Learjet 24 (24-123, N3731) Credit: Paul Bowen This book offers an unique, comprehensive retrospective on the Learjet aircraft, from the establishment by Bill Lear in the sixties, to its slow demise in 2021. It accompanies readers on a unique journey through the configuration changes, and advanced technological applications that have transformed business jets and their market in the last sixty years. Important insights are given into numerous patents and innovations that have shaped the development of new technologies and aerodynamic improvements such as the winglet. Furthermore, this book presents many special missions carried out by the Learjet family, such as VIP, business and ambulance flights, research and military projects, and the use of Learjet in aerobatics, as well as aerial photography and cinematography. With a great number of original photographs and drawings, interesting events, stories and anecdotes, this book provides today’s aeronautical and systems engineers and test pilots with an invaluable source of information and inspiration. Yet, it also offers a compelling reading to students, professionals and scientists in the aerospace field as well as to curious readers with a general interest in aeronautics. Learjet 31A (31-131, N31LR) Credit: Paul Bowen

This is the story of a naive kid who thought people did the right thing and the good guys always won. But the world isn't as he expected. He sees corruption, poverty, and death. Repulsed at first, he descends into this dark world and becomes corrupt himself. After facing death too many times, he seeks redemption.

This landmark joint publication between the National Air and Space Museum and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics chronicles the evolution of the small gas turbine engine through its comprehensive study of a major aerospace industry. Drawing on in-depth interviews with pioneers, current project engineers, and company managers, engineering papers published by the manufacturers, and the tremendous document and artifact collections at the National Air and Space Museum, the book captures and memorializes small engine development from its earliest stage. Leyes and Fleming leap back nearly 50 years for a first look at small gas turbine engine development and the seven major corporations that dared to produce, market, and distribute the products that contributed to major improvements and uses of a wide spectrum of aircraft. In non-technical language, the book illustrates the broad-reaching influence of small turbinesfrom commercial and executive aircraft to helicopters and missiles deployed in recent military engagements. Detailed corporate histories and photographs paint a clear historical picture of turbine development up to the present. See for yourself why The History of North American Small Gas Turbine Aircraft Engines is the most definitive reference book in its field. The publication of The History of North American Small Gas Turbine Aircraft Engines represents an important milestone for the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). For the first time, there is an authoritative study of small gas turbine engines, arguably one of the most significant spheres of aeronautical technology in the second half o