Aviation Books

An excellent book for the student becoming familiar with aviation radio communication.

Okay, my name is Nareg Minaskian. I am doing this review because the book was exellent. The book is really good for begining pilots that have trouble communicating with the ATC (air traffic control). It teaches you the principals of communication, what to say, what the ATC wants to know from you and many more. It even reviews what kind of traffic patterns there are, what are the sides of the patterns called and much more. This book I rate it a 5 out of 5 because it tells you everything that you need to know about communications between you and the ATC. The ATC is the most important thing in your whole flying career. They are the people that give you the clearences that you need and they tell you how to get wherever you want to go and even tell you what to do to get there. They basically baby-sit you and all you have to do is follow their directions. Once again, I recommend this book to any student pilots or even people that want to learn how to fly.

I picked the book Airplane Talk by Captain Carlson to critique. I chose that book because I think that it is a good book for me to read. The book is basically about radio communications and flying rules that include: traffic patterns, ATC, ATIS, and other kinds of communications. The book is helpful for beginning pilots that are having trouble with communications on the radio. This book is made for pilots and others that are interested in flying. For people interested, it gives them a taste of what its like to be a pilot. For pilots, it reviews basics of communication and some advanced rules. I would not recommend this book to children under 13 or people that are not interested in flying because it has words that a 12 year old will not know. Others will find it boring. They will not understand the words and will find it confusing. The ATC is the most important thing in your whole flying career. They are the people that give you the clearances that you need and they tell you how to get wherever you want to go and even tell you what to do to get there. They basically baby-sit you and all you have to do is follow their directions. The book talks about the ATC a lot. You'll learn a lot from the book. That is why I recommend this book to beginning pilots

Kaye's book is an inspiration to me to recognize the patterns of thought in business dealings that society has drilled into our heads. The old patterns are built on theories of winning or losing and are mostly fear based. When following her advice, you'll see the bigger picture, find more constructive ways to operate, and ultimately be better at whatever you do. Refocusing on interests and options takes out the personal mumbo jumbo that so often gets in the way of better deals for business and personal needs.

Kaye's book is a life changer. It is rare to find a non-fiction book that is a page turner, but this one is indeed. I am an acquisitions editor for a publishing house, so I have read my share of books and manuscripts. My first passion, however, is aviation, which is why I read this.
An interesting aspect of this title is that even though it is aimed towards the aviation industry, the concepts are applicable to any industry. Industries that embraces these principles will find a new, better, more profitable, and yet kinder, world out there.

The Shackford's approach to finding win-win solutions through emphasis on the human side of change is exactly what the aviation industry needs to effect a desperately needed turn-around. While focused on aviation, which is the Shackford's particular area of expertise, the book provides a well-thought-out roadmap and tools which apply to virtually any industry.

I am half way through the book. As a person who has always wanted to fly ( and who never seemed to be able to put the money and the ambition together in the same place ) I purchased this book in anticipation of tomorrow, for tomorrow is the day I am taking my first glider ride. The day after tomorrow I am scheduled to take my second ( and longer ) ride. Before, I was happy about what is about to happen. Now I am thrilled. I can't wait. Having read as much as I have of this book, I now know and understand so much more of what it is I am waiting for. I can't wait. I just can't wait. I will fly before I finish the book. And I think that is the perfect thing to do. I will be able to read the rest of the book from a new perspective - from experience. The book is so well written - the words are strangely calmimg and comforting - serene, almost.
Thank you, Mr. Whelan. Thanks to you, I just can't wait.

This is a great book on soaring and the history of sailplanes. Wonderful describtions about what you can expect on your first sailplane ride. No pictures though...my only complaint Experience the thrill of soaring for yourself!

This book is great, It covers all the bases, from what to expect to the basic and history of soaring flight. Having just taken a sailplane ride my self I recommend both the book and the AMAZING activity it describes! Highly recommened !

actually I'm looking for this book, very important, if anyone would like to sell me theres. Please respond e-mail. thank you

Italy's involvement in World War 2 has often been practically omitted from works by serious historians who based their research only on the accounts of American, British Empire and German combatants. From the scant information available about the Italian air force, the Regia Aeronautica, readers might assume it was irrelevant to the conflict. The accounts of those who faced its pilots in combat show this view to be mistaken.

The previous absence of material published on the Italian Regia Aeronautica is redressed by this book. It features large numbers of outstanding rare photographs, and is thoughtfully illustrated with maps. An exhaustive list of the aircraft types operated by the Italians is also included.

As well as covering the Mediterranean and North African fronts, it includes lesser known Italian deployments to the Russian Front, East Africa, and in Belgium during the Battle of Britain. This fascinating book is excellent value for money and sets a new standard for reference texts on the subject.

