Confessions of a Flying Instructor

Confessions of a Flying Instructor

Author: Tug Wilson

Publisher: Fonthill Media

Published: 2023-04-16

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13:

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After surviving three years flying the RAF’s greatest and scariest fighter (the mighty Phantom), Tug Wilson tried his hand at teaching some of the flying skills he probably should have known when he was on the Cold War front-line. Despite being slightly more mature and having the responsibility of teaching, and looking after, trainee pilots and navigators in the cockpit of a Hawk fast-jet trainer, Wilson manages to almost kill himself (again) and at least one of his students. This book build on the insecurities, amazement, and pure unadulterated joy that the author felt while flying aircraft in his beloved RAF. It is an open and honest account of his professional and personal life, much in the style of his first book―'Confessions of a Phantom Pilot’ (which has been described as a “Cracking good read” by Tug, his family, and all his mates from the Phantom that were happy to be mentioned in it. Ever wondered what a fast-jet pilot goes through while learning the intricacies of air-defence and low-level flying? Or even how to cheat in air combat? ‘Confessions of a Flying Instructor’ is a personal examination of an often overlooked aspect of the RAF.


Book Synopsis Confessions of a Flying Instructor by : Tug Wilson

Download or read book Confessions of a Flying Instructor written by Tug Wilson and published by Fonthill Media. This book was released on 2023-04-16 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After surviving three years flying the RAF’s greatest and scariest fighter (the mighty Phantom), Tug Wilson tried his hand at teaching some of the flying skills he probably should have known when he was on the Cold War front-line. Despite being slightly more mature and having the responsibility of teaching, and looking after, trainee pilots and navigators in the cockpit of a Hawk fast-jet trainer, Wilson manages to almost kill himself (again) and at least one of his students. This book build on the insecurities, amazement, and pure unadulterated joy that the author felt while flying aircraft in his beloved RAF. It is an open and honest account of his professional and personal life, much in the style of his first book―'Confessions of a Phantom Pilot’ (which has been described as a “Cracking good read” by Tug, his family, and all his mates from the Phantom that were happy to be mentioned in it. Ever wondered what a fast-jet pilot goes through while learning the intricacies of air-defence and low-level flying? Or even how to cheat in air combat? ‘Confessions of a Flying Instructor’ is a personal examination of an often overlooked aspect of the RAF.


Confessions of a Phantom Pilot

Confessions of a Phantom Pilot

Author: Tug Wilson

Publisher: Fonthill Media

Published: 2021-12-02

Total Pages: 344

ISBN-13:

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‘The Confessions of a Phantom Pilot’ is the true story of a young RAF pilot who gets his dream to fly the old dirty workhorse fighter of the Cold War. From the first flight where he thought the jet was trying to kill him, through to his final trip of leading eight aeroplanes on a front line fighter squadron, you will relive his thoughts, feelings and anxieties as he stumbles his way through each flight relying on a bit of skill and a lot of blind luck. In essence, it is a love letter to the Phantom from a star-struck boy who felt like he was way out of his depth at the beginning of their affair. You will share stories of the outrageous drinking culture that was a major part of Cold War front-line operations, and marvel at how he didn’t do himself some serious damage either in or out of the cockpit. This is how it feels to be a front-line fighter pilot – the triumphs and the disasters are all laid out here in a completely open and honest way as the author looks back with a certain sense of nostalgia and mild embarrassment. What a blast though!


Book Synopsis Confessions of a Phantom Pilot by : Tug Wilson

Download or read book Confessions of a Phantom Pilot written by Tug Wilson and published by Fonthill Media. This book was released on 2021-12-02 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ‘The Confessions of a Phantom Pilot’ is the true story of a young RAF pilot who gets his dream to fly the old dirty workhorse fighter of the Cold War. From the first flight where he thought the jet was trying to kill him, through to his final trip of leading eight aeroplanes on a front line fighter squadron, you will relive his thoughts, feelings and anxieties as he stumbles his way through each flight relying on a bit of skill and a lot of blind luck. In essence, it is a love letter to the Phantom from a star-struck boy who felt like he was way out of his depth at the beginning of their affair. You will share stories of the outrageous drinking culture that was a major part of Cold War front-line operations, and marvel at how he didn’t do himself some serious damage either in or out of the cockpit. This is how it feels to be a front-line fighter pilot – the triumphs and the disasters are all laid out here in a completely open and honest way as the author looks back with a certain sense of nostalgia and mild embarrassment. What a blast though!


Confessions of an Air Traffic Controller

Confessions of an Air Traffic Controller

Author: Danny Mortensen

Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

Published: 2019-01-30

Total Pages: 163

ISBN-13: 164299913X

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An autobiography of a young impertinent FAA controller in the seventies culminating in the PATCO strike of 1981, and his subsequent adventures and exploits in aviation through the years. An entrepreneur, educator, author, radio talk show host, motivational speaker, master of ceremonies, aircraft builder, risk-taker and air race pilot, world record holder, corporate pilot, and airline instructor are just some of his unique accomplishments. With his involvement with Bill Phelps’ Airline Ground Schools as an instructor and later as president, Dan lead a premier cadre of retired airline captains responsible for the worldwide training of more than 59,000 pilots and aircraft dispatchers. His innovations in aviation education and training materials are admired by many. Danny earned the moniker Mr. Lucky after walking away from a 200 mph crash at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, in 1983. His miraculous survival is attributed to the structural integrity of his Burt Rutan-designed AMSOIL Racer and the stronger-than-steel composite materials used in its construction. In 1990, he won the Gold at Reno and retired from pylon air racing after fifteen years of competition. Two of his race planes now hang in museums. Now retired, Danny reflects on his challenges, accomplishments, and some funny stories along the way.


Book Synopsis Confessions of an Air Traffic Controller by : Danny Mortensen

Download or read book Confessions of an Air Traffic Controller written by Danny Mortensen and published by Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.. This book was released on 2019-01-30 with total page 163 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An autobiography of a young impertinent FAA controller in the seventies culminating in the PATCO strike of 1981, and his subsequent adventures and exploits in aviation through the years. An entrepreneur, educator, author, radio talk show host, motivational speaker, master of ceremonies, aircraft builder, risk-taker and air race pilot, world record holder, corporate pilot, and airline instructor are just some of his unique accomplishments. With his involvement with Bill Phelps’ Airline Ground Schools as an instructor and later as president, Dan lead a premier cadre of retired airline captains responsible for the worldwide training of more than 59,000 pilots and aircraft dispatchers. His innovations in aviation education and training materials are admired by many. Danny earned the moniker Mr. Lucky after walking away from a 200 mph crash at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, in 1983. His miraculous survival is attributed to the structural integrity of his Burt Rutan-designed AMSOIL Racer and the stronger-than-steel composite materials used in its construction. In 1990, he won the Gold at Reno and retired from pylon air racing after fifteen years of competition. Two of his race planes now hang in museums. Now retired, Danny reflects on his challenges, accomplishments, and some funny stories along the way.


The Last Bush Pilots

The Last Bush Pilots

Author: Eric Auxier

Publisher:

Published: 2012-11-17

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781480279889

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TOP 100 FINALIST-AMAZON BREAKTHROUGH NOVEL AWARDS!"You won't want to put down THE LAST BUSH PILOTS while the midnight sun still shines."-Airways MagazineKINDLE EDITION: http://goo.gl/fRv9t--------"MAYDAY, MADAY! I'M GOING DOWN, I'M GOING D-"So begins the literary thrill ride that is "The Last Bush Pilots."Author, airline Captain and popular blogger Eric Auxier brings his former bush flying to life in his second novel, "The Last Bush Pilots."Two young pilots, Daniel "DC" Alva and Allen David Foley, take on the world's most dangerous flying: the Alaska bush. But Mother Nature-and a sexy Native Alaskan-stand in their way.Southeast Alaska Seaplanes, Juneau. Retired airline Captain Dusty Tucker pilots a renegade band of flying misfits. Meet legendary bush pilot Jake "Crash" Whitakker, equally adept at landing planes and ladies-and "crashin' 'em" as well; prankster pilot Ralph Olaphsen, who once set an extinct volcano ablaze on April Fool's Day; and no-nonsense Check Airman Holly Innes, trying to cut a respectable niche in the notoriously macho bush pilot world-while escaping a dangerous past.Amid Alaska's volatile skies, DC and Allen face escalating challenges in and out of the cockpit. As the two "cheechackos," or greenhorns, learn the ropes, they are also roped into Crash and Ralph's hare-brained scheme, "Operation Dirty Harry." Under the suspicious nose of Draconian FAA Inspector Frederick Bruner, the pilots hatch a plot to hijack and rescue a planeload of orphaned bear cubs. Moreover, mischievous Tlingit Indian Tonya Hunter, as wild and unpredictable as the land in which she lives, plays the two lovestruck cheechackos against each other.But the true villain of the story is Mother Nature herself. Alaska's notoriously fickle weather and rugged terrain take on a life of its own. Can the two cheechackos survive Her relentless onslaught and launch their fledgeling airline careers? "Eric Auxier is the next Tom Clancy of Aviation." -Tawni Waters, Author, "Beauty of the Broken," "Siren Song," Grand Prize Recipient - "Best Travel Writers of 2010.""With over 12,000 hours of Alaskan bush flying, reading 'The Last Bush Pilots' was like looking in a mirror. Nice work, Eric." -CloudDancer, Author, "CloudDancer's Alaskan Chronicles" "Eric paints a picture of flying with words that are every bit as beautiful and moving as anything ever drawn or photographed. " -Aviationguy.com"I flew through The Last Bush Pilots in one sitting, keeping my seatbelt securely fastened. A fast-paced tale, thoroughly enjoyed."-John Wegg, Editor Airways Magazine Visit www.lastbushpilots.com to view the 30-second trailer!


