A young colonial boy's life experience in India, prior to that country's indenpendence are linked with later episodes relating to testing aircraft. As a Flight Test Engineer, the author takes the reader on many close encounters. The development of a Nuclear Bomber, a high altitude Spy Plane, an Unmanned aircraft to be used as a target for missile tests, all reflected the urgency inherent during the cold war years. The reader can also accompany the aurhor on research aircraft investagiting Verticalk Take off and Landing, Swept wings for fighter aircraft and the unique Augmentor wing. Tests on Canada's Short Take off and Landing are some of the insights into aircraft development that the reader will gain.

A Raja's palace, riots in the streets,Japanese air raids and a leopard hunt are some of his adventures in India. A cave dweller in Libya, a jungle airstrip in Peru, an interview with Lord Brabizon in Mayfair, desert heat in arizona and wind chill in Hudson Bay are just a few of the highlights to be enjoyed..

By writing this book the author intends for all those who gaze up in wonder of aircraft flying above, to gather some of the excitment of the world of aviation. In a non-technical way, this book conveys the effort taken and provides some unstanding of the testing that makes aircraft safe.,