Up in Harm's Way: Flying With the Fleet Air Arm

This book tells the story of a twenty year period in the author's career as a test pilot mainly. It is an interesting account on the whole, primarily because the years it covers were a period of very rapid development in military aircraft technology, yet it is written in the style of an English gentleman officer and this can make it hard to read in parts where excessive detail (people's names often) is included even though it gives nothing to the narative. Also, in parts, it appears to be a text written twenty years ago, or possibly at the time it is set, with minor additions made very recently to bring a more modern perspective to the book. This is obvious and seems un-natural, breaking the flow, while still being not totally up to date (it still talks about the Sea Harriar as being operational, and makes no mention of the new aircraft carriers supposedly being laid down at present for the Royal Navy nor the F-35 Lightning II that are planned to be purchased by the UK from the USA to fly off these carriers). Having said all this it is a unique tale shedding new light on the development of the Buccaneer, the Wyvern and the Attacker, so for the avid reader of and fan of Military Naval Aviation it is a must, despite these faults.

Having read and enjoyed this author's previous book about flying in the Fleet Air Arm during WW2 ('They gave me a Seafire') I was really looking forward to this volume of post-war experiences. However it came over as a rather muddled review of his period as a combat pilot, test pilot and instructor.

It was an Xmas gift for family member so can't comment

An excellent follow on from his first book, They Gave Me a Seafire. Once again the descriptions are excellent and the background stories to the testing and development of high performance aircraft will leave you in awe of the skill and courage of the test pilots. A brilliant book.

I have yet to read all of it but what I have read so far is excellent and a welcome addition to my small FAA library.

A splendid book, and a bargain! Many thanks, recommended!

I find it strange that you mention the fact that's it's not update, mentioning the F35. When It's based on his flying career, which ended 40 years ago. You're absolutely right about some parts feeling like they were written 20 years ago, they were. As for the detail, many of the accounts are taken from his flight logs, so would be. But I'm glad you enjoyed the read. They gave me a Seafire is also a fine read.