Civil Airline Pilot Wings - Great new book

[Postwarden]

In our never-ending search for new additions we often come across examples of pilots’ wings other than those of the RAF and overseas air forces which can be difficult if not impossible to identify. Thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of Gerry Stevens identifying such items will in future be much easier.

Gerry has just published a superb paperback book - two scana attached - recording and illustrating pilot wings for over 400 commercial airlines and other companies with aircraft available for hire; these range from BOAC, BEA and Imperial Airways to Lakeside Aviation, Tradewinds Airways and shortlived companies such as Surrey-based Falcon Airways. Each company entry illustrates the pilots’ wings in full colour and includes a short history,

Coverage is not limited to passenger airlines; thirty pages record wings for companies operating executive aircraft from Allied Breweries to Yorkshire Television. Thirty four further pages are dedicated to the wings of Flying Clubs, aerial display teams and Associations including three pages covering the enamel badges of The British Gliding Association. Ten final pages are dedicated to Generic Wings and Wings that still require identification. All in all the book’s 252 pages are packed with information on British Civil Aviation insignia.

Gerry worked in civil aviation for many years, admits that much remains to be discovered about this fascinating subject and encourages readers to provide information for future editions. Even if you do not collect civil wings this book is a fascinating read which I thoroughly recommend. As the cover says this is “The most comprehensive collection of airline insignia ever compiled”. Further volumes are planned.

Civil Aviation Wings of the United Kingdom by Gerry Stevens, Edited and Produced by Joe Weingarten (1903 Press, Fisher, Indiana, USA ISBN 9781499165418). Is currently available from Amazon for £41.18 including free delivery but copies are also available direct from Gerry. For details email - gerry789@tiscali.co.uk

In case of doubt my only connection with this book is as a satisfied purchser!

JOn

[Peter Brydon]

Jon,

I don't suppose by any chance the answer as to which organisation this cap belonged is in the book ?

Regards

Peter

[Peter Brydon]

Thanks to Gerry and Jon my hat is now identified as an Automobile Association ( A.A. ) pilots hat from the 1980`s- 1990`s.

P.B.