There are a lot of new aviation books coming out in early 2014, and quite a few new ones that have appeared in the last few months of 2013. We haven’t brought you details of any for a while, so I thought I’d give you details of a few of the best new ones here.
I’ve linked each one to its Amazon page for you to find out more.
1. Commercial Aviation: An Insider’s Story
Packed full of information on the how’s and why’s of commercial aviation, such as: How do airlines work? How do you get a job in aviation? Are aircraft safe? Why did some of the well known crashes happen? What regulations do governments impose on airlines?
2. Air Disasters of the World: From the early days of flight to the Jet Age
Despite aviation being safer than ever, air disasters still occur and continue to fascinate us. In this gripping book, Xavier Waterkeyn explores more than 200 notable air crashes, including bizarre accidents, hijackings and tales of miraculous survival.
3. Airline: Style at 30,000 Feet
A look at everything about the style of airlines, from flight attendants and their uniforms, to the way cabins are laid out and designed. It shows how airline culture has changed since the 1920s, to the present big jets and corporations.
4. Civil Aviation in Northern Ireland: An Illustrated History
It’s easy to forget the part Northern Ireland has played in aviation, and this book takes a look at that history particularly through civil aviation, with 200 images of the airports, aircraft, people and developments since 1909.
5. Airlines of the USA
America has been a leader in air travel since the earliest days of flight. This book looks at the most important airlines to have come out of the country, from the big names such as Pan Am and TWA, to the cargo carriers, leisure airlines, and low cost pioneers.
6. BAC One-Eleven, The Whole Story
A new version of this excellent, authoritative history of the British twin-jet from Stephen Skinner and the History Press. Full of facts, information, and pictures.
7. Comet! The World’s First Jetliner
Over 300 pages of detailed history, pictures and diagrams on the de Havilland Comet, which was the world’s first jet airliner. Written by respected aviation historian Graham Simons, so it is definitely recommended.
8. London City Airport Through Time
Incredibly London City Airport is more than 25 years old. Built on a former east London dock, its impressive short runway and steep approach is always a favourite, and it has managed to grow into a significant business airport served by many airlines. This book looks back at the history of London City through pictures and captions.
9. Non-Stop: A Turbulent History of Northwest Airlines
Northwest’s name has sadly disappeared from our skies. Yet it was once a household name.  This book is a fully illustrated history of the carrier with many rare photographs and insights.
10. Concorde: A Photographic Tribute
2013 marked a decade since Concorde was retired, leaving only museum exhibits to scattered around the world of this most famous aircraft. This book looks at Concorde through a great number of full colour photographs from every angle in this beautiful tribute. Worthy of any collection.
Which aviation books would you recommend from the past year? Leave a comment below, and also let us know if there are any good books coming soon which you’d like to review!
