Aviation Books

Ernest Gann's books have been an inspiration to all those with a love and Passion for Flight. His insight into the atmosphere and feeling of those of us who take to the skies,is as close as one can get to flight without leaving the ground.
Thankyou "Old Pelican" Keep your Wings Level.Bon Voyage

Ernest Gann's books have been an inspiration to all those with a love and Passion for Flight. His insight into the atmosphere and feeling of those of us who take to the skies,is as close as one can get to flight without leaving the ground.
Thankyou "Old Pelican" Keep your Wings Level.Bon Voyage

Ernest Gann's books have been an inspiration to all those with a love and Passion for Flight. His insight into the atmosphere and feeling of those of us who take to the skies,is as close as one can get to flight without leaving the ground.
Thankyou "Old Pelican" Keep your Wings Level.Bon Voyage

Ernie Gann's love of aviation burns brightly in this review of classic aircraft. His inimitable style puts you into the action, sweating one minute, and laughing hysterically the next.

The final chapter of this book, On the Beak of an Ancient Pelican, is an excellent glimpse into Ernie's writing style. Anyone who loves flying will love Gann's works.

The is another great book in the Osprey Series - lots of details and photos that haven't been see before. But if anyone is even looking for more detail, I highly recommend "Debrief: A Complete History of U.s. Aerial Engagements - 1981 to the Present" by Craig Brown - it covers all successful US Air-to-air engagements following Vietnam through the present day, including everything in this books. It isn't cheap at almost $50, but it covers almost everything in this books as well as much more. Either way, you can't go wrong.

This is a must book for anyone interested in modern air combat. It is so completely detailed in it's descriptions of the modern air to air missions that I had to look up some of the terms. It shows why our young F-15 pilots are the best in the world. I sent the book to a friend who was a former F-15 pilot and he said it put him right back into the airplane. He said the descriptions in the book are completely accurate and shows why the Iraqie pilots ran to Iran to escape certain death if they came up to fight. It also shows why the F-15 has the best kill ratio in history 104-0

Steve Davies has compiled the most up-to-date account of the F-15C operations in the last 15 years, changing many misconceptions that held for a long time. Although I had read about air-to-air operations in the Gulf War in the excellent book "Gulf Airwar Debrief", Davies' work is far more detailed and gives many interesting tips in modern tactics, especially in the little explored field of BVR combat. The reader will be surprised to find that not all the Iraqi pilots were inept and took Sparrow shots like sitting ducks, but fought with courage and even good tactical skill in some occasions. Davies also describes the reasons behind the great disparity of kills achieved by the 1st TFW and the other USAF units and also has a chapter devoted to the 1994 incident of blue-on-blue encounter when two Blackhawk helicopters were accidentally shot down over Northern Iraq killing all 26 on board. There is also a brief account of the kills achieved by F-15s during the Operation Allied Force (1999) and a good overview of the advantages and drawbacks of the new AMRAAM missiles (not all of these shots were succesfull after all!)

Steve Davies is not just THE authoritative F-15E Strike Eagle specialist that every military aviation enthusiast knows well. With this new reference in the great Osprey Combat Aircraft series, Steve Davies examines an extraordinary career : the F-15C Eagle - which is now his "focus" aircraft - never lost the air combats it had to face on its operational theatres ! NEVER ! Enlightened by numerous magnificent colour plates, the last title signed by Steve Davies allows the reader to learn from the pilots themselves the fate of a plane that history can't forget. Definitely a "must have" for who wants to know what air dominance really is nowadays.

This is by far the best FAR/AIM in publication, I have tried all the others but came back to stick with ASA as my yearly FAR/AIM, they also provide mid year updates and overall I find ASA products to be superior to others.

Sorry. I was wrong about one thing -- Part 135 has been newly added for 2002 in the Jepp edition. But they're also touting the larger format as a "feature." Wake up, Jepp.

This FAR/AIM has color diagram for runway markings, loran coverage diagrams, etc. The McGraw Hill version does not.

When I was in groundschool at a Part 121 scheduled airline, I think I was the only one in class with the Jepp edition of FAR/AIM. After looking over my roommate's ASA edition, I could see why. I decided I liked it much better than the FAR/AIM from Jeppesen. ASA seems to be the choice of the professional pilot.

For some reason, Jepp has gone to a crazy 8.5" x 11" format for 2002. This book was already big enough without making it bigger! Also, if you need Part 135 -- beware -- the Jepp edition does not include it. ASA uses a two-column format for the FARs that I think is much more readable than the single-column Jepp format. Jepp also includes a few editorial ads for other products in the text, which seems really cheesy (ex: advertising Jeppesen Weather Services in the middle of the weather section of the AIM).

