This is the third in a trilogy of practical books by Darrol Stinton, drawing on 35 years of cross-fertilization between the author's aircraft design work and his experience as a qualified test pilot. It concentrates on two broad areas of aircraft fitted mainly with manual flying controls. Firstly, it deals with the flying qualities and airworthiness testing of aeroplanes ranging from microlights and homebuilts up to the 19,000 lb (8600 kg) public transport commuter. Secondly, it considers historic vintage and classic aeroplanes which, being either rebuilt or replicated to a degree, are largely unknown quantities until properly airtested and proven. This section provides not only a ocnsiderable body of historic information, it also gives a basic understanding of the principles of flight.