Book Synopsis The Last Bush Pilots by : Eric Auxier

Download or read book The Last Bush Pilots written by Eric Auxier and published by . This book was released on 2012-11-17 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: TOP 100 FINALIST-AMAZON BREAKTHROUGH NOVEL AWARDS!"You won't want to put down THE LAST BUSH PILOTS while the midnight sun still shines."-Airways MagazineKINDLE EDITION: http://goo.gl/fRv9t--------"MAYDAY, MADAY! I'M GOING DOWN, I'M GOING D-"So begins the literary thrill ride that is "The Last Bush Pilots."Author, airline Captain and popular blogger Eric Auxier brings his former bush flying to life in his second novel, "The Last Bush Pilots."Two young pilots, Daniel "DC" Alva and Allen David Foley, take on the world's most dangerous flying: the Alaska bush. But Mother Nature-and a sexy Native Alaskan-stand in their way.Southeast Alaska Seaplanes, Juneau. Retired airline Captain Dusty Tucker pilots a renegade band of flying misfits. Meet legendary bush pilot Jake "Crash" Whitakker, equally adept at landing planes and ladies-and "crashin' 'em" as well; prankster pilot Ralph Olaphsen, who once set an extinct volcano ablaze on April Fool's Day; and no-nonsense Check Airman Holly Innes, trying to cut a respectable niche in the notoriously macho bush pilot world-while escaping a dangerous past.Amid Alaska's volatile skies, DC and Allen face escalating challenges in and out of the cockpit. As the two "cheechackos," or greenhorns, learn the ropes, they are also roped into Crash and Ralph's hare-brained scheme, "Operation Dirty Harry." Under the suspicious nose of Draconian FAA Inspector Frederick Bruner, the pilots hatch a plot to hijack and rescue a planeload of orphaned bear cubs. Moreover, mischievous Tlingit Indian Tonya Hunter, as wild and unpredictable as the land in which she lives, plays the two lovestruck cheechackos against each other.But the true villain of the story is Mother Nature herself. Alaska's notoriously fickle weather and rugged terrain take on a life of its own. Can the two cheechackos survive Her relentless onslaught and launch their fledgeling airline careers? "Eric Auxier is the next Tom Clancy of Aviation." -Tawni Waters, Author, "Beauty of the Broken," "Siren Song," Grand Prize Recipient - "Best Travel Writers of 2010.""With over 12,000 hours of Alaskan bush flying, reading 'The Last Bush Pilots' was like looking in a mirror. Nice work, Eric." -CloudDancer, Author, "CloudDancer's Alaskan Chronicles" "Eric paints a picture of flying with words that are every bit as beautiful and moving as anything ever drawn or photographed. " -Aviationguy.com"I flew through The Last Bush Pilots in one sitting, keeping my seatbelt securely fastened. A fast-paced tale, thoroughly enjoyed."-John Wegg, Editor Airways Magazine Visit www.lastbushpilots.com to view the 30-second trailer!