A hard working pair of brothers pulled their resources together to invent the airplane. It's amazing story and it's amazing that they did it. The fact that people died during the process makes it more amazing. Now a days they would be hit with lawsuits a plenty and everything might have been shut down. I found this story one I would want to share with my students in 8th grade. They are studying inventions currently in class. This book is a wonderful resource for them.

This book is wonderful for children to read or have it read to them. It contains marvelous illustrations and actual photographs of important events in the lives of Wilbur and Orville Wright.

This large and attractive book tells the story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, the two industries young Americans who were the first to fly a mechanically-powered aircraft. The book starts with the two Wrights as boys, and tells the story of their interest in flying, the theoretical and practical advances they made in making powered flight possible, what happened at Kittyhawk, and what came later.

Now, while this book is written with the young reader in mind, it is an excellent read for readers of any age. The book does an excellent job of explaining how the Wrights conquered the air, and uses many colorful pictures and graphs to bring the story to life. Overall, I found this to be a fascinating book and a wonderful resource. I highly recommend this book!

This book is a marvelous summary of the story of the Wright Brothers, and both children and their parents are likely to learn from it. My 6-year-old enjoyed it, in part because of the interesting mix of illustrations - there are nine handsome and painstakingly accurate full-page paintings, as well as a further mix of vintage and color photographs, diagrams and sketch plans - but this book seems intended for somewhat older children in the 8-12 age range. The book not only succeeds as biography and history, but it also tries to explain some of the mechanics and science of flying. Thus, there are insets on such topics as "How Does Wing-Warping Work?", "The Wright Wind Tunnel," and diagrams explaining concepts such as pitch, roll, and yaw. There are other insets focusing on aspects of late nineteenth-century social history ("The Bicycle Craze") and other aerial pioneers who paved the way for the Wright Brothers ("Otto Lilienthal: The Flying Man"). The book includes all of the key historical artifacts (the first picture of the first flight, Orville's elated but still understated telegram home to his father announcing "Success . . . inform Press . . . . home Christmas "). It goes beyond the first flight itself, detailing the world's surprisingly muted reaction to the Wrights' great achievement, the difficulties they had protecting their patent rights in subsequent years, and the 1908 air crash that resulted in the first fatality in an airplane and serious injuries to Orville Wright. It also tells the striking story of the brothers' father, Bishop Milton Wright, whose gift of a toy helicopter to his two young sons ultimately led to one of the most important scientific accomplishments of all time. One of the happiest aspects of the Wrights' story is that the old bishop lived to fly through the skies with his son Orville.

This book is thus a wonderful retelling for younger readers of the remarkably focused and disciplined five year-campaign in which two self-taught mechanic-scientists, neither of them a college graduate, with no corporate backing or financial resources aside from those supplied by their own successful small business, realized man's oldest dream and conquered the sky. Beyond that, it is a moving reminder for parents of the astonishing results that can sometimes grow from a gift to a child, and the willingness to foster and facilitate a child's curiosity about their world.

This book brings to life the world of Aviation as it existed at the beginning of this century. Spencer Lane has written a book that is not only difficult to put down, but one that provides an education and insight into a time few of us know well. The excitement and danger of the early aviators, and especially the First World Flight is a gripping tale, well told and worthwhile. I would suggest this book to any American who wants to see the American Spirit in action.

Be careful when you start this book, because you won't want to put it down!

First World Flight: The Odyssey Of Billy Mitchell by Spencer Lane is the impressive history of how, after the destruction of World War I and the military budget cuts of the 1920s, General Billy Mitchell decided to bolster popular and political interest in the U.S. Air Service by planning the very first successful world flight. Against political pressures, limited funds, and the very oceans themselves - the Pacific and North Atlantic had never been crossed by air before - General Mitchell dared to found a milestone in aviation history. First World Flight is an incredible and exciting read, and one which is especially recommended for aviation history buffs.

First World Flight tells the tale of Billy Mitchell, aviation pioneer and military hero who orchestrates the first flight around the world to promote the role of aviation in the United States. Author Spencer Lane steps into the shoes of the brave pilots who persevered to make the dream of flight a reality. Aviation, history, and war buffs will particularly enjoy this story of bravery, dedication and the will to succeed.

Early American pilot Billy Mitchell's accomplishments don't end with a single flight: he assembled the world's largest air armada and led it to victory during the first World War, among many other achievements. He was a general who believed only successful world flight could save the American Air Force from destruction by politicians, and he helped foster a new era in American aviation history, almost single-handedly. First World Flight is his story. Highly recommended.

Couldn't put it down. Highly recommended

After reading this book it parralleled the vicious conditions as explained in the CNN story of the Sarin gas in Vietnam but the obvious difference of this story was the demise of 15 brave combat veterans that helped to destroy the war machine of Hitler's defenses. This is a powerfull story and I hope it brings out the bravery of these slain veterans. Amonument should be erected for these 15 brave combat veterans. I thank the Author for his tenacity in completeing this work of art of investigations over the threats he indicated. END

Having some time ago read "The Airmen who would not Die" (John g. Fuller) I found the experience of the psychic side of the story very moving. I am a long time Aviation person (36 years with major Airline and approx 15000 hrs. FE time) so the stories of "ghosts" did not surprise me. What did was the total reluctance (and hindrance) from the US Government. I hope that at least someone will now declassify the case.

Flight Of The Forgotten: A True Story Of Heroism And Betrayal spans fifty years and two generations. The triggering event is the loss of an American Eighth Air Force bomber crew in 1945 while enroute home after the end of World War II. The incident was buried within a top secret O.S.S. file and suppressed by the United States Government. Mark Vance's exhausting research reveals a tragedy that involved murder, conspiracy and sabotage by the O.S.S. and exposes in detail the incident and aftermath of a conspiracy to shield the public and the transgressors from a murdered airforce crew. One especially fascinating aspect is that of a supernatural element and spiritual involvement of the murdered crewmen and its role in exposing a forgotten post-war crime.

A military aircraft's armament is no less important then the aircraft it self, but it is a facet of aerial warfare often overlooked. Flying Guns of World War II does a very comprehensive job in covering the guns and cannons used by the combat aircraft of the second world war. And even though the book is very technically oriented it's readily accessible style of writing makes it a pleasant read. I fully recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic.

Anthony Williams and Emmanuel Gustin break important new ground with "Flying Guns of World War II." This book is the first comprehensive look at aircraft armament during the Second World War, an aspect that is more often than not neglected by aircraft historians. The book begins with a discussion of some of the conventions of aircraft armament and the basics of how most machine guns, cannons, and their ammunition work. It also discusses the history of aircraft armament from the end of World War I, including the development of rifle caliber machine guns, heavy machine guns, and cannons, with a focus on the World War II period.

The book offers a wealth of photographs, technical specifications, and charts. The appendices at the back include a lots of additional information including gun drawings, technical specifications, and a glossary of key terms.

The key drawback to this book is that the authors take a significant amount of space discussing the different World War II aircraft types, and the armament packages they carried. This is somewhat redundant, however, as this information can just as easily be found in any one of a number of other books on World War II aircraft. Perhaps the authors could have better used this space by going into the history of the guns themselves including who designed them and what differentiated guns of one model from another.

Nevertheless Williams and Gustin have produced an excellent book that should be required reading for World War II aviation buffs, and will hopefully spur much more writing and research into this field.

This book sets a standard that would be hard to beat. The authors know their subject and the production is superb. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the field covered, and to others as an example of how a book should look.

The movies, from Tora, Tora, Tora; to the Battle of Britain; to Twelve O'Clock High pretty well tell the story. All kinds of fancy airplanes have been designed and built to get a gun pointed at the enemy.

World War II was fought with a set of airplanes that fit into a very small segment of time. The last biplanes were built about 1940, and the first jets about 1944. But World War II was fought (largely) with piston engined monoplanes armed with machine guns.

The British studies showed that they were primarily fighting unarmored aircraft that would be best attacked with rifle caliber machine gune. The Americans were in love with their .50 caliber machine guns. The Germans, faced with the problem of shooting down the heavily armed American bombers favored heavier cannon that could fire explosive shells.

This is the story of the guns used by the air forces fighting World War II. It includes the technical aspects as well as some of the theory, or perhaps politics is a better word, behind the thinking of the various air forces.

A unique work for the weapons affectionado.

This product is same as described in purchase. Delivery was very quickly and good conditions. I recommend this product and provider. Sincerely. Jose Pena

This book gave me the technigues, knowledge, and confidence to take my instrument flying to the next level. The book provides practical knowleged and insite on what to expect when you "punch into the clouds." I now use my airplane to its maximum utility, but still have respect for the weather. I no longer cancel flights due to overcast skies. I plan accordingly, avoid the thunderstorms, and confidently shoot instrument approaches. I highly recommend this book for the instrument rated pilot who is a little bit nervous about taking their personal plane into the clouds.

After you pass the instrument check ride, the most daunting task is actually launching into IMC. Before you do, leave the test prep behind, read this book, and begin working towards actual IFR proficiency.

Once again, Dick Collins shares his extensive experience in a well-written, information-filled text that every IFR pilot should read and heed.

