Old Pilots Never Die - They Just Fly Away

About the Book

It is a running account of life in ATA-delivering all military aircraft used by the Allies in World War 2. Foul weather was our greatest enemy-with solid cloud often up to 20,000 feet thick. Even though many of us had some instrument training, each aircraft type had its own characteristics in cloud flying, and very often the pilot ended up in GoldersÕ Green Crematorium, London, or in a rural Royal Air Force churchyardÑwith no viewing possible. I soloed many different aircraft at the school in Maidenhead, posted to many different Ferry PoolsÑlearning the geography, and also enjoying the historic sights of the DruidÕs Circle, the castles of Scotland and northern England. I later qualified on twin-engined aircraft and became a Second OfficerÑready to go on to become a First OfficerÑafter passing through the school once again to fly the Wellington (ÒWimpyÓ) and the Blenheim. However, my training was interrupted by a trip on leave home in 1943 with the USA Army 8th Air Force, and I finally came home for good (in one piece!), on the QE2 in late December, (Christmas Eve) 1943, to take up test flying and soaring.

In this story, a disciple from the Man Above was sent down, as penance, to correct/reform a certain individual. However, he was met with extreme difficulties in his efforts, and was heard to remark - "there must be an easier way to become an Angel First Class." However, I too, at 92, am "looking" for an Angel First Class.

Due to our recent cost- savings program, we are now able to reduce the price of Old Pilots Never Die - They Just Fly Away to $20.15.

About the Author

I was born in Los Angeles, California on January 7, 1915. Dad took us east to New Jersey when I was three where I attended schools and Rutgers University - also Penn State, later graduating from Rutgers under the G.I. Bill of Rights. After being turned down by the USAAF, U/S. Navy and the RDAF, and having completed the Civilian Pilot Training course at Somerset Airport an RAF Flying School in Bermuda. I applied there- was accepted in December. After completing the RAF course in Bermuda, I was seconded to the RAFFC, in Greenock, Scotland, in April 1942, and my flying career was launched. However, at 27, I failed another physical in London, and after several months of waiting, to be clearedÑstarted to fly for ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) In July 1942, where I served until December 31, 1943