A new book, “From Props to Jets: Commercial Aviation’s Transition to the Jet Age 1952-1962,” by Jon Proctor, Mike Machat and Craig Kodera, is slated for release in May. Although the years from 1952 to 1962 saw the rise and dominance of piston-powered airliners like the Douglas DC-7, Lockheed Constellation, and Boeing Stratocruiser, the new […]
Books
10th edition of ‘The Student Pilot’s Flight Manual’ released
The legacy of legendary flight instructor William K. Kershner lives on in the 10th edition of his venerable classic, “The Student Pilot’s Flight Manual,” now edited by his son William C. Kershner. This first volume in “The Flight Manuals Series” is a ground school textbook, maneuvers manual, and syllabus all rolled into one, providing a […]
More memories from ‘Nine Lives’
Recently I’ve been reading a book by Malvern (Mal) Gross titled “Nine Lives – Adventures of a Lucky Pilot.” (See the first part of the review here.) Gross started his career as a CPA and during his many years he set world records in his Cessna 210, headed up a couple of national and international […]
Book review creates flood of memories
Every now and then I get a call from the office and the conversation usually goes something like this: Ben: Hi dad, what’s going on? Me: Nothing much just watching the Olympics or working on some Rotary stuff but nothing critical … what have you got in mind? Ben: How about coming into the office. […]
Jungle Flight: Missionary flying at its best
Book review: “Jungle Flight, Spiritual Adventures At The Ends Of The Earth” By Dane Skelton. When it comes to adventure and human fulfillment, few aviation careers stack up to missionary flying. The pilots who opt for this route have to have both skill and passion, along with a great deal of resourcefulness as they are […]
‘Navy Wings of Gold’ published
Navy Lieutenant Willard ‘Robbie’ Robinson recounts first-hand experiences and stories of true love, ferocious combat, and survival in his new book, “Navy Wings of Gold.” Robinson offers readers personal, untold stories of infamous World War II battles and encounters, including President George H. W. Bush’s miraculous survival story. As a test pilot for Cal Tech, […]
‘The Lonely Sky’ chronicles test pilot’s story
“The Lonely Sky,” reprinted by iUniverse, shares the story of Bill Bridgeman, who joined Douglas Aircraft as an engineering test pilot after a stint in the Navy. Soon he was asked to take over the final stages of the testing program for the Skyrocket, a javelin-shaped experimental rocket-powered ship. The story of his day-by-day life […]
DC-3 photo book celebrates 75th anniversary
In his seventh aviation history book, “DC-3: A Legend In Her Time,” Bruce McAllister brings together a collection of photographs of the DC-3. The book’s release date of April 1 is timed to the aircraft’s 75th anniversary. Hundreds of DC-3s are still in service today, almost 75 years after the first one rolled off the […]
ASA debuts new composites textbook
ASA’s new textbook on composite materials, “Essentials of Advanced Composite Fabrication and Repair,” runs the gamut, serving as a comprehensive primer on composites, yet also working as a resource for long-time composites professionals, according to company officials. Advanced composite technology is constantly changing and embracing new developments daily, yet the basics needed to successfully design, […]