This is bar none THE BEST aviation book I've ever read. It is not a text book. There are no end of chapter quizes or multiple choice questions. It is a very intresting book to read, keeps you wanting to turn the page. Lots of highly useful, PRACTICAL information in this book about flying in ACTUAL IMC. I reccomend that anyone who is intrested in IFR flying read this book. It may even save your life. I've been instrument rated since 2001 and I read this book cover to cover about once a year just to refresh myself. Each time I read it again, I gain something out of it. Read the book.. Fly a few actual IMC flights... Read the book again.. I feel like I can almost hear Dick's voice in my head when I fly in IMC.

This is a fabulous book, the story tells of lifelong dreams, flying and a love for family! It also brings a sweet tear of happiness.

My five year old child is a hugh flying/airplane fanatic. He gets it from his father so this book is very appropriate for our family. But beyond the airplane-related aspects of this story, it is a very touching story of the relationships between parents and children. I cannot read this story to my son without getting teary-eyed! This one is going to be a classic in our house and I can't wait for more books by this author. I highly recommend this book.

This is a wonderful book that I think would be great for many children in the proper age group, particularly those with an interest in flying. The story is quite moving in its own way, the illustrations are eye-catching, and the introduction from Reeve Lindbergh -- someone from a family that knows something about aviation -- is nicely done. Hopefully, we'll get to see much more from this promising author in the months and years to come.

I'm always telling my writing students to have patience. The path to publishing is fraught with pits and turns, and in the end, many writers find the act of publishing their work anticlimactic. Reaching your dream proceeds with small steps of learning, trial, and accomplishment. Strife and bad fortune may take place, but your desire never wanes if it is a worthy and true goal.

Flying Jack is a children's tale of an almost pilot and his struggling author and creator. It's difficult to separate this book from its author, since the protagonist reaches his dream in what seems like moments before the author reaches hers.

"Jack was just about born longing to fly" opens this rich tale by first-time author Petrie. Jack grows up living and breathing airplanes, while the author surreptitiously weaves in the facts of flight history. Eventually Jack joins the navy but is routed into sea duty over his plans for piloting. This pattern is repeated throughout Jack's life, and every time he attempts to get airborne, life or circumstance gets in the way.

While Jack is driven by his passion, his love and duty to his family take precedence. It's one of many important lessons for kids, knowing that some young readers have parents they don't see from one end of the week to the next. Jack wants to fly but tends to his family instead, and in the end, it is this legacy that brings his dream to fruition. Coincidentally, the author was diverted by love and family, yet maintained her faith and vision for being an author, and is no doubt being rewarded in turn as her excellent first book hits the shelves. Flying Jack was worth the wait.

Like Jack, this book is battle-hardened. I threw it before the local second grade class, and it spawned discussions ranging from flight to equal rights for women and the races. That's right. It got them thinking wonderful individual notions, which is the mark, if not the very point, of any good book.

Flying Jack includes a glossary of flying terms and facts that will guide parents and teachers alike through discussion points. This title is appropriate for grade school children and big kids with dreams everywhere.

I liked this book, though if I were to buy only one Grasshopper memoir it would be Schultz's "Janey" from the same publisher, or Don Moore's self-published paperback, "Low and Slow". -- Dan Ford

Flying Low would generally be considered a man's book - and it is. However, Joseph Furbee Gordon's account of his days as an artillery spotter pilot is much more - it's a book for men, women, anyone who wants to learn more about the World War II era. Gordon's narrative gives one a sense of "being along for the ride." Although more than half a century has passed, his words manage to capture the elusive spirit of youth. Flying Low tells how it was for one young warrior during WW II, and reminds us how very young are the ones who defend us today. Read Flying Low - you'll be glad you did!

Flying Low is a warm, personal account of the experiences of a young pilot from Texas who survived being shot down twice in his light aircraft while spotting for his artillery unit. Gordon mixes memories of his days in Europe toward the end of the war with glimpses from his youth, onto his flight training in the Army Air Corp and then the eventual assignment that almost cost him his life - twice.

I would highly recommend Flying Low to anyone interested in learning about some of the quiet, unheralded heroes of WW II. Can you imagine slowly drifting 1000 feet above a battlefield with artllery shells, anti-aircraft and small arms fire zipping past you? Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide, just you, a pair of binoculars, a radio and a small plane with no protection.

Gordon tells his story - not from the point of being a brave pilot - but as someone who knew his duty and did it with honor and integrity. A great read - you won't be disappointed.

This is a straight-forward narrative by a young college boy from Louisiana, telling a gripping tale of flying the smallest airplane in the U. S. Army into the battle for Europe, flying over the battle as an artillery forward observer in WW II.
This frank memoir takes you all the way through training to fly right over the front lines, in fact so close that he was shot down twice.
Follow this seldom told story of how these few brave pilots in unarmed spotter planes helped win the war. It's time well spent.