Here is a self-contained, comprehensive introduction to the performance and design characteristics of aircraft with conventional propulsion systems. This teaching-text for a first course in aeronautical or aerospace engineering imparts an understanding of why conventional aircraft look and fly as they do. After working through this book, students and design engineers will be able to take the physical characteristics of any existing aircraft and from them determine the aircraft's range, flight regime, rate of climb, turning rate, and all other performance characteristics. The text gives a detailed overview of all the supporting technologies involved in aircraft design, including propulsion, aerodynamics and stability. It also provides a unique, in-depth treatment of turbofan and turboprop propulsion. Introduction to Aircraft Performance, Selection, and Design emphasizes simple analytical relationships applicable to classes of aircraft, rather than the traditional graphical techniques applicable only to individual aircraft with specified weights, wing areas and altitudes. It gives numerous illustrative examples and incorporates into the text many references to practical flying procedures. The text includes work-problems in each chapter and involves minimal mathematical skills such as the ability to solve a quadratic equation, take a first derivative, and perform a single integration. Throughout the book the author uses the English system of units, often with corresponding SI units and values shown in parentheses. The most accessible text of its kind, Introduction to Aircraft Performance, Selection, and Design will be an indispensable resource for all students in aeronautical or aerospace engineering, as well as practicing engineers who need a quick refresher or updating.