April 2008

April 2008

Introduction to Flying DVD (Sporty's, 2008, ID# D386). This new DVD takes the mystery out of flying for the nonpilot by exploring how flying works for both visual and instrument flight. Designed for passengers and not the pilot, the program uses lay terms to explain aviation concepts. Passengers will learn more about what the pilot is doing and why. They'll learn how to participate in the flight as a helpful crew member and how to aid in an emergency to make their next flight safer and more enjoyable.

Freedom In The Air: A Czech Flyer and his Aircrew Dog by Hamish Ross (Casemate, 2007, ISBN: 9781844155903). This biography tells of the life of a Czech airman, Vaclav Robert Bozdech,, who escaped from Nazi invasion, fought with the French and finally arrived in Britain to fly as an air gunner with the RAF during WWII. Throughout the war and after, he was accompanied by his Alsatian dog, who flew with him on many bomber raids and became a squadron mascot. After the war, the two returned to their homeland, but escaped back to the UK once the communists gained control.

Pan American Clippers: The Golden Age Of Flying Boats by James Trautman (Boston Mills Press, 2007, ISBN: 9781550464764). As the world emerged from the depression in the 1930s, they looked to Pan American Airways Clipper "flying boats" as a symbol of elegance, luxury, adventure and romance. This glossy, coffee-table book features rare period photographs, travel posters, magazine ads and colorful brochures evoking the era of the graceful "flying boats." All passengers on Clippers traveled in first-class style, reminiscent of the great ocean liners of the day.

Dream Aircraft: The Most Fascinating Airplanes I've Ever Flown by Barry Schiff (ASA, 2007, ISBN: 9781560276807). Some of the aircraft in this book are so rare that most pilots have never even seen them, let alone had a chance to fly them. Each chapter is dedicated to a different aircraft as Schiff describes the unique aspects and performance characteristics: exactly how it feels to be behind the control wheel (or stick, as it may be). Schiff's has amassed more than 26,000 hours in over 300 types of aircraft and received worldwide recognition for his wide-ranging accomplishments.

Five Of The Many: Survivors of the Bomber Command Offensive from the Battle of Britain to Victory Tell Their Story by Steve Darlow (Grub Street, 2008, 9781904943983). This book follows the exploits of five of RAF Bomber Command's distinguished airmen. Collectively, these men helped thwart German invasion planes in 1940 and countered the U-boats on the seas and in the factories. These men survived the attrition of Bomber Command's devastating campaign; 55,000 of their colleagues did not.