Encyclopedia of Flight

This three-volume set addresses all categories of flying craft, both civil and military. The 321 entries (arranged alphabetically and ranging from one to six pages in length) cover kites, gliders, dirigibles, biplanes, hovercraft, rockets, missiles, satellites, famous aircraft from history, and numerous other examples from Sopwith Camels and B-52s to stealth fighters and the space shuttle. They also discuss the principles of aerodynamics and design, flying insect and animal species, mechanical and technical aspects of flying, procedural and social issues pertaining to the contemporary airline industry, the use of flight in various world conflicts, and spaceflight. Other features include profiles of major aircraft manufacturers and air carries past and present, as well as biographical information on many pioneers in aviation and aeronautics. Entries end with a bibliography and a list of "see also" references. Appropriate for high school and above. Contains many b&w illustrations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)