Confessions of an Air Craft Pilot

Confessions of an Air Craft Pilot

Author: Terry Tozer

Publisher: Pen and Sword Aviation

Published: 2022-02-10

Total Pages: 327

ISBN-13: 1399012053

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From a former commercial airline pilot and British Airways captain, a memoir about life in the cockpit, offering insider information about flight safety. How do you know if the airline you are planning to fly with is safe? What should you be worried about? Is it, Turbulence, lightning or that the pilots might be asleep while the aircraft flies on, on autopilot? Does a pilot’s life conform to the cliché; a life of foreign adventure with off duty hours spent by the pool in some tropical paradise surrounded by attractive members of the opposite sex? Or is it a life of commercial pressure to cut corners to keep the show on the road irrespective of the rules? Is it true that pilots have to jack up a seventy-ton aircraft themselves and change a wheel when they get a puncture? Ever wonder what really happened during the Concorde’s only crash? This and other mysteries of flight travel are analyzed by a twenty-year airline industry veteran and presented in a highly readable form. Terry Tozer gives readers cockpit view of a series of real flights. Some result in accidents and incidents that demonstrate what the priorities for good safety are. Others are experiences from the author’s own flying career in both passenger airline flying to long haul cargo, with its hidden world of global commerce, military operations and more. Finally, Tozer offers a suggestion that helps passengers easily choose safe airlines. Confessions of an Airline Pilot is an engrossing read from an industry insider, perfect for aviation buffs and anyone hoping to understand the real calculations that contribute to aviation safety.


Book Synopsis Confessions of an Air Craft Pilot by : Terry Tozer

Download or read book Confessions of an Air Craft Pilot written by Terry Tozer and published by Pen and Sword Aviation. This book was released on 2022-02-10 with total page 327 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From a former commercial airline pilot and British Airways captain, a memoir about life in the cockpit, offering insider information about flight safety. How do you know if the airline you are planning to fly with is safe? What should you be worried about? Is it, Turbulence, lightning or that the pilots might be asleep while the aircraft flies on, on autopilot? Does a pilot’s life conform to the cliché; a life of foreign adventure with off duty hours spent by the pool in some tropical paradise surrounded by attractive members of the opposite sex? Or is it a life of commercial pressure to cut corners to keep the show on the road irrespective of the rules? Is it true that pilots have to jack up a seventy-ton aircraft themselves and change a wheel when they get a puncture? Ever wonder what really happened during the Concorde’s only crash? This and other mysteries of flight travel are analyzed by a twenty-year airline industry veteran and presented in a highly readable form. Terry Tozer gives readers cockpit view of a series of real flights. Some result in accidents and incidents that demonstrate what the priorities for good safety are. Others are experiences from the author’s own flying career in both passenger airline flying to long haul cargo, with its hidden world of global commerce, military operations and more. Finally, Tozer offers a suggestion that helps passengers easily choose safe airlines. Confessions of an Airline Pilot is an engrossing read from an industry insider, perfect for aviation buffs and anyone hoping to understand the real calculations that contribute to aviation safety.


Dumb but Lucky!

Dumb but Lucky!

Author: Richard Curtis

Publisher: Presidio Press

Published: 2007-12-18

Total Pages: 359

ISBN-13: 0307415104

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Second lieutenant Dick Curtis arrived in Italy in May 1944–twenty years old and part of a shipment of P-51 Mustang fighter pilots so desperately needed that they were rushed into combat with less than thirty hours of flight time in their new high-performance aircraft. Six of the twelve pilots assigned to the 52nd Fighter Group were shot down in the first two weeks. By his ninth mission, Curtis was the only one still flying. A maverick, he barely escaped court-martial with his high-flying antics. Escorting bombers sent to pound heavily defended oil fields was risky enough, but strafing the enemy supply lines, ports, and airfields was even more dangerous. Curtis may chalk up his success to dumb luck, but these missions took exceptional skill and courage. This hair-raising account captures the air war in all its split-second terror and adrenaline-pumping action.


Book Synopsis Dumb but Lucky! by : Richard Curtis

Download or read book Dumb but Lucky! written by Richard Curtis and published by Presidio Press. This book was released on 2007-12-18 with total page 359 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Second lieutenant Dick Curtis arrived in Italy in May 1944–twenty years old and part of a shipment of P-51 Mustang fighter pilots so desperately needed that they were rushed into combat with less than thirty hours of flight time in their new high-performance aircraft. Six of the twelve pilots assigned to the 52nd Fighter Group were shot down in the first two weeks. By his ninth mission, Curtis was the only one still flying. A maverick, he barely escaped court-martial with his high-flying antics. Escorting bombers sent to pound heavily defended oil fields was risky enough, but strafing the enemy supply lines, ports, and airfields was even more dangerous. Curtis may chalk up his success to dumb luck, but these missions took exceptional skill and courage. This hair-raising account captures the air war in all its split-second terror and adrenaline-pumping action.


