Military Model Scene

Title: Confessions of a Flying Instructor
Author: Tug Wilson
Publisher: Fonthill Media
ISBN: 978-1-78155-907-9

Teaching the RAF's Fighter Pilots, the follow up to the author's previous book covering his time flying the famous F4 Phantom. This time he is engaged with a tour training Tactics and Air Combat, flying the smaller Hawk T1A. A 220-page hardback book telling the story of his time as an instructor at RAF Valley in North Wales.
The story starts when the author was posted to RAF Brawdy in South Wales, though this base was soon to be closed and the bulk of the events take place at RAF Valley, on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. From moving up there and finding accommodation off-base for him and his wife, plus when their first baby arrived, a daughter. As for the job, he was an experienced pilot but still had to learn how to teach the various elements of the courses he was to deliver, to other pilots who came from assorted backgrounds. One of the things is how he admits to having to work at his work, it was still a learning process to be able to teach the various elements of the courses. Some he explains in what I'll describe as 'layman's terms', but one of two I had to read more than once to get them clear in my mind. Some students had difficulties he could relate to and how he did his best to help them through. Others had an attitude that those same feelings did not always apply. There was some rivalry between the squadrons, and even with some of his fellow instructors. When attending occasional detachments there were good times, and not so good, which he honestly relates. He was even one of the pilots involved in the formation of Hawks that made up the large 75 formation for the RAF 75th anniversary flypasts. On other occasions there was even a bit of 'cheating' to ensure they won. Dogfighting a USAF Aggressor pilot was one of these. You also get an idea of how certain rules were there for the safety of all involved, and the line between keeping to those rules or straying outside them can be a hard path to tread for an instructor.
The rivalry between the pilots of different aircraft types is interesting, his views on Harrier, Jaguar, Buccaneer and Tornado F3 squadrons. After a wide variety of experiences, both good and bad honestly told, he is given news of his next posting, which will be an exchange tour with a US F-18 unit in California. That clearly sets us up for another book yet to come. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thanks to Fonthill Media for the review copy.

Robin