This is one of the best of the few books available on the Italian Airforce as well as a great companion to the Italian Airforce 44-45 by Ferdinando DiAmico. I was able to use it to provide background data on a web based profile on Loris Baldi who flew with the Regia Aeronautica and ANR.... If anyone needs some research material I would be happy to check my copies for data. The text and order of battle charts, in Chris Dunnings book are very well done. Outstanding photos as well. It was one of the first published by Hikoki Publishing which seems to specialize in these rare subjects.

An outstanding book for those who love Naval Aviation and a must for Crusader fans. Well written and outstanding graphics. Highly recommended.

A "must read" for anyone who appreciates the F-8 (or wants to) or just loves military aviation. A thorough history of this amazing airplane and those who flew it through a collection of great first-hand fighter pilot's stories. Some are told from the author's own experience and many more from other Crusader pilots interviewed by the author. For example: John Glenn's record-breaking flight in his own words, along with many accounts of Vietnam MiG encounters. I loved this book and plan on reading much more by this author.

This is a fantastic collection of pilot's stories dealing with the "Last of the Gunfighters" the Vought F-8 Crusader. Rear Admiral Paul T Gillcrist has 2000 hours of Crusader time and his impressive knowledge and affection for the aircraft is very apparent throughout. The first part of the book arms the reader with background knowledge of early jet carrier operations as well as the story of Crusader speed records. The bulk of the book deals with the experiences, both harrowing and amusing, of numerous Crusader pilots including fascinating interviews with each pilot to shoot down a MiG in the aircraft. The final chapters give the author's expert analysis of the air war in Vietnam, and an overview of the use of the aircraft by the French Navy, the Naval Reserve and NASA. The book does not suffer from the shortfall of other books in that it is very skilfully written so that a layman can imagine theirself in the thick of the action. After reading this book you are left with a great respect for the men of the US Navy and Marine Corps who flew and fought in the Crusader and operated the aircraft from small aircraft carriers. As a commercial pilot I can only wonder how I would cope with landing a Mach2 airplane on a small heaving 27C carrier deck at night. To these men it was routine. Anyone who is remotely interested in aviation will find this book a great asset to their collection and I cannot recommend it highly enough

We old-time tail-dragger pilots cannot pass a J-3 Cub without looking it over. If you have not flown in one, you should, just to appreciate the machine. Wheeler has put together a nostalgic story told by the Cubs themselves with their pilots referred to as "humanoids". The story involves the kind of flying we all dream about; namely, flying from grass field to grass field, camping under the wing, and doing it again the next day. Many humorous flying situations are told to the reader, with the "humanoids" often taking the brunt of the humor. Modern pilots who fly with "glass" instrument panels and funny-looking individual landing wheels on the front of their aircraft may not appreciate the tale, but those pilots who have been trained in slow tail-draggers will enjoy it.

I loved this nonfiction book, and so will you if the bygone, barnstorming era of rag-and-tube planes interests you. In the 1990s a pack of J-3 Piper Cubs piloted by a sundry assortment of "humanoids," including a retired Pan Am airline captain, roamed the eastern US and found adventure at every corner.

This book describes their odysseys, but what makes it especially captivating is the narrator, a 1946 Cub identified as NC-87881, one of the pack. She tells the story to her owner, pilot/author Lyle Wheeler whom she calls a humanoid. She and her sister Cubs poke fun at present-day aircraft, such as a "snooty little" Cessna 150, and sometimes moan about their owner's flying skills.

A great read and highly recommended.

I loved the concept of talking planes. I would be scared to think what the planes I've flown in have said to other planes about me! This is a WONDERFUL book about the Old School way of flying that Cub Owners can Still DO! I'm jealous! But reading the book is the next best thing. VERY visual images are brought up. The beauty of flight... the beauty of our country seen from above by a slow flying Cub. If you fly, or enjoy reading about flying, you'll need to read this.

This book reveals the greatness of this plane that was developed before the war and the amazing feats that was accomplished with it and the men who flew them.Often used successfully as a fighter against the Japanese Air Force.This plane built by Douglas Aviation Co along with the Grumman F4F Wild cat kept us in the battle the 1st year of the war until more modern planes were produced, Having flown many hours of patroling as a crew member in this plane I can vouch for it's authenticity.An excellent and well written book.

This book does not attempt to astound the reader with lots of hyperbole. Instead it takes a simple, down to earth approach to to the history of an airplane, and it's pilots who did astounding things. The book is not dry, nor is it filled with exaggeration: it is not too hot, or too cold. "The Dauntless Dive Bomber of World War II" is just right.

