Chris Taylor's 'Test Pilot' is the finest book on real flying I've ever read. There’s no holds barred and you can feel the wind on your face as you side slip into a perfect landing. MG, World War 11 RAF Veteran

This book opened my eyes to a field I had no idea about. Chris Taylor writes in a style that iOS almost a continuous teasing of himself. Despite having had a father who was involved in test-flying, I had no idea of what was really involved, not the difficulties involved. As for the dangers, Chris writes in a way that doesn't dramatise what is clearly a very hazardous pursuit. Read this book and I think you'll have had pleasure learning some new stuff.

Chris Taylor has had an unusual and interesting career as a test pilot, flying over 400 different aircraft (fixed wing & rotary wing). From his early career in the Royal Navy, to being selected for the prestigious test pilot programme and later working for the Civil Aviation Authority and then running his own business, his work has taken him all over the world, and he has hundreds of stories to tell about his exploits – the good, the bad & the ugly! As well as the sophisticated jets and latest modifications that he has tested, Chris has also been involved in testing handmade aeroplanes, unusual refurbishments and autogyros. The book is unashamedly written for his grandchildren, and whilst its nice that the stories are varied and quite chatty, it also means that its not particularly well structured and very repetitive in places. The photographs are great to help illustrate the different types of aircraft that he flew. This book will probably appeal to fans of aviation who know the various aircraft discussed and if it could be re-edited, this could be a great book for those with a more general interest but as it stands it’s just ok. Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.