Post by Bruce on Feb 8, 2007 17:02:44 GMT 12
On Sunday evening at Ashburton we had a book launch. The subject was John King's latest work" All Their Own Wings - New Zealanders and their Homebuilt Aircraft". I obtained a copy and had John sign it for me.
I am a great fan of John's books, as I admire the writing style, which is very readable, with a dry sense of humour and nice way with words. This latest book is no exception. As always it has plenty of amazing photos, but the real heart of the book are the personal stories of NZ homebuilders. People like Bruce Shepherd with a matched pair of Turbulents, Robbie Gentry, one of the AACA stalwarts of the 1960s who cant stop building aircraft. the Belworthy Clan and their fleet of homebuilts, most of which are designed by themselves. Max Clear and his Bantams and Bill Barber and his Snark, and even Tim Hardwick Smith and the incredible Mangamingi Monster!. Aircraft covered range from basic Microlights through to high performance Glasairs. The stories tell of how the various builders came to be infected with the aircraft constructing bug, and the trials and tribulations associated with it. This is a great read, and worth looking out for. If your local bookshop doesnt stock it, it can be obtained from the SAA administrator for $40.00 + postage. e-mail admin@saa.org.nz for details.
