Pilot's Ups and Downs

For every 1000 people who applied to be airline pilots in BEA/BOAC back in the day about four made it. The other 996 plus their wives parents and children might wonder how their lives could have turned out so here is the story of one of the four. Besides the passengers who sit behind that locked door and trust us with their lives must wonder What goes on up there and how does it affect their lives and families?<br>My education included the University Air Squadron then learning to fly at the College sponsored by British Airways. There is a chapter of general information on aviation then most of the book is an account of my experiences whether dramatic disappointing exciting or amusing during my varied career in British Airways. Some incidents occur within the cockpit others in social interaction outside and a few come from pilot folklore. I also describe visits to sights around the world an aspect that draws people to aviation as a career and interests everyone.<br>I have added one professional pilot's opinion on aviation topics in the news the mysterious Malaysian disappearance and the Alpine tragedy and finish with my lifelong interest in designing model aircraft.