Aeroplane construction : A handbook on the various methods and details of construction employed in the building of aeroplanes

This handbook offers a clear survey of the methods and details used in building modern aeroplanes at the dawn of the post‑war era. Written by an experienced member of the Royal Aeronautical Society, it blends practical construction knowledge with just enough aerodynamics to explain why each component is shaped the way it is. The text is richly illustrated, with diagrams that can be enlarged for close study, making it useful for both engineers in the shop and anyone curious about how these fragile‑looking machines stay aloft.

The first chapter stresses the central challenge of attaining maximum strength while keeping weight to a minimum, and it walks the reader through the engineering decisions that address that problem. A recurring theme is the call for standardised metal fittings and wooden parts, pointing out how the industry of the time still produced a bewildering variety of unique details for each aircraft. By highlighting common elements such as fuselage clips, longeron joints, and under‑carriage brackets, the book shows how modest changes could save labour, material, and costs without sacrificing performance.