Both Feet off the Ground

This book tells the many, well-illustrated stories, of a lifetime of adventurous flying. Starting with pilot training in the classic Tiger Moth whilst still at school, Crispin joined the RAF and trained as a navigator. Based in Cyprus, on Canberras, his flying covered everything from the battlefields of Libya to long and risky transit flights to the Far East and Kenya. By now married and back in the UK, the Phantom was the aircraft everyone wanted to fly, and Crispin was no exception. His flying included encounters with Soviet aircraft in the defence of the UK against intrusion. Although day to day flying in the RAF was demanding, he and his wife acquired a light aircraft in which they, and their growing family, flew all over the UK. Many amusing and entertaining stories ensued. Posted to the now vanished Royal Aircraft Establishment, with a mass of 'one of a kind' aircraft, the flying included development flying for Concorde and a near-death experience test flying at supersonic speeds in tropical thunderstorms. Sadly, their own aircraft was written off, so they now took up hot-air ballooning in the early days of the sport. Leaving the RAF, Crispin flew balloons throughout the world. His achievements included rising to the top of the field at the World Championships, long-distance gas balloon flights, a move into airships, and company management. More than sixty years after he started flying those adventures continue. Honest and direct throughout, this book is for anyone who enjoys light-hearted adventure.