Books matching: aviation details
18 result(s)
- #1
Save:In "An Old Captivity," Nevil Shute takes readers on an adventure of flying to Greenland via Scotland and Iceland in a seaplane for historical and archaeological research. The story follows the journey of three main characters as they plan and execute their objective of exploring distant and inhospitable lands, with a subplot of romance and folklore woven in. Shute's vivid descriptions of flying, historical details, and character development immerse readers in the world of Arctic exploration in the mid-thirties, showcasing his growing writing skill and open-mindedness towards reincarnation and spiritual matters.
The book delves into the challenges and dangers of flying a seaplane from England to Greenland in the 1930s, capturing the reader's attention with detailed descriptions of the expedition and the characters' interactions. Shute's writing style, characterized by rich characterization, believable romantic relationships, and a focus on ordinary people dealing with life's realities, keeps readers engrossed despite the slow pace typical of pre-WWII English novels.
THIS case came before me quite by chance in the spring of last year. I was travelling out to Rome for a consultation. I might have saved time and fatigue if I had gone by air, but it was early in the ... - #2
Save:'The Shepherd' by Frederick Forsyth is a short story that takes place on Christmas Eve in 1957, following a pilot encountering something strange during a perilous North Sea crossing. The story slowly develops into a warm Christmas ghost story, keeping the reader gripped and offering a stunning conclusion that ends unexpectedly. Forsyth's writing style is detailed, authentic, and provides intimate details about aircraft due to the author's practical knowledge, drawing a clear line between those who have aviation experience and those who do not.
FOR A BRIEF moment, while waiting for the control tower to clear me for takeoff, I glanced out through the Perspex cockpit canopy at the surrounding German countryside. It lay white and crisp beneath ... - #3
Save:Wingmen by Ensan Case is a historical military fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the relationship between two naval airmen, Trusteau and Hardigan. The story follows their journey from respect to admiration, to hidden lovers, against the backdrop of the Pacific War. The author expertly mixes technical details of aerial and naval warfare with the emotional struggles of the characters, providing a detailed and poignant description of the challenges faced by young men in wartime.
- #4
Save:'Wind, Sand and Stars' by Antoine de Saint-Exupery is a memoir that delves into the experiences of the author as a French aviator during the 1920s and 30s. The book not only narrates Saint-Exupery's adventures in the skies, including surviving a crash in the Libyan Desert, but also explores philosophical themes and musings on life, humanity, and war. Through beautifully crafted prose, the author shares insights on the human spirit and the importance of connectedness, while also reflecting on his involvement in the Spanish Civil War.
The writing style in 'Wind, Sand and Stars' is described as incredibly vivid and evocative, transporting readers to the vast open spaces of the desert and the deep night sky. The book blends descriptions of early aviation with existential questions, creating a narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking. Despite some chapters that may not resonate with modern sensibilities, the book is praised for its exploration of human endurance, survival, and the timeless lessons it imparts.
In 1926 I was enrolled as student airline pilot by the Latécoère Company, the predecessors of Aéropostale (now Air France) in the operation of the line between Toulouse, in southwestern France, and Da... In 'Down to a Sunless Sea' by David Graham, the story unfolds as a commercial jet pilot navigates a post-apocalyptic world caused by Peak Oil and nuclear war. The plot follows the crew and passengers of the plane as they try to find a safe haven amidst the chaos and destruction. The book combines elements of a dystopian world, aviation details, and survival themes, keeping readers on edge with tension and suspense. Despite some cliched characters and cheesy dialogue, the narrative grips readers with its believable depiction of a world on the brink of collapse.
The book delves into themes of human behavior in crisis situations, providing an interesting character study of ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. Set against the backdrop of a nuclear apocalypse, the story explores the actions and decisions of the characters as they navigate through a world plunged into chaos and uncertainty. Despite its gloomy premise, the book offers memorable moments that keep readers engaged and invested in the characters' fates.
Flight decks are traumatic places. Memory storages impregnated with sweat, fear, boredom and stress. Somewhere in there, traces of pleasure, satisfaction: nostalgic echoes of vast starry nights like i...- #6
Save:'The Wright Brothers' by David McCullough delves into the lives of Orville and Wilbur Wright, shedding light on their journey from bicycle shop owners to pioneers of aviation. The narrative explores their dedication to creating a flying apparatus that could be controlled, their groundbreaking feats in engineering, and the challenges they faced in achieving manned flight. McCullough's writing style captures the brothers' meticulous approach to flight, their methodical and scientific mindset, and the personal sacrifices they made in pursuit of their dream.
