Captain of the Clouds: A tribute to Captain Eric "Winkle" Brown
Catalogue record
- Author
- Charles E. MacKay
- Subject
- Aviation Biography
- Published
- 31 January 2018
- Publisher
- Charles E. MacKay Books
- Pages
- 56
- Format
- Paperback
- Size
- A5, 148 by 210 millimetres
- ISBN
- 9780957344365
Cite this book
MacKay, Charles E. (2018). Captain of the Clouds: A tribute to Captain Eric "Winkle" Brown. ISBN 9780957344365. https://charlesmackaybooks.com/books/captain-eric-brown
About this book
Background information on the flying life of the world's premiere test pilot. From his escapades in pre-war Germany to flying the Me 163 Komet this illustrated booklet is a mine of information. Explains his involvement with the invention of the Steam Catapult for aircraft carriers and its success in the US Navy. There is a rare drawing of the steam catapult included.
The book also includes valuable references to articles and books he published. His lecture on Carrier Aviation to the United States Navy is included supported with rare illustrations.
Over 50 pages A5 format with numerous black and white pictures including HMS Perseus and HMS Rocket out of Londonderry. There are pictures of his Hoverfly flight through smoke clouds generated by a Fieseler Storch and drawings of the steam catapult and images of German aircraft such as the Dornier Jet and Focke Wulf etc.
Winkle Brown flew off the carrier vessel, HMS Argus, a training post he disliked.
Into its tenth print due to popular demand, price held, highly sought after.
ISBN 9780957344365
Frequently asked questions
Who was Captain Eric Brown?
Captain Eric Melrose Brown CBE DSC AFC was a Royal Navy test pilot who flew 487 aircraft types, more than any other pilot, and made the first jet landing on an aircraft carrier, in a Sea Vampire on HMS Ocean on 3 December 1945.
What does Captain of the Clouds cover?
Charles E. MacKay's 56-page A5 illustrated study (ISBN 9780957344365, tenth printing) traces Captain Eric "Winkle" Brown from pre-war Germany to flying the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, testing captured German aircraft including the Dornier jet and Focke-Wulf types, his Sikorsky Hoverfly helicopter flight through smoke clouds laid by a Fieseler Storch, his time aboard the carrier HMS Argus, and pictures of HMS Perseus and HMS Rocket out of Londonderry.
Does the book include the steam catapult and Captain Eric Brown's US Navy lecture?
Yes. It explains Captain Eric Brown's involvement with the invention of the steam catapult trialled on HMS Perseus and its adoption by the United States Navy, accompanied by a rare drawing of the steam catapult, his lecture on Carrier Aviation to the US Navy with rare illustrations, and references to the articles and books he published.
Published comments on this title
Sources are shown for attribution. These third-party comments are not first-party star ratings. How we choose these comments.
“Amazing pilot, all those planes, amazing.”
“Alan's book captures the essence of him well.”
“Loved the book.”
“Excellent overview of the world's greatest pilot.”
“It nevertheless makes a very worthwhile companion to Wings On My Sleeve. Am very delighted.”
“Excellent biography which I highly recommend.”
