Document Type: Textbook (Technical) Purpose: Training & Education Authority: Author Expertise

Scope: Textbook written by James H. Suddeth, "Lieutenant, A-V(S), U.S.N.R [United States Naval Reserve], Formerly Maintenance Engineer, Eastern Air Lines, Inc." Audience appears to be the large number of military aircraft mechanics, especially in the Navy, being trained by the U.S. military during WWII.

From the Preface: "Theoretically, a book on maintenance should deal strictly with maintenance, and assume that the reader is entirely familiar with the subject at hand. However, it is believed that the construction and operating principles of the aircraft engine and its accessories are not fully understood by the majority of readers for whom this book is intended. It is, therefore, necessary to devote a greater portion of this book to an explanation of the construction and operating principles of the aircraft engine than to pure maintenance. This view is further supplemented by the belief that, with a basic knowledge of construction and operating principles, the reader will find himself in an infinitely better position to cope with the individual and peculiar problems of maintenance as they present themselves.

It will behoove every mechanic to remember always that nothing mechanical has ever reached perfection and that the frailties of all mechanisms must be constantly guarded against. A thorough understanding of the working principles of the complete power plant, together with good judgment, will enable the mechanic to take cognizance of maintenance procedure and details, all of which cannot possibly be discussed in any one book.

The thoroughness, reliance, and integrity of the aircraft mechanic must never be subordinated. It is the mechanic in whom the pilot, the crew, and the passengers place their confidence and lives. If there ever was a job worthy of the saying, " If it is worth doing it is worth doing right," it is the aircraft mechanic's job. The mechanic should never fail to carry through to the most minute detail those duties with which charged, and, if ever in doubt, never hesitate to consult someone in a position to advise."

Contents (chapters from the Table of Contents): "I. THEORY OF OPERATION II. FACTORS OF OPERATION III. ENGINE COMPONENTS IV. FUELS, FUEL SYSTEMS, AND REFUELING V. CARBURETION VI. LUBRICATION VII. IGNITION VIII. INSTRUMENTS IX. ACCESSORIES X. PROPELLERS XI. INSTALLATION XII. VIBRATION XIII. OPERATION XIV. INSPECTION, SERVICE, AND REPAIR"