Propellerhead

Anthony Woodward was never remotely interested in flying. And you don't have to be either to enjoy Woodward's book Propellerhead which tells the story of the author's hilarious and foolhardy attempts to learn to fly a microlight. The main motivation behind Woodward's determination to get his wings is to get the girls. Ever since his mate Richard had returned from Africa having learnt to fly, women seemed to flock to him. Richard had become "a person of deeper substance; tinged with a romantic whiff of intelligence, wealth and daring. Or so the girls plainly seemed to think." Incredulously, and infuriatingly, the bank manager had become a babe magnet. Having gone through long periods of unrelieved celibacy Woodward decides to join a flying syndicate (comprising of Richard and an eccentric Norfolk landowner and his son) and spends the weekends with his head in the clouds and his heart in his mouth. A kind of Those Magnificent Men Behaving Badly in Their Flying Machines, Propellerhead recalls one astonishing aeronautical escapade after the other--such as the time Woodward finds himself slap-bang in the middle of the flight path of a Battle of Britain fly-past. As you read about the hapless pilot's close shaves, near misses and direct hits don't be surprised to find yourself instinctively adopting the crash position. Uplifting and head spinning, Propellerhead is ultimately the story of a man on a flight of self-discovery. Strap yourself in. It's going to be a bumpy ride. --Christopher Kelly

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Worryingly accurate! - Rated
I'm a low hour student pilot struggling to fly. While not quite 'Fate is the Hunter' material, I've learned more from this book then many others. It's a very funny and brutally honest summary of why we fly. I have never seen so many mistakes being admitted, mistakes every pilot makes through neglect or apathy on occasion. The relationship story woven through the book only highlights the haphazard approach we all sometimes have to flying. Although the author probably didn't intend it, the book made me rethink my own attitude to general aviation and re-question my competency in and around aircraft. Read it.

Top class - Rated
I wasn't aware that it was possible to capture the frustrations, pleasures, terrors and moments of sheer absurdity that happen as part of learning to fly in such an eloquent, accurate, and thoroughly amusing way as Antony Woodward has achieved here - this book was an absolute treat as a result. The writing is flowing, funny, and descriptive without being over sentimentalised and is wonderfully balanced- a bonus in a book which already had so much in the way of content to interest and amuse. I found many of the anecdotes hilarious and at times terrifying, and also extremely relatable; learning how to land, for one!

Impossible to recommend enough, for flyers and ground-lovers alike. Perfect inspiration for the aspiring trainee, or those thinking about taking it up, as well as those Biggles-types out there.

If you can find a copy - BUY IT NOW! - Rated
This is one of the most genuinely warm, funny, and endearing books I have ever read. Whether you're into flying or not, this tale of adventure and folly is a real must have. Everyone I know who has read this book re-reads it several times. Buy it second hand while you can! ! !

Very, very amusing... - Rated
This book was actualyl recommended to me by a friend... Knowing I was learning to fly microlights, he thought it would be appropriate!

Overall, this book is superb... very easy, light, humourous reading! Admittedly I can't quite remember the ending, but literally all events leading up to the end were hilarious... from his flying partners to the girl in the office!

Recommended for some light entertainment!

Inspiring & Entertaining. A definite for training pilots - Rated
A great read. This book can make you laugh out loud so be warned when reading on the bus/tube.
Inspired me to try out aviation for myself and has so far been one of the best things I ever did.