"Handling the Big Jets" by D.P. Davies is considered a foundational text for pilots transitioning to heavy jet transport, offering in-depth analysis on aerodynamics, sweepback effects, and high-speed flight mechanics. The book addresses crucial handling characteristics, including inertia, engine spool-up, and landing geometry essential for managing large, high-momentum aircraft. For more details on the legacy of D.P. Davies, you can search for information online.
Engine Response (Spool-up Time)
: Unlike piston engines that provide near-instant power, jet engines take time to "spool up" from idle. This delay is critical during a go-around or emergency takeoff .
The "Grandfatherly" Authority of Practicality
Download Handling the Big Jets.pdf
B. The "Backside of the Power Curve" in a Jet
about aerodynamics and engines, performance. Accurate, detailed, well explained, easy to read. David Davies, the guy who wrote it, HANDLING THE BIG JETS. Third Edition. - Aeroteca
Concise, Dense Prose
It’s not a step-by-step “how to fly” guide but an analysis of why jets behave as they do. The tone is authoritative, sometimes humorous, and intended for serious pilots, engineers, or enthusiastic simmers.
To overcome the challenges associated with handling big jets, airlines, ground handlers, and airports must adopt best practices that prioritize safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Some of these best practices include:
