BRITISH TEST PILOTS

PREFACE

My object in writing this book is to put on record something about the men of Britain who have tested the British aeroplanes immediately after the World War of 1939 - 45. This has been the period of greatest change and progress since the start of aviation nearly 50 years ago, for it has seen the beginning of practical jet - propelled aircraft - fighters, bombers, and air liners.

( ... ) This book has been possible only by close co - operation between the test pilots and me. I have often extracted the information with great difficulty at first. Some test pilots are about easy to pin down to a date as quicksilver ! Once they realised what I was trying to do, they have one and all been most co - operative.

( ... ) All pilots of whom I have written are now my very good friends, and I have flown with most of them. Some of the older ones I have known for years ; I am extremely proud now to number the younger ones among my new friends - good types, but in spite of this, I still talk to all test pilots with a certain amount of awe and respect, for as one of the most ham - handed of pilots, I have a real and Tremendous admiration for their knowledge and skill.

( ... ) To the victims, the test pilots themselves, my thanks for being so patient with me.

Geoffrey Dorman.

30 Redburn Street,

Chelsea, London, S.W.3.

1st November, 1950.