The book "Flight Stability and Automatic Control" by Dr. Robert C. Nelson, published by McGraw-Hill, is a comprehensive resource on aircraft stability and control. The second edition includes improvements to the first six chapters, such as more worked-out examples, additional problems, and new material to enhance understanding. The major addition is an expanded section on automatic control theory and its application to flight control system design. The book is intended for senior undergraduate or first-year graduate students and covers topics including static stability, aircraft equations of motion, dynamic stability, flying qualities, automatic control theory, and the synthesis of automatic flight control systems. It begins with an introduction to atmospheric flight mechanics, covering basic aerodynamic concepts, aircraft instruments, and the properties of the atmosphere. Subsequent chapters delve into static stability and control, aircraft equations of motion, longitudinal and lateral motion, and the response to control or atmospheric inputs. The latter part of the book focuses on automatic control theory, including classical and modern control techniques, and their application to aircraft autopilot design. The author emphasizes the interplay between performance, aeroelasticity, stability, and control, highlighting the importance of these disciplines in modern aircraft design. The book also includes appendices with additional data and review material on mathematical and analytical techniques. Dr. Nelson, a renowned expert in aerospace engineering, has contributed over 100 articles and papers to the field and has held various academic and consulting positions. The book is designed to provide a solid foundation in aircraft flight dynamics and control, making it a valuable resource for students and professionals in the aerospace industry.The book "Flight Stability and Automatic Control" by Dr. Robert C. Nelson, published by McGraw-Hill, is a comprehensive resource on aircraft stability and control. The second edition includes improvements to the first six chapters, such as more worked-out examples, additional problems, and new material to enhance understanding. The major addition is an expanded section on automatic control theory and its application to flight control system design. The book is intended for senior undergraduate or first-year graduate students and covers topics including static stability, aircraft equations of motion, dynamic stability, flying qualities, automatic control theory, and the synthesis of automatic flight control systems. It begins with an introduction to atmospheric flight mechanics, covering basic aerodynamic concepts, aircraft instruments, and the properties of the atmosphere. Subsequent chapters delve into static stability and control, aircraft equations of motion, longitudinal and lateral motion, and the response to control or atmospheric inputs. The latter part of the book focuses on automatic control theory, including classical and modern control techniques, and their application to aircraft autopilot design. The author emphasizes the interplay between performance, aeroelasticity, stability, and control, highlighting the importance of these disciplines in modern aircraft design. The book also includes appendices with additional data and review material on mathematical and analytical techniques. Dr. Nelson, a renowned expert in aerospace engineering, has contributed over 100 articles and papers to the field and has held various academic and consulting positions. The book is designed to provide a solid foundation in aircraft flight dynamics and control, making it a valuable resource for students and professionals in the aerospace industry.