. Instruments and controls form a central element — how they originated, why they are where they are, and the differences they have made — together with consideration of 'the human factor', the pilot, and in due course crew, and their problems and responsibilities.
Detailed coverage is given to the origins of many design standards (such as which side the pilot sits) and early important aids to safety and regularity of flight, among them the development of radio systems for navigation and guidance, and of instruments for 'blind flying'.
Cockpits of the First and Second World War receive particular attention, corresponding to the advances in controls and instruments that the two wars brought about. Following the emergence of the closed cockpit which replaced the open cockpit in the 'thirties, developments of five decades are examined culminating in the digital computer technology, electronic colour instruments and flight management and control systems, including fly-by-wire, of the 'eighties. Even more advanced control and instrument concepts are already being evaluated for the future, and are also described and illustrated.
L. F. E. Coombs writes from long professional experience of the subject and at an understandable level, drawing together a wide range of information. Illustrated with almost 200 photographs and some beautifully clear diagrams, here is a book for enthusiasts, students, pilots, and anyone with an interest in aviation.



by L. F. E. Coombs
Published by PSL 1990 1st edition. 240pp profusely illustrated with b&w photos, drawings, illustrated end papers, index, bibliography. 20x25 mint, including d/j.





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"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "new edition" "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.

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