Optimizing Jet Transport Efficiency: Performance, Operations & Economics

by Carlos E. Padilla, Russell Curtis

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional
ISBN: 007048208X

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From the Back Cover

The definitive professional's reference to jet transport safety, efficiency, and profitability Modeled on airline training courses, this groundbreaking book thoroughly explores the driving maxim of jet transport design and engineering carry as much weight as possible as far as possible as fast as possible at the greatest profit possible. Experienced performance engineer Carlos Padilla examines the key concepts and methods being used by today's TMS successful industry players to achieve this important goal. This extensively researched volume provides you with important insights and heard-to-find information gained only through experience, including comprehensive explanations of performance issues related to jet operations. Featuring helpful lists and explanations of abbreviations and relevant terminology, this authoritative manual is also filled with example problems and solutions.

Inside, you will find concise examinations of

• Challenges arising from cockpit automation
• Development of payload-range curves
• Cost index and economy speeds
• Calculations for weight and balance
• Performance-related FAA restrictions: Propulsion systems and thrust setting parameters

The competitive environment of the airline industry, makes this book a vital resource for professionals working in the jet transport environment.

Table of Contents

• The Atmosphere and Pertinent Parmeters.
• Speeds and Their Measurement.
• Aerodynamics.
• Airfoils and Wings.
• Propulsion.
• Economy Cruise.
• Descent.
• Approach and Landing.
• Weight and Balance.
• Payload-Range Curves.

Customer Reviews

As a professor of aeronautical science in a large aviation oriented college program, I had been searching for a text which covered the economic aspects of airplane performance. The author does a wonderful job covering subjects such as the "cost index" and how it relates to economic climb and economic cruise conditions. The mathematics is very basic and should be understood by persons having taken algebra and perhaps introductory physics. This is the only text that I found that goes beyond the standard performance type topics in the direction of cost impact upon operations. The book would be excellent reading for aviation professionals or students of aviation. Great book!

According to Mr. Padilla, this book "is a compilation of some of the concepts and tools used by performance engineers in the analysis of airline-related performance problems." Basic concepts are presented about "carrying as much weight as possible, as far as possible, as fast as possible, at the greatest profit."

This 'technical operations manual' provides an excellent illustration into areas drawing from all pertinent disciplines: aerodynamics, propulsion, mechanics and restrictions.

There are many mathematical equations but it is presented in a very concise format. I agree with the author that this book "would fit well at the second-year level of a standard engineering curriculum." As long as the reader understands algebra, trigonometry, and some elementary calculus, the material should be a 'touch and go.'

However, I was never a whiz at mathematics, so it took me a little longer to figure it out without a dozen professors nearby. If you are like me, don't be timid. The presentation is clear enough to gain a foothold and establish a critical bridge into the more sophisticated concepts, terminologies and technologies.