Item: An illustrated dictionary of aviation / compiled by Bharat Kumar, chief editor
ISBN 0-07-139606-3
Format: Hardcover, xv, 752 pg. ; ill. 24 cm.
Scope: This resource is a dictionary of terms with explanations related to all areas of aviation. This source is a comprehensive collection of aeronautics, air traffic control, navigation, avionics, aircraft operation, meteorology, and aviation medicine. The source focuses on aircraft and aviation rather than information on satellites, missiles, and space.
Relation to similar works: This dictionary is a unique single source that covers far more than traditional aviation reference materials which usually only focus on a single subject or are formatted as test study guides for specific aviation ratings.
Authority: The editor-in-chief of this resource is a former Air Chief Marshall for the Indian Air Force. Two assistant editors are both faculty members of the University of North Dakota’s aviation school. The UND aviation program is considered one of the top programs in the US. The source is published by McGraw Hill, a recognized as a publisher of the “most respected and well-known works in a wide range of professional fields” according to Credo Reference.
Treatment: The dictionary source is well organized and when checked against other sources, such as the FAA Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, is accurate. The black and white drawings are small but detailed enough to clarify the definitions presented. Unfortunately, some definition would be better explained with color instead of black and white drawings. For example the definition of an air speed indicator (ASI) the definition refer to the white, green, and yellow arc. The illustration indicates parts of the ASI and states a color. The point could have been made clearer with a color picture. This dictionary source, published in 2005 is current. Aviation terms are not revised annually and this source will remain pertinent into the future.
Arrangement: The arrangement of the information is alphabetical. At the end of the dictionary there is a glossary of aviation acronyms that is also arranged alphabetically.
Special Features: Source covers over 7,400 terms and has over 2,400 black and white illustrations.
Cost: $80 US. per copy. When compared to having to acquire several publications to obtain all of the information in this one source the price is extremely economical.
