Best Aerodynamics Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Aerodynamics books are essential resources for anyone interested in the science of flight. These books cover a wide range of topics, from the basic principles of aerodynamics to advanced concepts in aircraft design and performance. They are written by experts in the field and are designed to be accessible to both students and professionals. Some of the best aerodynamics books include "Introduction to Flight" by John D. Anderson Jr., "Aerodynamics for Engineers" by John J. Bertin and Russell M. Cummings, and "Fundamentals of Aerodynamics" by John D. Anderson Jr. These books provide a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the principles of aerodynamics and are a must-have for anyone interested in aviation.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C: Pilot Flight Training Study Guide Cover#TOP 1
Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C: Pilot Flight Training Study Guide
ftb score rating icon9.8
Fold and Fly Paper Airplane Kit Cover#TOP 2
Fold and Fly Paper Airplane Kit
ftb score rating icon9.7
FAR/AIM 2023: Up-to-Date FAA Regulations Cover#TOP 3
FAR/AIM 2023: Up-to-Date FAA Regulations
ftb score rating icon9.5

Top 10 Aerodynamics Books

Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C: Pilot Flight Training Study Guide

Federal Aviation Administration
Nov 30, 2021
Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C: Pilot Flight Training Study Guide Cover
Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C: Pilot Flight Training Study Guide (Color Print)
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

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.

Publications International Ltd.
Publications International, Ltd.
Oct 1, 2020
Fold and Fly Paper Airplane Kit Cover
Fold and Fly Paper Airplane Kit
ftb score rating icon9.7
FTB Score

The Fold and Fly Paper Airplane Kit by Publications International, Ltd. is a fun and engaging children's papercraft book. The kit includes colorful sheets to make 100 paper airplanes, stickers to decorate the planes, and a 36-page booklet with basic aerodynamics, tips and tricks, and step-by-step folding instructions for 90 different airplane models. The book is perfect for the whole family to enjoy and encourages creativity and imagination. Overall, the Fold and Fly Paper Airplane Kit is a unique and entertaining way to spend quality time with loved ones.

FAR/AIM 2023: Up-to-Date FAA Regulations

Federal Aviation Administration
Mar 28, 2023
FAR/AIM 2023: Up-to-Date FAA Regulations Cover
FAR/AIM 2023: Up-to-Date FAA Regulations / Aeronautical Information Manual (FAR/AIM Federal Aviation Regulations)
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

The FAR/AIM 2023 is an essential resource for aviators and aviation enthusiasts, providing up-to-date information on federal regulations, procedures, and illustrations for safe operation in US airspace. It includes a comprehensive guide to specific pilot training certifications and ratings, a glossary for pilots and controllers, standard instrument procedures, airworthiness standards, and important FAA contact details. This book is the most complete guide to aviation rules available and a must-have for anyone in the aviation community. The FAA's commitment to providing the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world is evident in this comprehensive guide.

Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement for Sport Pilot

Federal Aviation Administration
Jan 15, 2022
Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement for Sport Pilot Cover
Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement for Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, Remote Pilot, and Private Pilot: FAA-CT-8080-2H Color Print
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

The "Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement for Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, Remote Pilot, and Private Pilot: FAA-CT-8080-2H Color Print" is a comprehensive handbook published by the FAA Flight Standards Service for individuals seeking certification in aviation. It is intended for use by authorized entities to administer airman knowledge tests in various knowledge areas. The book is printed in full color and supersedes the previous edition from 2016. With 112 pages and a glossy paperback cover, this handbook is an essential resource for anyone pursuing a career in aviation.

Drone FAA 107 License Study Guide

Darnall, Damon
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Sep 8, 2018
Drone FAA 107 License Study Guide Cover
Drone FAA 107 License Study Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Pass Your 107 Test the First Time
ftb score rating icon9.3
FTB Score

The Drone FAA 107 License Study Guide by Damon Darnall (The DroneBoss) is a comprehensive guide designed to help aspiring drone pilots pass the FAA Part 107 exam on their first try. With the author's 25 years of commercial experience and 12,000 drone flying hours, the guide covers everything from rules and regulations to airspace and sectional charts, as well as providing exam expectations and best practices for test day. The book also includes bonus resources such as a practice test and information on building a profitable drone business. Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for anyone looking to become a licensed drone pilot.