This book is THE be all/end all source for the Dauntless. Mr. Tillman has once again put together an outstanding historical tribute to this fascinating war machine and the crews that operated her. I cannot express enough how important this book is on a very important player in the history of aviation and one's bravery.

Airliner Tech series is always a joy, especially if you have a technical inclination. Even I as an aeronautical engineer enjoy these books, including the one on the DeHavilland Comet.

Presented in a single volume are the histories and technical specifications of the De Havilland DH.106 Comet and its offspring, the Nimrod. Starting with an overview of the Brabazon Committee's plans for postwar airliners, Mr. Darling describes the design of the various Comet variants. The author covers the design flaws of the early Comet in very good detail. He describes the Comet 4 in service in England and throughout the world, and covers the RAF military Comets, including the Nimrod. The reference section covers significant dates but covers little else. There is no chart on the individual histories of the commercial airframes or even a section on preserved examples residing in museums, an unfortunate shortcoming.

A center spread contains some nice color pictures of civil and military Comets. However, considering that Dan Air was the largest operator of the Comet, that airline is vastly underrepresented. There are a few shots of the Comet and Nimrod flight decks, but very little in the way of interior shots, which is a pity. In these respects, this book is less detailed than the volume on the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the same series.

Overall, Mr. Darling presents a readable and interesting text. If, like me, you want to learn about this pioneer jetliner, this book is bound to please.

Volume 7 in the outstanding Speciality Press series "Airliner Tech", De Havilland Comet contains the straight scoop on the first aircraft to bring high-speed, jet-powered flight to the marketplace and the masses of the world. But the De Havilland Comet was also one of the first civilian aircraft to suffer explosive disintegration during flight, caused by a poor understanding of the devastating forces experienced by a high altitude, pressurized jet aircraft. Though the De Havilland Comet was a civil failure, a better designed version served the Royal Airforce as the "Nimrod," one of the longest-lived military patrol aircraft. De Havilland Comet contains everything the aviation student and the non-specialist general reader would want to know about this fascinating jet, its history, and its legacy to the world of aviation.

Imperial Russia was visited by early aviators and was instantly fascinated by airplanes. Because Russia was the most backward of the great nations, its leaders, beginning with Peter the Great, sought to modernize the country to compete with other Western European nations. Could aviation give Russian leaders the right tool to spark modernization?

Airplanes were sent into rural areas for the first time to be inspected by villagers. Pilots answered questions, passed out literature and gave free flights to amazed peasants.

Dr. Scott W. Palmer explains how "rural believers were taken into the air by pilots in order to prove that there was no God, angels or other celestial spirits in the heavens. Anti-religious flights proved so successful that they quickly became standard practice."

Dr. Palmer describes aviation's powerful propaganda value. "The mastery of the airplane would make possible backward Russia's rapid transformation into the world's most advanced and powerful nation."

Russia's leaders were in a hurry to gain legitimacy from mastering aviation. Russia set about acquiring airplanes and manufacturing methods from other countries in her haste to build legitimacy in the world's eyes.

For years, the Russian aviation industry struggled to do more than make poor copies of airplanes from other nations.

Dr. Palmer relates, "They embellished actual accomplishments, exaggerating, and at times inventing, Russian achievements when, in fact, much less progress had been made."

Record setting flights were carried out to bring world attention to Russian aviation through goodwill. Soviet leaders deliberately insisted on developing the largest airplanes in the world, even if the had no practical value other than propaganda.

Soviet leaders praised their air crews as heroes that flew to better their homeland and "benefit their fellow countrymen" -- not for money and fame -- like Charles Lindbergh had.

With the country stuck in depression, the American aircraft industry eagerly sought sales anywhere it could. In an effort to find customers , the Soviets were invited to visit American factories. As delegation after delegation came and went, Soviet industrial spies quickly set about stealing manufacturing secrets and techniques.

In the Spanish Civil War, Russian military aircraft were proved to be most inferior, and she entered World War II poorly equipped. After the war, German designers and manufacturing technology were taken back to Russia for assimilation into the aviation industry.

By 1947, Russia was able to reverse-engineer a fair copy of the American B-29 Superfortress. Then, at last, Russia was able to surprise the west during the Korean War by developing the Mig jet fighter series by incorporating state-of-the-art British jet engine technology.

Readers interested in aviation or Russian history will find "Dictators of the Air" a fascinating study of one area of Russia's age-old struggle to surpass the west.

"Dictators of the Air" contains sixty illustrations. Dr. Palmer has included many aviation posters that incorporate specific symbols and images for propaganda purposes by the Soviets. The selection of primitive Russian aircraft photographs is very entertaining.

