Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #306038 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01-01
• Binding: Paperback
• 349 pages

Customer Reviews

Excellent - As good as Ernest K Gann's "Fate is the Hunter"
I had heard of this book long before reading it. As an aviation fan and pilot I think this rates as one of the very best books about flying in general. The Author takes us through his initial flying training with the British Army at Middle Wallop and on to his tactical training which is at times quite terrifying.

We are then treated to his operational years in Aden during the Radfan conflict where all his training is put to good use. The style is easy to follow (for non pilots too) and his personal remarks are frequently amusing and always informative.

The writers enchanting relationship with his instructor reminded me of the attachment formed between "Narciss and Goldmund" in that wonderful tale written by Hemann Hesse.

High praise indeed!

An excellent book.
Having served in South Arabia, as a Troop Commander in 45 Commando Royal Marines, concurrently with the events of this book, I can testify to the excellent way in which Kimbell captures the nature of the Radfan Campaign.

Very few latter-day miliatry books hold my interest, but this is a delightful work of spirit and humour and I thouroughly enjoyed every chapter.

Wonderful read
Picked this up and read it in a day. As a pilot I find the sharing of Alex Kimbells exploits as exciting and rewarding as Ganns (Fate is the Hunter.) It has provoked me to evaluate whether I am a pilot or an aviator myself and the value in ' thinking like a bird'. I am sure it would warm the hearts of many to know that Alex has passed down to a new age of pilots the experience and passion of his own mentors. I for one, will carry with me the thoughts and values of Mr. Summers with me for as long as I fly........ .