The Killing Zone: How & Why Pilots Die

The Killing Zone: How & Why Pilots Die

Author: Paul Craig

Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional

Published: 2001-01-02

Total Pages: 337

ISBN-13: 007150415X

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This literal survival guide for new pilots identifies "the killing zone," the 40-250 flight hours during which unseasoned aviators are likely to commit lethal mistakes. Presents the statistics of how many pilots will die in the zone within a year; calls attention to the eight top pilot killers (such as "VFR into IFR," "Takeoff and Climb"); and maps strategies for avoiding, diverting, correcting, and managing the dangers. Includes a Pilot Personality Self-Assessment Exercise that identifies pilot "types" and how each type can best react to survive the killing zone.


Book Synopsis The Killing Zone: How & Why Pilots Die by : Paul Craig

Download or read book The Killing Zone: How & Why Pilots Die written by Paul Craig and published by McGraw Hill Professional. This book was released on 2001-01-02 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This literal survival guide for new pilots identifies "the killing zone," the 40-250 flight hours during which unseasoned aviators are likely to commit lethal mistakes. Presents the statistics of how many pilots will die in the zone within a year; calls attention to the eight top pilot killers (such as "VFR into IFR," "Takeoff and Climb"); and maps strategies for avoiding, diverting, correcting, and managing the dangers. Includes a Pilot Personality Self-Assessment Exercise that identifies pilot "types" and how each type can best react to survive the killing zone.


Laughter in the Sky

Laughter in the Sky

Author: Kevin E. Wilkey

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 270

ISBN-13: 9780986450198

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Book Synopsis Laughter in the Sky by : Kevin E. Wilkey

Download or read book Laughter in the Sky written by Kevin E. Wilkey and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 270 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Thunderbolt to War

Thunderbolt to War

Author: John Anderson

Publisher: Fonthill Media

Published: 2017-05-17

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

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Thunderbolt to War gives a remarkable personal insight into the structure and operations of a leading USAAF Fighter Squadron in Britain during the Second World War. This theme is explored through the recorded thoughts and feelings of Clint Sperry, a skilled fighter pilot who was seconded to England with the 353rd Fighter Group—the rarely celebrated workhorse of Eighth Fighter Command. Despite the relative anonymity of the Group, the names of its charismatic leaders still resonate today, including the eighteen-victory ace Walter Beckham and the aggressive Glenn E. Duncan. Clint and his colleagues suffered many frustrating and perilous experiences during the war; they encountered enemy fighters, flak, treacherous weather, and mechanical problems throughout the bloody battles over Europe. To survive was a lottery, but Clint’s experience and aptitude served him well. This account follows the soaring successes and devastating traumas that Clint experienced, culminating in a vivid picture of a fighter pilot’s war. He flew 106 missions in his favoured P47 Thunderbolt, and was credited with destroying or probably destroying five enemy aircraft—in addition to destroying many targets on the ground by strafing and bombing. Clint was awarded three DFCs for his courage, and gained the enduring respect of his son, Steve, and his friend, John Anderson. Their richly illustrated account of his life pays tribute to a true American hero. Illustrations: 118 black-and-white illustrations


Book Synopsis Thunderbolt to War by : John Anderson

Download or read book Thunderbolt to War written by John Anderson and published by Fonthill Media. This book was released on 2017-05-17 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thunderbolt to War gives a remarkable personal insight into the structure and operations of a leading USAAF Fighter Squadron in Britain during the Second World War. This theme is explored through the recorded thoughts and feelings of Clint Sperry, a skilled fighter pilot who was seconded to England with the 353rd Fighter Group—the rarely celebrated workhorse of Eighth Fighter Command. Despite the relative anonymity of the Group, the names of its charismatic leaders still resonate today, including the eighteen-victory ace Walter Beckham and the aggressive Glenn E. Duncan. Clint and his colleagues suffered many frustrating and perilous experiences during the war; they encountered enemy fighters, flak, treacherous weather, and mechanical problems throughout the bloody battles over Europe. To survive was a lottery, but Clint’s experience and aptitude served him well. This account follows the soaring successes and devastating traumas that Clint experienced, culminating in a vivid picture of a fighter pilot’s war. He flew 106 missions in his favoured P47 Thunderbolt, and was credited with destroying or probably destroying five enemy aircraft—in addition to destroying many targets on the ground by strafing and bombing. Clint was awarded three DFCs for his courage, and gained the enduring respect of his son, Steve, and his friend, John Anderson. Their richly illustrated account of his life pays tribute to a true American hero. Illustrations: 118 black-and-white illustrations


Blue Confessions

Blue Confessions

Author: David J. Bedard

Publisher:

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 246

ISBN-13: 9780830640973

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Book Synopsis Blue Confessions by : David J. Bedard

Download or read book Blue Confessions written by David J. Bedard and published by . This book was released on 1993 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: