Thursday, November 26, 2009

Book Review: Wings Across Canada



One hundred photographs of forty historic planes, "Wings Across Canada" is a retrospective of Canada's aeronautical technology.

The famous “Silver Dart“ completed the first flight in Canada in 1909, soaring less than a kilometre, and bringing the nation into the dazzling new world of aviation.
The Curtiss JN-4 Canuck recorded more firsts than any aircraft in Canada: first to be mass-produced, exported in large quantities, and used for military, airmail and survey flying. Bush planes are among the country's greatest aviation achievements, Curtiss HS-2L, an aerial workhorse, the Noorduyn Norseman could land and take off in tight spots on floats, skis or wheels.

The all-metal de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, the Avro Lancaster, the most successful heavy night bomber of the Second World War, the first aircraft in the world built specifically to fight forest fires, the Canadair CL-215 ...

From the eccentric Fairey Battle to the lethal-looking CF-18, from modern airliners that have no defects (and no character) to the classic North Star (which had both in plenty), here is the ultimate line-up of the aircraft that have served Canadians in the last century.

This book does not compare the planes, or claims that all are "classics" in the traditional sense of the word. Instead, it is a celebration of a love affair with aircraft that all served a purpose in their own time.

Take flight with this soaring read about the story of Canadian Airlines International from its start flying into the bush to its growth into an international airline.

About the Author
Peter Pigott is the author of several aviation books such as Flying Canucks: "Famous Canadian Aviators", and Gateways: "Airports of Canada".

Peter Pigott chronicles the development of these pioneer landing strips into vital gateways for travel they are today. Canadian airports offered a home base for air aces, bush pilots, Charles Lindbergh and excited tourists. In Gateways, readers will learn how RCAF Liberators hunted for U-boats, how the Avro Arrow soared briefly at its pinnacle, and the story behind C.D. Howe's transcontinental airline.

This is an amazing book packed full of information on the Canadian airline industry.
It also covers the history of Canadian Pacific Airlines in-depth, and has a wealth of photos I've never seen anywhere (including a CP Air Boeing S.S.T.) It is a "must have" book for anyone who is interested in Canadian Airlines, CP Air, PWA etc.

Wings Across Canada
An Illustrated History of Canadian Aviation
Peter Pigott
1-55002-412-4