In an international study, the Lightning was voted the fifth most popular military aircraft of all time. It has many thousands of devotees who are a ready market for this entertaining book which relates the highs and lows, the dramas and the demands of those who operated this iconic aircraft from the sharp end.
Tales include the recollections of an aerobatic display pilot, an implausible yet true account of telepathic communication, and an extraordinary episode when a Lightning pilot on an exchange programme with the French air force became embroiled in a mid-air collision. An unverified yet probably genuine world record is also revealed in one of the chapters.
In addition to the 16-page photo section, the book features a unique sketch from renowned aviation artist Chris Stone - who is a former Lightning pilot. The style, scope and pace of the writing will appeal to the general reader as well as to the enthusiast.

Over 16,000 copies of hardback edition (9781908117151) sold. Featured in Top 10 of Jarrold's bestsellers book chart in September 2011.
Reviews
`Richard Pike is to be congratulated on this fascinating compilation of true tales. Four out of five stars.' Aeroplane; `A superb selection of over twenty first-hand Lightning stories, this is bound to be eagerly snapped up by fans of English Electric's astounding fighter.' Flypast Magazine; `An enlightening canter around the crew room. I recommend it as a good read both to aviators in general and to the Lightning fraternity in particular.' Royal Air Force Historical Society; `This fascinating book delivers 22 stories which will no doubt convince the reader that this aircraft was indeed unique... Highly recommended.' Air Mail; `Lightning Boys is an anthology of breathless and often breathtaking tales.' Eastern Daily Press



Book Information
ISBN 9781911621027
Author Richard Pike
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Grub Street Publishing
Publisher Grub Street Publishing