John Lowry's "Bootstrap method" is basically a form of parametric performance analysis.
What he does is create a really complex model of light aeroplane performance, then reduce all of the equations down to some complex-ish dimensionless parametric variables . He then shows how to do some (reasonably) simple flight tests to determine the values of those parametric variables, from which it's possible to then derive performance values for the aeroplane in virtually any circumstances.
The basic principle is absolutely brilliant - but the maths behind it is fairly horrible, probably beyond anybody without at-least degree level maths, science or engineering (and having read his book, and having the appropriate degrees, I do think that he goes a little over the top on occasion).
http://www.allstar.fiu.edu/aero/BA-Background.htm is the best start point
G