About this product

Product Information

Eric Brown was on a University of Edinburgh exchange course in Germany in 1939, and the first he knew of the war was when the Gestapo came to arrest him. They released him, not realising he was a pilot in the RAF volunteer reserve, and the rest is history. Eric Brown joined the Fleet Air Arm and went on to become the greatest test pilot in history, flying more different aircraft types than anyone else. He is the only man alive who has flown every major (and most minor) combat aircraft of the Second World War as well as the early jets. Speaking perfect German, he went to Germany in 1945 to test the Nazi jets, interviewing, among others, Hermann Goering and Hanna Reitsch. He flew the suicidally dangerous Me 163 rocket plane and tested the first British jets. He would have been the first man to break the sound barrier, except that the British government cancelled the programme and gave the technology to America. He is a living legend among aviation enthusiasts.

Product Identifiers

PublisherOrion Publishing Group

ISBN-139780753822098

eBay Product ID (ePID)86645449

Product Key Features

Book TitleWings on My Sleeve: the World's Greatest Test Pilot Tells His Story

AuthorCaptain Eric Brown

FormatPaperback

LanguageEnglish

Publication Year2007

GenreBiographies & True Stories

Number of Pages304 Pages

Dimensions

Item Height200mm

Item Width128mm

Item Weight280g

Additional Product Features

Title_AuthorCaptain Eric Brown

Country/Region of ManufactureUnited Kingdom

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4.9

30 product ratings

26 users rated this 5 out of 5 stars
4 users rated this 4 out of 5 stars
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See all 22 reviews

by dear23
26 Jan, 2017
So many aeroplanes!
'Winkle' has flown so many aeroplanes, and this is more or less a catalogue of his experiences. His gentle strength and personality shine through, and my favourite few bits are when he describes meeting other people. I would advise you to have access to a smartphone or similar, because although there are many illustrations, there are so very many more different aeroplanes referred to. I was sent a brand new copy of the book, despite the illustration.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
by afaan_f_qscrxmn9
11 Sep, 2024
Excellent read about a true hero
This book is the story of possibly the greatest aviator of all time. It's a testament to a different time when Britons just did what was right, were proud of this great Country and pushed the envelope in the development of a brighter future. It deals with how Britain ushered in the jet age, but also at the complacency of politicians. Same old story. The history is fascinating and his escapades make James Bond look like an amateur, but you have to remember this guy was not fictional. The references to other greats of the British aviation industry is very interesting and enlightening. His records will stand the testament of time, but you also realise that this man rose through the ranks on merit and with just cause, a truly great Briton.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
by jacal7449
01 Dec, 2021
Technical detail about fascinating time in aviation history
This gentleman writes in precise details about his experiences as a test pilot. It has a lot of technical detail about the planes he flew so not a good read for those who lack interest in aviation history. It is a remarkable period in aviation history and well chronicled here.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
by almera7161
03 Nov, 2023
Excellent book about a great pilot.
Yes an excellent book.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
by geofdea
07 Dec, 2021
Good read
I am reading this excellent book now.....go away!
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
by alstoe63
21 Sep, 2016
Great story, great man.
Fascinating and absorbing read. He was a brilliant chap, probably very lucky to have survived even with his amazing skills.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
by andrbiel
25 Jan, 2025
Wings on my sleeve
A brilliantly written, gripping story of the greatest pilot of all time.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
by ricardo195011
28 Aug, 2022
Amazing
An amazing story of an exceptional test pilots life.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
by suzuki-45
23 Jan, 2017
Happy
My husband is very happy with this book.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
by martynbeerengine
29 Sep, 2021
Excellent
Really good book from beginning to end
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned