Piston engines respond almost instantly to throttle inputs. Jet engines, particularly older low-bypass turbofans and even modern high-bypass engines, require time to accelerate.
Captain Linda P., A330 instructor: "I make my new FOs read the .pdf chapter on 'Negative Thrust' (i.e., reverse thrust usage). It explains why you don't slam the reversers at 80 knots. That lesson is gold, 50 years later."
Commonly requested as "Handling the Big Jets.pdf," this book acts as an in-depth textbook, focusing specifically on the handling qualities of transport category airplanes. It serves as a comprehensive guide for pilots—ranging from novices to experts—detailing how these massive aircraft behave, how technology has evolved, and how to successfully manage them from the front seat. Key topics include: Handling the Big Jets.pdf
The core thesis of Handling the Big Jets centers on the profound behavioral differences between large, heavy jet aircraft and smaller prop planes. Davies meticulously breaks down these differences into several critical categories: 1. The Impact of Wing Sweep
Unlike straight-wing aircraft, which stall at the root first (giving the pilot early warning and preserving aileron control), swept wings tend to stall at the . This causes an immediate loss of roll control. Piston engines respond almost instantly to throttle inputs
The central thesis of Handling the Big Jets is the concept of . Davies observed that pilots transitioning from piston engines and propellers had a dangerous habit: they thought in terms of "thrust." In a propeller aircraft, dragging the throttle back creates immediate drag and deceleration. In a jet, however, the engine is a smooth, slow-responding air pump. Davies famously pointed out that the throttle is not a brake; it is an energy lever.
Due to its enduring popularity and critical acclaim, many pilots seek out digital copies (PDFs) for quick reference. While sometimes found in digital formats, the physical copy remains a staple on many pilots' bookshelves. It is important to distinguish this title from Flying the Big Jets by Stanley Stewart; both are valuable, but D.P. Davies' work is specifically focused on handling qualities. It explains why you don't slam the reversers at 80 knots
To appreciate the impact of the book, one must understand its author. David P. Davies was the Chief Test Pilot of the UK Air Registration Board (ARB). During the 1950s and 1960s—the dawn of the commercial jet age—Davies personally flight-tested and certified every multi-engine jet transport intended for British commercial use.
If you are studying for a specific or working through a flight simulation checkride , let me know! I can provide practice equations for Mach/IAS conversion, explain the mechanics of yaw dampers , or break down stall recovery procedures in modern glass cockpits.