In as strong a photograph as any taken of the brothers together, they sit side by side on the back porch steps of the Wright family home on a small side street on the west end of Dayton, Ohio. The yea... - #7
Save:'Yeager: An Autobiography' by Chuck Yeager is a captivating account of the life and achievements of Chuck Yeager, a national hero and aviation legend. The book chronicles Yeager's remarkable journey from being the first man to break the sound barrier to his experiences in World War II, his training of others in the space program, and his command in various military squadrons. Through engaging anecdotes and first-hand perspectives, Yeager's autobiography provides a glimpse into the world of military aviation and the life of a celebrated pilot.
Chuck Yeager's autobiography is praised for its approachable language and gripping storytelling. The book not only highlights Yeager's groundbreaking accomplishments in aviation but also delves into his personal life, relationships, and reflections on his experiences. With vivid descriptions and insights from key figures in Yeager's life, the autobiography offers a comprehensive view of the man behind the legendary feats in the sky.
When President Truman presented me with the Collier Trophy in 1948 for breaking the sound barrier, my dad attended the White House ceremonies, but refused to shake hands with the President. He glowere... - #8
Save:'Great Circle' by Maggie Shipstead is an epic novel that spans multiple time periods and follows the lives of Marian Graves and her twin brother Jamie. The story revolves around Marian's passion for aviation, her adventures, relationships, and her attempt to circumnavigate the globe vertically as the first woman pilot. The narrative seamlessly shifts between Marian's intriguing life and the modern-day actress, Hadley Baxter, who portrays Marian in a movie, uncovering the missing pieces of her story. The book intricately weaves together historical events, aviation details, relationships, and the pursuit of dreams, creating a captivating and engaging storyline that unfolds over decades.
The writing style in 'Great Circle' is described as beautifully written in places, with well-developed characters and plot points. The novel skillfully alternates between different timelines, offering a rich tapestry of experiences and relationships. Despite its length, the book maintains a brisk pace and keeps readers engrossed in the sweeping lifetime adventure of Marian Graves and the actress delving into her story, blending fact and fiction seamlessly.
If it weren’t for the thing with Jones Cohen, I wouldn’t have ended up playing Marian Graves. It’s not like I could have predicted that at the time, though. All I knew was I had that tight feeling in ... - #9
Save:"Airframe" by Michael Crichton follows Casey Singleton, a quality assurance vice president at Norton Aircraft, as she investigates an in-flight accident that leaves three passengers dead and fifty-six injured. The plot centers around the mystery of what caused the accident, with technical details about airplane mechanics playing a crucial role in unraveling the truth. The story delves into the world of aircraft manufacturing, media sensationalism, and corporate intrigue, all while keeping the reader engaged with a fast-paced narrative and detailed descriptions of the aviation industry.
Emily Jansen sighed in relief. The long flight was nearing an end. Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the airplane. In her lap, little Sarah squinted in the unaccustomed brightness as sh... - #10
Save:In "Flight of Passage: A True Story" by Rinker Buck, two teenage brothers embark on a record-setting flight across the United States in a 1938 Piper Cub, facing challenges like turbulence-filled passages, colorful encounters at backwater airfields, and the complexities of their relationships with their former barnstorming father. The narrative, told through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Rinker, captures the conflicts and bonds between the brothers as they navigate post-JFK America and their personal journeys of growth and self-discovery.
The book is a heartfelt portrayal of family dynamics, aviation adventures, and coming-of-age themes intertwined in a narrative that seamlessly weaves together the excitement of flying in a vintage aircraft with the emotional depth of the relationships between the characters. Rinker Buck's eloquent yet straightforward writing style vividly captures the essence of their journey, from the technical details of flying to the poignant moments of reconciliation and understanding within the Buck family.
My brother dumbfounded us with his plan on a Saturday afternoon in October. My father, Kern, and I were an inseparable threesome on weekends, and we were out in the back field chopping wood for my fat...
