Straighten up and Fly Right - Brian Smith

In July 1962 Brian joined British European Airways (BEA) as a steward. In 1991 he retired as a senior training captain with British Airways. Brian describes this remarkable development, recalling some of the many hurdles and adventures along the way. This book gives a detailed account of these adventures, with each chapter laced with humour. As well as his career as an airline pilot, Brian started an interest in hot-air ballooning culminating in the role of a flight controller for the Breitling record-breaking balloon flight around the world in 1999. Brian also shares details of his latest adventure - building and operating a Spitfire simulator in his barn in West Sussex, to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. To date £100,000 has been raised. From: Brian Jones OBE: 1^st March 1999. Brian Jones and Bertrand Piccard were the first men to fly non-stop round the world in a balloon. 'I enjoyed this chronicle from a loveable gent whose character shines through, illustrating his wit, kindness, cheerfulness, luck in love, intelligence and good old-fashioned decency. All readers will enjoy the experience, but it should be required reading for those who, like me, shared a yearning for the adventure of flight from an early age.' From: Captain Mike Riley, former Concorde Captain. 'Highly recommended - and the high point of the book is an account of the nail-biting days in mission control for a round the world record balloon flight. Their life in your hands? Certainly. To find himself in this position of trust speaks volumes about the combination of positive qualities acquired by the author. This book will leave you with a warm feeling, and I haven't even mentioned the lawn mower racing!'