PRACTICAL FLYING
Flight Commander W. G. McMinnies
Flight Lieutenant E. L. Ford
TEMPLE PRESS LTD, London, 1918
The 1918 1st edition of Practical Flying - probably the best First World War flying manual. Written and illustrated by experienced R.A.F. officers, it was produced early in 1918 for the use of trainee R.F.C., R.A.F. and R.N.A.S. pilots. 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 advertisements for aircraft manufacturers and flying equipment suppliers.
The book is signed on the front endpapers by 'Sidney Wilfred Clark'. Sidney Wilfred Clark (1898-1918) was an Airman 3rd Class (service number 161824) who served with the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force during WW1. He was stationed at the No.5 Aircraft Repair Depot, which was established at Henlow in May 1918, when he died of pneumonia at the 1st East Central Hospital, Cambridge, on 15 July 1918.
Condition:
In very good condition. The boards are in very good condition, with minor signs of wear and a few marks. The binding and hinges are good and secure. The text is in very good condition with a few minor marks. The illustrations are in very good condition. Signed on the front endpapers by 'Sidney Wilfred Clark'.
Published: 1918
Fully illustrated with line drawings and diagrams
Cream boards with black titling
Dimensions: 130mm x 190mm
Pages: 237 (plus numerous aviation adverts)
