Following a description of airplane structure, the author discusses structural requirements and outlines the main features of properly coordinating the engineering and the manufacturing activities. He says that each of the three subdivisions of airplane design has its own series of calculations, these being related to predictions of performance before the machine is built, to stability determinations and to the design of a self-contained structure of sufficient strength to withstand any stresses developed in flight or in landing. He states also that no inspection is worth the name or the money spent on it that does not include constructive work and a knowledge at all times that the intentions of the designers are being carried out in detail so that the safety of the craft is assured.
Materials used in aircraft should be light and easily workable and should possess the desired physical and chemical properties; they must have the specified cross-section and be free from defects. The methods of sampling, testing and inspecting materials are stated.
Wood structure and the kinds of wood most suitable are described, together with statements and illustrations regarding the most common defects and how they are detected, and similar explanations are made concerning the metals used.
The methods applying to fabrication, to assembling and to deterioration prevention are stated, as well as those of “doping” and finishing, and the inspection procedure for each is outlined, inclusive of that for the final assembly.