A combination of yaw and roll. The manual explains why this occurs (weak directional stability) and how to use the yaw damper, or manually counteract it [2].
In 2023, the UK CAA re-issued some classic aviation training texts via the (The Stationery Office). Search for "Handling the Big Jets 3rd edition" there. A legal ePub or PDF exists for approximately £25–35.
Explains how swept wings affect Dutch roll, spiral stability, and speed stability. It also covers mach tuck, pitch-up, and control force gradients in a way that’s practical for pilots.
Unlike propeller aircraft, jets do not have propeller slipstream blowing over the wings to increase lift at low speeds. Therefore, heavy jets require:
For those interested in learning more about handling big jets, a comprehensive guide is available for download. The guide, titled "Handling the Big Jets.pdf," provides an in-depth look at the challenges and best practices associated with managing large aircraft. The guide covers topics such as:
Davies was ahead of his time in acknowledging the psychological demands of flying heavy machinery. He discusses:
Early turbojets could take up to 6 to 8 seconds to spool up from idle to full thrust. Davies emphasizes the absolute necessity of maintaining stabilized approaches to avoid being caught low and slow with no immediate power available.
This is where the book dives into the truly unique aspects of jet flight. It explains the the narrow margin between the low-speed stall and the high-speed Mach buffet at high altitudes. It discusses the characteristics of swept wings, including Dutch roll (the coupled yaw-roll oscillation) and why jets require yaw dampers. It covers mach trim, high-lift devices for slow flight, spoilers, and the use of stick shakers and pushers to prevent stalls. As one reviewer noted, it's a great resource for understanding "swept wings, high speed flight, jet engine operations".
The Aviator’s Bible: Why "Handling the Big Jets" Remains Essential Reading
In the post-war decades, he became the most important "pilot's advocate" in British civil aviation. His role involved putting every new jet airliner through its paces before it could be certified as safe for passenger service. From the de Havilland Comet to the Boeing 707 and the mighty 747, his recommendations from the flight test program directly influenced crucial design changes to ensure safety and good handling qualities. It was from this unparalleled position of expertise that he wrote Handling the Big Jets (originally published in 1967), a work that has since earned him the reputation of being "the test pilots' test pilot".
Today, despite massive advancements in glass cockpits, digital flight control laws, and automation, searching for a remains a rite of passage for aspiring airline pilots, flight simulator enthusiasts, and aviation historians alike.
For many pilots, the most stressful phases of flight get special attention. Davies tackles the unique challenges of landing big jets, including high sink rates on approach, reduced roll control on the ground due to spoiler lift dumping, high ground speeds, and the dangers of aquaplaning and landing on contaminated runways. He covers techniques for take-off rotations, the use of reverse thrust, and the critical differences in landing performance scheduling compared to lighter aircraft.
Higher landing and takeoff speeds are required to prevent stalling.
Piston engines provide near-instantaneous power response when the throttle is advanced. Jet engines do not. Davies highlights two critical traps: