The study of aircraft control combines the knowledge of aerodynamics with the physical systems of an aircraft to enhance the aircraft's performance under varying conditions. In order to analyze the high number of variables that come into play, numerical methods and differential equations are used to model the real world conditions. Ultimately, a simulation of real world conditions is created using a computer or wind tunnel. This is a second edition of a well respected title that covers aerodynamics, the control systems, and mathematics involved in analyzing the performance of aircraft not only in the real world but also in computer simulated flight and gaming.

This best seller has been revised to target both the undergraduate and graduate level courses in flight mechanics and aircraft control. A new chapter has been added to the front of the book covering basic aerodynamics, aircraft configurations and static stability. These changes allow the book to be used for mainstream undergraduate courses while maintaining coverage that made this book a staple at the graduate course level. To facilitate this dual usage, the undergraduate material is self-contained from the graduate material covered to allow use of basic and/or advanced materials. The authors have added computer calculations in MatLab, which is commonly used in industry.