THE AIRLINE industry is the focus of a new book by a pilot from Leamington.
Steve Ford trained as an aircraft engineer and holds aircraft engineering licences both sides of the Atlantic having served a full apprenticeship with British Caledonian Airways, which he joined in 1978.
He went on to gain his pilot licences, again from both sides of the Atlantic,allowing him to combine both engineering and piloting skills with British Aerospace and then, for more than 20 years, with Virgin Atlantic Airways
His book ’20 West’ turns the spotlight on the evolution of aviation through six transformative decades.
It includes aviation history, pilot experiences and aircraft development, from propeller-driven planes to state-of-the-art double-decker jets.
Steve said: “The reason for wanting to write this book was to provide ‘a record’; to attempt, as accurately as possible, to present a view from within the aviation industry during a period of monumental change.
“Over the years, I have probably worked with and flown with hundreds if not thousands of pilots, and one of the biggest drivers for me wanting to write this book was not because it is about me, but because it is about them.
“It will also allow those who have absolutely no idea what it is like to spend a lifetime in aviation to get a sense of what it looks, feels and smells like to be embraced by such a career. It is a way of life that wraps itself around you and enters every pore as you fall within its envelope.”
20 West is available in hardback, paperback and e-book format
Visit www.20WestBook.com for further details.
