noun. The science of gases in equilibrium and of the equilibrium of balloons or aircraft under changing atmospheric flight conditions.

noun. the study of gases in equilibrium and of balloons or aircraft in varying atmospheric conditions

"They were not engineers by profession, but simply amateurs of all that appertained to aerostatics, and they were amateurs in a fury, and especially foes of those who would oppose to aerostats “apparatuses heavier than the air,” flying machines, aerial ships, or what not."

aerostat  aerostatic  

aerial photography  aeroballistics  aerodynamics  aerogeology  aerography