Up in Harm's Way (Paperback)
Flying with the fleet air arm
Imprint: Pen & Sword Aviation
Pages: 224
ISBN: 9781844153213
Published: 20th October 2005
Last Released: 20th February 2012
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This book covers the author's flying career from the finish of World War II until his final appointment as CO of the Naval Test Squadron at Boscombe Down. Having had an outstanding wartime record 'Mike' Crosley became heavily involved with the introduction of Britain's first carrier-borne jet aircraft. The book explains how modern techniques, such as the angled flight deck, steam catapult and decklanding mirror sights were developed and tested. At Boscombe down he developed the 'hand's-off' launch technique for the Buccaneer which saved it from probable cancellation at a very difficult time for British naval aviation.
I write this as a fellow ex Fleet Air Arm pilot: This is a fascinating book. Mike Crosley became a test pilot after the Second World War after an amazing operational career flying the Seafire. The book captures his training as a test pilot and then commanding the Naval Test Squadron at Boscombe Down. he was a core member of the Buccaneer flight test team. An amazing career over a similar period to 'Winkle Brown'. For anyone interested in the Buccaneer, Fleet Air Arm and/or flight test this book is a must have. Highly recommended.
Christopher Taylor