Brian Mercer is one of the most outstanding postwar RAF fighter pilots
and in this eminently readable autobiography he recaptures life as it
was in the days of transition from flying piston-powered aircraft to jet
power. His flying and leadership skills resulted in a long association
with what was then considered as the finest aerobatic display team in
the world - Treble One Squadron's Black Arrows.
Flying the elegant black Hawker Hunters in large formation displays was
no easy task and the author explains in great detail how their legendary
precision was achieved, revealing many exciting incidents en route. When
Treble Ones Hunters were replaced with the supersonic Lightning fighter,
it soon became clear that these superfast aircraft were not suited to
close-up display flying. Brian was then asked to form a new RAF display
team and continue with Hunters. This was to become the No. 92 Squadrons
Blue Diamonds, who inherited the star role. Faced with the fact that
future promotion within the RAF would move him from cockpit to desk,
Brian elected to join then then fledgling airline, Cathay Pacific. His
story continues with many exciting incidents flying from the company's
home base at Kai Tak in Hong Kong.