Dictatorship of the Air is an innovative, thoroughly researched and very well-written book on a fascinating subject: the meaning and influence of aviation in Russian history. The author, Scott Palmer, uses an impressive number of archival materials and contemporary sources to build the case that the Russian approach to aeronautical modernization (combining state initiative, crash campaigns, and the acquisition of foreign technology) ultimately achieved far less than Imperial and Soviet leaders claimed. The book's treatment of technology transfer is particularly effective. Palmer does an terrific job explaining the internal economic and ideological factors that forced Russian officials to use espionage to keep up with competitors in Western Europe and the US. The book also contains (among other things) a fascinating discussion of the various "prestige" flights of the 1930s, insightful analysis of the religious foundations of Soviet-era aviation propaganda, and more than four dozen photographs and illustrations that readers will find nowhere else. This is certain to become the point of departure for future work on the history of Russian aviation. ***Highly recommended***

Palmer's book isn't another treatise about the design of Russain
aircraft or WWII military air campaigns. Instead readers will find a sophisticated treatment of original Russian sources, including newspapers, propaganda, poetry, and insitutional state directives that provides a myriad of perspectives on a single, but monumental, event in the history of mankind: human flight. The story of flight in Russia is more compelling and offers a greater understanding of Russian-Soviet life than similar histories of European and American aviation because it
coincided with another unprecendent and no less monumental event: the establishment of the Soviet Union.

Palmer argues that state officials in both Imperial Russia and the Soviet Union latched on to aviation as symbol and tool of their nation's progress and as proof of their standing in the modern world. Importantly, while the Russian autocracy failed to successfuly create a nation of fliers through voluntary associations (as was acheived in Western Europe and the United States), the Soviet Union also failed to do so, and rather spectacularly. As in many other endeavors, Soviet officials refused to face the difficulties inherent in their undertaking. They sought to create both a modern state and a modern aviation culture by fiat. Palmer rather dramatically explains how the
tragic story of the Soviets' failed attempt unfolded to the detriment of their citizens.

The book's numerous photographs, prints, and propaganda posters as well as Palmer's original translations of poetry, literature, and state archival material make this a book that stands out from its scholarly peers. Between these fascinating materials and Palmer's elegant prose one almost forgets that this is a work from an academic press.

Palmer's history is well researched and his depiction of avaition under the Imperial and Soviet regime is convincing. My only quibble is with the final chapter wherein Palmer makes a nod to the post WWII era of Russian history arguing that subsequent events demonstrate continuity with the patterns he has described for the first half of the 20 century. It is only in hindsight (and after 1991, save Robert Conquest) that one
could refer to the Soviet period of Russia's history as a complete failure. Given the obstacles and backwardness that so many historians, like Palmer, have described in the Imperial and the Soviet eras, it may be worth examining in more detail the relative success, however ugly the means, that the Soviets achieved in space flight and creating an air fleet second only to the United States during the height of the Cold War.

This book had me gripped - I finished it in 3 days. If you no little about the corporate world, industrial espionage, and the world of 'security consultants', this is a fantastic eye-opener.

I can vouch that at least one of the 'players' as Martyn calls them, was described down to a tee. A very accurate portrayal.

Thoroughly researched account of paranoia and dirty business practices used by BA against Richard Branson and Virgin Airlines from smear and innuendo through poaching passengers in the airports to impersonating Virgin staff. Extremely unsettling expose of the British Establishment uniting with vested interests to do down the underdog led this writer to vow never to travel with BA again: one of the main plotters is now running the company. Reads like a thriller, and additional material for the paperback version detailing a campaign of vilification and vandalism against a member of the public and an unholy alliance between BA and Heathrow police force almost beggars belief - and should cast a long shadow over the close relationship between American Airlines and BA. Essential reading for everyone in business and every airline passanger. First-rate investigative journalism

A horrendous expose of blatent efforts to quash the competition on the part of both British Airways and American Airlines, headed by several of Britain's establishment figures, several of who "retired" shortly after book publication. But, as one would think only happening in fiction, one of the main players rose to the top again, and is currently the major player. The most alarming aftermath is that this book was suddenly "out of print" very shortly after publication, not only in the US, but in the UK and Europe. I was loaned a copy by an aviation colleague (who received it as a gift from a Londoner), read it and immediately tried to purchase it three years ago. Am still trying. Could it only be a coincidence that during all the political machinations by both BA and AA to join forces, there were no copies of this book available to the public? One of the many horrifying aspects of this book is the way one company can get into the computer system of another in order to cause havoc.