Words on Wings

(Paperback)

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Description

The 100th anniversary of flight occurs in 2003, and aviators around the world will be celebrating with air shows, events and commemorative products. Words With Wings is a collection of some of the most interesting New Zealand stories concerning flight. From the days of the early pioneers, through the trauma of the war years to the fiscal forces that buffeted Air New Zealand at the turn of the century, this book contains a wide range of entertaining and informative extracts. Featured items include a piece on aviatrix Jean Batten, whose determination saw her overcome enormous obstacles to fly solo halfway round the world. The war years includes terrifying stories, including that of a pilot forced to abandon his plane, only to find that he - and his parachute - were alight. There is a fascinating account of New Zealand's first air accident to go to court; a piece about hunting deer from the air; a description of an airborne trip to Antarctica; even an account of a trip on the Graf Zeppelin. This fascinating collection will appeal to anyone with the slightest interest in the realm of the skies.

Author Bio

It has often been said that if Jim Hopkins didn't exist, it would be necessary to invent him. Be that as it may, the fact is that he does exist and for years the authorities have struggled to find some useful purpose to which he can be applied. Blokes in Sheds and Inventions from the Shed are increasingly seen by many psychotherapeutic circles as the answer. His new-found role as chronicler of the unchronicled at least gets him out of the house, to the enormous relief of those who remain in it. Although his own inventive talents have been largely applied to concocting semi-plausible reasons to get off speeding tickets, he has had an abiding interest in the area. More years ago than he now cares to remember, he hosted two series of 'The UDC Inventors Awards' on New Zealand television and still believes it is an area that doesn't attract the attention it should. If this book helps to change that situation he believes it will have achieved something quite important. With two books now completed, he has plans for a third although, given the demands of the literary life, he may opt for a nervous breakdown instead. A well-known and popular public speaker, Jim makes a weekly appearance on TVNZ's 'Breakfast' programme and also contributes the occasional documentary when the effects of the medication have worn off.