Tony Blackman OBE, MA FRAeS was educated at Oundle School and Trinity
College Cambridge, where he obtained an honors degree in Physics. He
learnt to fly in the RAF, trained as a test pilot, and then joined A V
Roe where he became chief test pilot.
As an expert in aviation electronics he was subsequently invited by
Smiths Industries to join their Aerospace Board, initially as technical
operations director, helping to develop the new large electronic
displays and flight management systems. On leaving Smiths he joined the
board of the UK Civil Aviation Authority. He is a fellow of the American
Society of Experimental Test Pilots, a Fellow of the Royal Institute of
Navigation and a Liveryman of the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators.
Tony Blackman - Test Pilot covers Tony's captivating career, from the
RAF, national service and learning to fly, to squadron flying and
testing aircraft at Boscombe Down. Tony gives great insight into the
world of the aerospace industry and what it takes to be a test pilot.
The book is testament to his fascinating life in aviation during which
he flew with the legendary Howard Hughes and tested hundreds of
aircraft, including Avros, Shackletons, Victors and all three Vulcan
bombers - an almost unique experience.