One I recall reading years ago was, if I'm right, Challenge Me The Sky, by Bill Bridgeman. Read this and you wonder whether there was a bit of political push to publicise Chuck Yeager and minimise Bridgeman.
Gerry Winskill bones wrote:
Alas I have far too many here to start listing. I read Prest's book when it first came out and I agree it was a superb read. The story of the F104 landing in fog made my hair stand on end.. Most of the books I would recommend are already known as classics so I'll avoid Gann and Bach. Saggitarius Rising and Winged Victory from WW1, all the usual WW2 books - but you should look out for The Eighth Passenger by Miles Tripp. It's a low key autobiography of a perfectly normal Lancaster crew who just flew the missions, did nothing spectacular and survived. Maybe because of this it has more effect than the tales of the more glamorous heros of the period. Post war there is Croydon to Concorde (Gillman) and Behind the Cockpit Door (Whitlock). Military wise the coverage is thinner except for Vietnam and from this conflict came Chickenhawk (Mason) - very good writing but maybe too gritty for some - and Thud Ridge (Broughton). Like him or not but Chuck Yeagar's autobiography is also a good read because it gives you a good look at US military development post war. Far too many others to mention. -----Original Message----- From: jhb-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:jhb-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Mike Brook Sent: 02 May 2007 17:51 To: JHB Airlines Subject: [jhb] Good read I've just finished reading (for the untold umpteenth time) "F4 Phantom - A Pilot's Story" by Robert Prest. It is a 'must read' if you've not come across it. (Sheesh, I really regret not joining the RAF as a pilot in the early sixties, I was scuppered by the bl**dy dreadful eyesight ... <g>). No consolation, but it has been great to have been able to get out in the sunshine to read a good book and relax over the last few days! Anyone else got favourite aviation titles that they would like to share? MikeB