#TOP 6

Illustrated Guide to Aerodynamics

Smith, Hubert
McGraw Hill
Dec 1, 1991
Illustrated Guide to Aerodynamics Cover
Illustrated Guide to Aerodynamics
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

The Illustrated Guide to Aerodynamics by Hubert C. "Skip" Smith is a must-read for pilots and technicians who want to understand how and why an aircraft behaves as it does. Unlike most books on the subject, this introductory guide avoids technical jargon and complex calculations, making the principles of flight easy to understand and even fascinating. The book covers all aspects of aerodynamics, including lift, thrust, drag, in-air performance, stability, and control, as well as aircraft design from concept to test flight. With expanded coverage of modern aircraft design and the latest advances in laminar flow airfoils, wing and fuselage design, and high-performance lightplanes, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in aviation.

Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide FAA-G-8082-22

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Nov 15, 2021
Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide FAA-G-8082-22 Cover
Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Study Guide FAA-G-8082-22: (Drone Pilot Written Test Prep)
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

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.

Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - General

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Dec 21, 2021
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - General Cover
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General: FAA-H-8083-30A (Black & White): (AMT Aircraft Mechanic Textbook & Study Guide)
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

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.

#TOP 9

Model Aircraft Aerodynamics

Simons, Martin
Chris Lloyd Sales & Marketing
Jan 15, 2015
Model Aircraft Aerodynamics Cover
Model Aircraft Aerodynamics
ftb score rating icon8.8
FTB Score

Model Aircraft Aerodynamics by imusti is a must-read for model-building enthusiasts. This book delves into the science of aerodynamics and how it applies to model aircraft. The author explains the principles of lift, drag, and stability, and how they affect the flight of model planes. The book also covers the design and construction of model aircraft, including wings, fuselage, and control surfaces. With detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions, the book is easy to follow and understand. Overall, Model Aircraft Aerodynamics is a valuable resource for anyone interested in building and flying model planes.

Fundamentals of Aerodynamics

Anderson, John
McGraw Hill
Mar 21, 2016
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics Cover
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics
ftb score rating icon8.7
FTB Score

Fundamentals of Aerodynamics is a conversational book that aims to make learning aerodynamics easier. It emphasizes the theoretical and physical background of aerodynamics, including historical notes that provide a background on the technology. The book includes learning objectives and "Integrated Work Challenges" that give readers the opportunity to integrate the material and solve a bigger picture. Additionally, McGraw-Hill's Connect is available as an optional, add-on item. This book is a comprehensive guide to aerodynamics and is highly recommended for students and professionals in the field.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the basic aerodynamics?

There are three basic forces to be considered in aerodynamics: thrust, which moves an airplane forward; drag, which holds it back; and lift, which keeps it airborne. ... In obedience to Newton's third law of motion, which requires an equal and opposite reaction, the airplane is deflected upward.

2. What is the study of aerodynamics?

Aerodynamics is the study of forces and the resulting motion of objects through the air. ... Because aerodynamics involves both the motion of the object and the reaction of the air, there are several pages devoted to basic gas properties and how those properties change through the atmosphere.

3. What are examples of aerodynamics?

Some technologies that depend on aerodynamics are cars, bicycle racing helmets, wind turbines, and golf balls. Aerodynamics is the way air moves around things. Since air is all around us, there are many examples of aerodynamic technology other than for aircraft.

Editor's Notes

During our aerodynamics book research, we found 1,200+ aerodynamics book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 10,920 customer reviews through our big data system to write the aerodynamics books list. We found that most customers choose aerodynamics books with an average price of $19.08.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.