Some Pilot: From Balsa Wood Models to Constellations, Comets and VC10s

Nigel Harrisson always wanted to be a pilot, joining the RAF in WWII and later becoming a flying instructor on Harvards. He joined BOAC in the 1950s, flying Britannias and Comets before gaining his command on the VC10. He retired from BA and flew for the royal family of Abu Dhabi.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2021
Publisher: SunRise Publishing Ltd

Nigel Harrisson had a lifelong ambition to become a pilot. From a young age, he was enthralled by airplanes and spent countless hours building balsa wood models that he would fly from the grounds of the Alexandra Palace. When World War II broke out, he eagerly joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) at the age of eighteen.

His training took place in South Africa, where he honed his flying skills and gained valuable experience. After the war, he became a flying instructor on Harvards, initially for the RAF and later for the civilian operator Airwork. His expertise and dedication earned him a promotion to the rank of Second Officer with BOAC, where he flew on Constellations, Britannias, and Comets.

In the 1950s, Harrisson's career took a significant turn when he was given command of the iconic VC10 aircraft. His years of experience and expertise made him a respected and admired pilot, and he was known for his exceptional skills and professionalism.

After retiring from BA, Harrisson continued to fly for the royal family of Abu Dhabi. He relished the opportunity to travel the world and experience the joys of flying during the Golden Age of travel. However, his life was not without its challenges. He faced the ups and downs of being a long-haul pilot's family man, as well as the tragic loss of his son from a sudden heart attack.

In this candid and heartfelt memoir, Harrisson shares not only the exhilarating experiences of flying during the Golden Age of travel but also the personal struggles and sacrifices he made along the way. He paints a vivid portrait of the lives of pilots and their families, and his story is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who pursue their dreams.

Nigel Harrisson's journey as a pilot is a remarkable one, and his memoir is a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of taking to the skies. It is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the human spirit to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 216 x 141 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914489075