Product Description

In June 2007 a very special event will happen in the aviation world. A restored Avro Vulcan Mark 2 - XH558 - will take to the air again to help commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. To coincide with this the memoirs of one of its test pilots, Tony Blackman, will be published - the first ever book about test flying this monumental delta-wing aircraft which dominated the history of the late 20th century. Tony is the ideal man to write such a tale as he flew no less than 105 of the 136 built, logging 850 flights at over 1,327 hours. His book will describe in layman's terms what it was like to tame the first prototypes and to master the unusual characteristics necessitated by the Vulcan's shape. Although Tony puts the developments, demonstrations, incidents and accidents in their political and historical context, his story is a highly personal one. He explains how this awesome aircraft became a national treasure and captured the imagination of the whole country. His words, descriptions and hitherto largely unpublished photographs will make people feel as he did the excitement of handling such an incredibly powerful monster always in the knowledge that he had to be in complete charge all the time as the monster could and did bite back.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #163822 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-15
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

Military Illustrated, October 2007
The Avro Vulcan enjoys near legendary status as one of the RAF's renowned V Bombers... Tony Blackman knows the aircraft as well as anyone for in a distinguished career as a test pilot he clocked up 1,327 hours on the Vulcan. In this book he shares his memories, intertwined with the story of the bomber. It is stuffed with technical detail, and air buffs will love it. It is no criticism to say that Vulcan Test Pilot is a book for the serious enthusiast rather than the casual reader

Aviation News Literary Supplement, November 2007
Tony Blackman is the right choice for a full test pilot's view of flying this aircraft... One of the most absorbing parts of the book is his discussion of each Vulcan incident and accident, a pilot perspective in which he pulls no punches and spares no embarrassment ... Very difficult to put down ... a valuable complement to existing literature on this fascinating aircraft

Customer Reviews

Vulcan Flying
As an ex Vulcan B Mk2 Navigator I found this book to be both informative and well written giving a good grasp of what it was like to fly in an iconic aircraft. I hope others will get as much enjoyment from this book which will appeal to the general aviation enthusiast.
Terry Lynn

A book full of nostalgia
This book is truely awesome. Full of detail about the testing of the Vulcan which the author did himself. There is also a chapter about the accidents that happened to the vulcan, explained in detail. Also the author gives his account on a tour he did to the States and the various displays he did at Farnborough. I would recommand this book to every vulcan enthusiast since it gives you a feel about how the aircraft handled. 5 stars!!

Wow !! enjoyed every moment of this book
One of those few books that you just don't want to put down.

Always fascinated with 'anything Vulcan' and this book certainly holds your interest..... excellent reading

Highly recommended.....only regret that I was too late for an autographed copy

Eagerly awaiting latest book from Tony Blackman "Test Pilot my extraordinary life"