A View from the Wings: 60 Years in Aviation

A memoir of a life in aviation, from a wartime boyhood to a career in the U.S., UK, and South African industries

Recalling a wartime boyhood in which aircraft flying constantly overhead played a large part, this memoir explains how that experience led to a lifetime career in the aviation industry, in the UK, U.S., and South Africa. Mixed with events of a more personal nature and often told with whimsical humor, the author has evocatively captured the rise and demise of Britain's aircraft industry in the post-war period. It's non-technical style will appeal to those whose memories embrace the sound barrier-breaking years and the leap of faith and technology that saw Concorde defeat the Americans in the race to produce a practical supersonic airliner. The author highlights differences between the different countries' design environments, and includes excellent photographs from his private collection and unique sources.