PRACTICAL FLYING
Major W. G. McMinnies R.A.F.
& Captain E. L. Ford R.A.F.
TEMPLE PRESS LTD, LONDON, 1918
Practical Flying is probably the best First World War flying manual. Written and illustrated by experienced R.A.F. officers, it was first produced early in 1918 for the use of trainee R.F.C. and R.N.A.S. pilots. This is the second edition, produced just after the establishment of the RAF in April 1918. Superbly illustrated with numerous diagrams, drawings and maps, this book is a fascinating insight into the practicalities of military flying during WW1. Covering everything from how to spin the prop, and how to perform 'stunts' like an Immelman turn or a 'falling-leaf' descent, to aerial fighting and the action to take after the inevitable crash that all WW1 flyers experienced at some time or other. This book tells you virtually everything you would need to know to fly a world war one aircraft. It also includes a number of very interesting advertisments for aircraft manufacturers and flying equipment suppliers.
The book comes with a hand-made dustjacket, made during WW1 by the book's original owner, featuring a hand-drawn RAF biplane diving through a searchlight beam on the front cover. Another illustration on the rear cover - possibly cut out from a magazine - shows an RAF officer sharing a cigarette with a lady in a red cape.
The book is signed on the front endpapers by 'J. E. Teare, Bentley Rd, Birkenhead'. John Edward Teare (b. 1899) is listed as a member of the Royal Flying Corps in September 1917, posted to the Cadet Wing at St Leonards for initial pilot training. His service records show that he progressed to the No. 2 School of Aeronautics at Oxford in June 1918, the 8th Reinforcement Wing in October 1918, and spent the rest of the war at various RAF training establishments. By February 1919 he was attending the School of Aerial Gunnery at Hythe. His final appointment was as an 'Hon. 2/Lt' in July 1919.
Condition:
In good condition. The boards are in good condition, with general signs of wear and use and a few marks. The binding and hinges are good and secure. The text is in very good condition with a few minor marks and some age toning to the paper. There are some marks to the front endpapers. The illustrations are in very good condition. The dustjacket is in good condition, with some small archival paper tape repairs to the spine and corners. The book is signed on the front endpapers by 'J. E. Teare, Bentley Rd, Birkenhead'.
Published: 1918
Illustrated with line drawings and diagrams
Cream boards with black titling, with hand-made dust jacket
Dimensions: 130mm x 190mm
Pages: 237 (plus aviation adverts)
