The Smell of Kerosene: Pilot's "Day at the Office"


Book Description

The Smell of Kerosene: Pilots "Day at the Office" serves as a seminal collection that bridges the esoteric world of aerospace engineering with the palpable, sensory experiences of flying. This anthology ingeniously collates a variety of narratives that span diverse literary forms, from firsthand anecdotal accounts to meticulous technical descriptions, thereby offering readers a rich tapestry of the life and challenges facing pilots and aerospace engineers. The inclusion of real-life missions, experimental flights, and the gritty details of aeronautical innovation provides standout moments that capture the essence of aviation and space exploration. The contributing authors, representing a collective from the esteemed National Aeronautics and Space Administration alongside noted aviators such as Donald L. Mallick and historian Peter W. Merlin, bring unparalleled authenticity and expertise to the anthology. Their backgrounds, ranging from test pilots to aerospace engineers, embody a confluence of historical, cultural, and technological milestones in aviation history. This convergence of diverse narratives not only aligns with but also enriches the readers understanding of the complexities and triumphs inherent in the field of aeronautics. For enthusiasts of aviation, history, and engineering, this anthology offers a unique opportunity to dive into the multifaceted and often underrepresented aspects of aerial and space exploration. It is an essential read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge beyond the conventional narratives, providing a broad spectrum of insights into the challenges, innovations, and sheer determination characterizing the aerospace community. This collection not only educates but also inspires, fostering a deeper appreciation for the pioneers who have shaped the way we perceive and interact with the skies and beyond.




The Smell of Kerosene


Book Description

The Smell of Kerosene: A Test Pilot's Odyssey encapsulates the daring and the danger inherent in the uncharted territories of early space and aircraft testing. The collection stands as a testimonial to the evolution of aeronautics, narrating the exhilarating experiences of test pilots and their indispensable role in shaping modern aviation and space exploration. Through a compilation of memoirs, technical reports, and firsthand accounts, the anthology presents a rich tapestry of literary styles, from the methodical precision of technical writing to the deeply personal and reflective tales of peril and perseverance. This diversity underscores the anthology's broader theme - the human spirit's unyielding quest for knowledge and conquest of the skies. The contributors, primarily from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration alongside notable figures like Donald L. Mallick and Peter W. Merlin, bring a wealth of experience and insight. Their backgrounds, ranging from engineering and test piloting to aerospace history, provide a comprehensive overview of the historical and technological context of air and space exploration. Their collective narratives not only honor the legacy of the fields pioneers but also highlight the interdisciplinary nature of aeronautics, where science meets human daring. The Smell of Kerosene is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the interface between human ambition and technological progress. It offers readers a unique opportunity to engage with the personal triumphs and challenges of those who have pushed the boundaries of what was technologically possible. This anthology serves not only as an educational resource but also as a source of inspiration, urging readers to contemplate the vastness of human achievement through the prism of aeronautics and space exploration. It invites a diverse audience, from academicians to enthusiasts, to dive into the depths of this pivotal era in aerospace history.




Pilots of the Line


Book Description

A collection of stimulating tales from the sky. Unparalleled insight into the life of an airline pilot. Communicates an honest view of the challenges airline pilot's face within the boundaries of 21st century airline flying. These powerful stories will plunge the reader into the cockpit to feel every thought, every decision, every bump.




Innovation in Flight


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The Smell of Kerosene


Book Description

This book puts the reader in the pilot's seat for a "day at the office" unlike any other. The Smell of Kerosene tells the dramatic story of a NASA research pilot who logged over 11,000 flight hours in more than 125 types of aircraft. Donald Mallick gives the reader fascinating first-hand description of his early naval flight training, carrier operations, and his research flying career with NASA. After transferring to the NASA Flight Research Center, Mallick became involved with projects that further pushed the boundaries of aerospace technology. These included the giant delta-winged XB-70 supersonic airplane, the wingless M2-F1 lifting body vehicle, and triple-sonic YF-12 Blackbird. Mallick also test flew the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle and helped develop techniques used in training astronauts to land on the Moon.




The Supersonic Bone


Book Description

“This profusely illustrated and thoroughly researched book conveys a wealth of information” about the USAF’s B-1 bomber (Aviation History Magazine). When the B-52 Stratofortress entered operational service with the US Air Force in 1955, work was already underway on defining its successor. The B-70 Valkyrie, a Mach 3 jet bomber, was one option. Although two XB-70A prototypes flew, the B-70 never went into production. Out of the subsequent Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft program came the B-1A bomber, which flew at high speed and low altitude to evade enemy air defenses. But the B-1A was cancelled in favor of fitting the B-52 with cruise missiles. The B-1, known as the BONE, was revived in 1981 as the improved B-1B to boost American military power and serve as a symbol of American strength at the peak of Cold War tensions. The B-1B entered service in 1986 with several deficiencies. The resolution of most of these issues coincided with the end of the Cold War. After the Cold War, the B-1B lost its primary nuclear mission but remained relevant by transforming into a high-speed, long-range, high-payload delivery platform for conventional precision-guided munitions. The first combat use of the B-1B was in 1998 in Iraq. The BONE has proved a highly effective combat aircraft in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and the former Yugoslavia. This extensively illustrated book traces the BONE’s long development and operational history in detail. “A must-read book . . . a great reference for historians, pilots, engineers, and even policy makers. Both the writing and photos are excellent.” —Air & Space Power History




Area 51


Book Description

This "compellingly hard-hitting" bestseller from a Pulitzer Prize finalist gives readers the complete untold story of the top-secret military base for the first time (New York Times). It is the most famous military installation in the world. And it doesn't exist. Located a mere seventy-five miles outside of Las Vegas in Nevada's desert, the base has never been acknowledged by the U.S. government — but Area 51 has captivated imaginations for decades. Myths and hypotheses about Area 51 have long abounded, thanks to the intense secrecy enveloping it. Some claim it is home to aliens, underground tunnel systems, and nuclear facilities. Others believe that the lunar landing itself was filmed there. The prevalence of these rumors stems from the fact that no credible insider has ever divulged the truth about his time inside the base. Until now. Annie Jacobsen had exclusive access to nineteen men who served the base proudly and secretly for decades and are now aged 75-92, and unprecedented access to fifty-five additional military and intelligence personnel, scientists, pilots, and engineers linked to the secret base, thirty-two of whom lived and worked there for extended periods. In Area 51, Jacobsen shows us what has really gone on in the Nevada desert, from testing nuclear weapons to building super-secret, supersonic jets to pursuing the War on Terror. This is the first book based on interviews with eye witnesses to Area 51 history, which makes it the seminal work on the subject. Filled with formerly classified information that has never been accurately decoded for the public, Area 51 weaves the mysterious activities of the top-secret base into a gripping narrative, showing that facts are often more fantastic than fiction, especially when the distinction is almost impossible to make.




Air Power History


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Easy Grace


Book Description

What if President Kennedy had ordered the invasion of Cuba in 1962? ...What if the Soviet Union had retaliated not with an all out nuclear attack, but with a series of regional wars on the NATO fringes?...What if, with Norway under Soviet occupation, the UK faced a second Battle of Britain? Easy Grace tells the story through the eyes of Tom Wharton, a young hastily trained fighter pilot who finds himself flying obsolescent Hawker Hunters on a front line squadron. As he prepares to do battle with his own fears and the might of the Soviet Air Force, Tom meets Nurse Helen Bain and, as they journey together from adolescence into adulthood under the shadow of armageddon, neither the course of the war in the air nor the path to true love run smoothly.