This guide is a starting point for finding resources related to aviation.
Check out the aviation course catalog at COD for a list of classes, or find more information about the program.
On this page, you'll find books about aviation-related topics. For information about finding articles, videos, e-books, websites, and other resources, click the links on the right side of the page. Click on Aviation in the News for curated sources on current topics in aviation.
Search the Library Catalog
Use our catalog to find books, videos, and other resources in our collections.
I-Share
The library is part of a consortium of academic libraries known as I-Share. As COD students, you can request items from other libraries online by creating an I-Share account. For more information, visit our I-Share Information Web Page.
Call Number Ranges
Use these call number ranges to browse the General Collection and the Reference Collection. Use this map to locate different areas of the collection in the library, or ask a librarian for help!
| HE 9763-9900 | Commercial aviation |
| QC 851-999 | Meteorology |
| TL 500-777 | Aeronautics |
| TL 515-522 | Aviation history |
| TL 539-540 | Aviators |
| TL 553.5 | Aircraft accidents |
| TL 561 | Careers in aviation |
| TL 570-578 | Flight |
| TL 710 | Piloting/flying |
| TL 726.4 | Chicago-area airports |
| TL 781-788 | Space flight |
Reference Sources
Use reference sources to quickly look up information on your topic (think: Wikipedia). We have physical reference books in the library, and online reference sources that you can access from anywhere with your COD login.
Physical Reference
Smithsonian Atlas of World Aviation by Call Number: Reference ; TL515 .S525 2008ISBN: 9780061251443Publication Date: 2008-06-17This first-of-its-kind, definitive book offers a fascinating textual and visual tour of civilian, military, and commercial aviation from the earliest balloon flights to today's most advanced aircraft. Featuring 100 newly commissioned and historic maps as well as 200 related photographs, navigation charts, and historic artifacts, the Smithsonian Atlas of World Aviation charts the awe-inspiring history of flight around the world. Dana Bell, a leading expert on aviation history, explains the fascinating stories behind aviation's great technological advances and provides historic and social context that highlights the many ways in which these advances have changed the course of human history. Groundbreaking maps and charts include: Locations of first flights and early transatlantic flights Pan American Airways international mail and passenger routes Air sequences of the Battle of Britain, Battle of the Bulge, and Berlin Airlift Modern-day flight charts, national aircraft markings, and civil aviation codes History's greatest aviation achievements come alive as never before through detailed visualization and compelling narrative. A must-have for all flight and history enthusiasts.
Encyclopedia of Aircraft Technology by Call Number: Reference ; TL671 .E53 2015ISBN: 9781632401717Publication Date: 2015-01-02Aircraft technology is a dynamic field. Substantial information regarding advancements in aircraft technology has been provided in this insightful book. It elucidates the most recent developments in technologies for several areas of aircraft systems. Specifically, it covers a broad range of topics in aircraft structures and modern materials, and control systems. The authors are leading veterans in their fields. This book should appeal to both the students as well as researchers.
Electronic Reference
- Gale eBooks
Gale eBooks is a collection of online reference books on a variety of topics including business, history, literature, health & medicine, social science, technology, and more. The inclusion of key word definitions within its concise encyclopedia entries makes this database the perfect starting point for professional and personal research.
- Credo Reference
Credo Reference provides access to a broad selection of dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries, thesauri, encyclopedias, quotations, and atlases, plus a wide range of subject-specific titles. Includes a built-in mind map to help students brainstorm search terms. Credo is a great place to start your research.
Recommended Titles
The Great Air Race
Years before Charles Lindbergh's flight from New York to Paris, a group of daredevil pilots brought aviation to the masses by competing in the sensational transcontinental air race of 1919.
The Great Stewardess Rebellion
The true story of a group of stewardesses who "stood up to huge corporations and won, creating momentous change for all working women."
The Turtle and the Dreamboat
The 'Turtle' and the 'Dreamboat' is the first detailed account of the race for long-distance flight records between the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy after World War II.
Aircraft
Uncover the engineering behind more than 800 aircraft models, from military jets to commercial planes. This visual history book captures the fascinating story of airplanes and aviation, and how their groundbreaking discovery has influenced the 21st Century.
The Thinking Pilot's Flight Manual
In a provocative and sometimes controversial style, this guide starts where standard-issue flight training manuals leave off, guiding readers deeply into topics that weren't taught in flight training.
Fly Girls
Between the world wars, no sport was more popular, or more dangerous, than airplane racing. While male pilots were lauded as heroes, the few women who dared to fly were more often ridiculed--until a cadre of women pilots banded together to break through the entrenched prejudice.
Stick and Rudder: an Explanation of the Art of Flying
"The elemental basics of flying haven’t changed since this book was written nearly 80 years ago, and this book explains the process of flying as an art form. [I]t makes an excellent primer for those who want to improve their flying." -- Flying
Weather Flying
"Dynamic weather patterns can change during flight, and this book helps you understand how to safely deal with these changes. This FAA-recommended book is beneficial for pilots at any stage of their journey." -- Flying
The Wright Brothers
On a winter day in 1903, two unknown brothers from Ohio changed history. But it would take the world some time to believe what had happened: the age of flight had begun, with the first heavier-than-air, powered machine carrying a pilot. Who were these men and how was it that they achieved what they did?
Fate is the Hunter
A biography detailing the experiences of the American novelist, including his time as an air pilot in World War II.
Your Librarian
This guide was created by Amanda Crowley, Adjunct Librarian. Please reach out with any feedback or ideas!