Barnard on Learning to Fly

1930, signed by a distinguished RAF officer of the Second World War

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

Undated, c1930. First edition. Hardback in dustwrapper. 22.5 × 14.5cm, 172pp.

This copy has the ownership signature of Edward Donald J Parker (as E Donald Parker), a decorated RAF officer. He was awarded the George Cross in 1941 for crash landing his plane after take off and saving his crew whilst the plane was on fire and still carrying its bombs. He was also awarded the DFC after 43 operational flights in 1940. He died in 1943 after his Lancaster was shot down after a raid on Berlin.

The author was a British pilot who flew in races and record-breaking flights after having seen service with the Royal Flying Corps in the Great War. This book is his introduction to flying, from simple explanations of how an aeroplane flies to take off and landing, level flying, the spin (its causes and cure), cross-winds etc, and is illustrated with photographs and drawings.

Condition

The book itself is in very good condition, the dustwrapper is heavily chipped to all edges but is now within a protective sleeve.