People, Bottom Line, Book & Video Reviews

Books

Lake Boga At War: Brett Freeman

The story of the flying boat base near the Victorian town of Swan Hill provides a very informative insight into one of the lesser known of the RAAF’s WW2 bases. Home for Catalinas and other flying boat types, Lake Boga’s resident unit was No 1 Flying Boat Repair Depot, and although this in itself might not seem overly exciting, the author has managed to convey the Depot’s activities in the context of history and the operations in which its aircraft took part, creating an interesting and sometimes surprising story of a little known part of RAAF history. There is plenty of detail but Lake Boga At War is well written, in a way that avoids the normal problem with this kind of history — boredom! Another problem with histories of units and bases sometimes occurs when they are written by someone who was there – they tend to become bogged down in so much insignificant detail they become impossible to enjoy. Brett Freeman wasn’t there, and this helps in the opinion of the reviewer, because it allows some detachment which in turn promotes a more objective discussion of the subject. The result is a more readable account which encourages the reader to keep going and to learn — which is what it’s supposed to be all about, after all! There are many quotes from people who were there at the time plus various tables and maps and a good collection of illustrations. The 300 page casebound book is also well produced and is all the more appealing for it. It deserves to do well. One quibble though, the matter of aircraft designations: it’s not DC3, DO.24, B17, P40 and so on but DC-3, Do 24, B-17 and P-40 etc. That Reims of France intends to recommence production of the Cessna 172 and 182 singles from late this year, for exclusive marketing in Europe and East Africa. As many as 200 Cessna singles could be rolling off the Reims production lines per year, adding to the 6300 plus light Cessnas that Reims built for European distribution between the 1960s and 1980s. aside, this is an important addition to the written history of the RAAF. Available from Catalina Publications, PO Box 170, Swan Hill, 3585 for $45.00 post paid in Victoria or $46.50 in other states. Telephone (050) 32 1493.

Flying Qualities And Flight Testing Of The Aeroplane: Dr Darrol Stinton.

This is the third in a trilogy of books stemming from the author’s 35 years experience in aircraft design and test flying. An ETPS graduate who has tested over 340 aircraft ranging from supersonic military fighters to gliders, motor gliders and ultralights, following service in the RAF, he spent the next 20 years as the UK CAA certification test pilot on light landplanes and seaplanes. From the above it follows that he is well qualified in his subject, but most importantly, he knows how to impart that knowledge in a very reader friendly style making the book equally good reading for the aviation buff of limited technical knowledge, through to those who are highly qualified, but seeking to expand their knowledge further. It would be particularly valuable for the home builder wishing to understand the processes that an experienced test pilot goes through when setting out to test a new aircraft. It is not a “how to do it book”, in fact the author cautions against the unqualified attempting to undertake their own testing, but a working knowledge of its contents would certainly help the builder to interface with the testing pilot. At a cost of $190 it is perhaps not for all; but for those seriously minded in matters aviation it would be value for money. Available from Blackwell Science, Ph (03) 9347 0300, fax (03) 9347 5001.

Videos

Tornado F.3: Series Vol 3

This excellent production details the planning and performing of the airshow display routine of a Royal Air Force Tornado F.3 display aircraft. As well as taking a good ‘from the cockpit’ look at the Tornado’s actual display routine, this video also provides an interesting insight into the planning and preparation aspects of a military fast jet airshow display, looking at how the pilot conceives and designs his routine, the processes he has to go through to get it approved and the practice needed to bring the display up to the expected high (and safe) standard for demonstration in front of the public. Unlike a previously reviewed video in this series on the Su-27, during the display from the cockpit and from the ground views are not spliced together to get the best appreciation of the manoeuvres the aircraft is flying, which is a pity. Otherwise this video is a very enjoyable and informative programme and is well worth a look. Available from Aviation Collectables Downunder from late April for $39.95 + $3.95 p&p. Phone freecall 1800 623 044, or (09) 295 6026, fax (09) 295 1105, or freecall in New Zealand on 0800 442 747