Aerospatiale-bac Concorde: 1969 to 2003

Haynes Owners' Workshop Manual

by David MacDonald, David MacDonald

Written by two of British Airways' most experienced Concorde flight crew, the Concorde Manual is the latest aircraft manual from Haynes, following on from the acclaim received by the Spitfire Manual. Concentrating on the technical and engineering aspects of Concorde, this manual gives rare insights into owning, operating, servicing and flying the supersonic airliner. Although the British and French Concorde fleets were prematurely retired in 2003, interest in this marvel of design and technology remains undiminished and all who admire Concorde will relish the unique information provided in this innovative title.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2010

About the author

David MacDonald was born and grew up in southern Ontario.

After studying English Literature at the University of Toronto, David became a writer and editor, specializing in books for young people. In addition to co-authoring A Native American Thought of It (2008), David has written several educational books for young readers, and has edited over 40 books for children, including picture books, fairy tale anthologies, biographies, and nonfiction on a wide variety of topics.

David lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concorde was an audacious project and an aeronautical triumph, one that still inspires awe over 60 years since it was conceived and developed. It remains today an iconic symbol of the 20th century. Justly so, much has been written about this inspirational aircraft. This volume steers clear of the political issues, of which there were many, and dives into the technical side of things. Operational considerations, systems descriptions and technical challenges are presented by the co-authors, both highly experienced Concorde flight crew members. Many detailed photographs (especially cockpit panels!) and schematics help the reader visualize the concepts. I was particularly intrigued by the sophisticated fuel system which, in addition to its obvious role of fuel storage/delivery, played an integral and dynamic function as moveable ballast through a flight’s ever-changing weight and balance regime. Also fascinating is the engine air induction system. All challenges of supersonic flight. And to think that these flights occurred not with flight-suited steely eyed test pilots, but with 100 well-heeled, champagne-sipping passengers toasting the achievement of Mach 2! It is, still, the stuff of fantasy.
So hats off to the 2 authors for tackling this much needed aspect of Concorde’s story, and a commendable job.
The reason for the 4-stars is, simply, that this book has a bit of a limited audience. Someone with no technical or aeronautical background may be intimidated and ultimately put off, but to the authors’ credit, a praiseworthy effort to bring these highly technical concepts to a large readership.

[Bastiaan Harmsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. A lovely description of the technical marvel 'Concorde' and its operations.

[Robert Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 2010, this novelty Haynes guide to Concorde follows the usual format of a short historical section followed by numerous in-depth sections looking at specific aspects of the aircraft. The result is a very detailed 'walkaround' with some very detailed text explanations. Not comprehensive, as it concentrates mainly on Concordes operated by BA either during their working life or in their current (circa 2010) museum locations. An enjoyable read for enthusiasts of British Concordes.