PDF Tex Johnston: Jet-Age Test Pilot by A. M. "Tex" Johnston in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Must Read for all Aviation EnthusiastsBy David JacobsonTex Johnston had an interesting career before WW2; but it was a warm up to a quarter-century career as Boeing's chief test pilot. This book is a nice mix of technical problems and their fix; as well as vignettes of encounters with many interesting people in the aviation industry in the United States as well as overseas. Technical issues are described at a level assuming that the reader is intelligent and reasonably knowledgeable about airplanes. His technical discussions don't go off a cliff leaving the reader scratching his head.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Early jet test pilotBy ERBMuch of this is an interesting story of how Tex came to be a very respected test pilot in a new field (jet aviation). Because it is an autobiography; some of what's told is obviously skewed and is attributable his opinion. Nonetheless; for someone interested in the history of the 707; it's a good source.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. What a life this fellow made for himself!By Ed CampbellTex writes a very entertaining bio of himself; the story of a man who knew what he wanted from childhood and went for it. And what he wanted was to fly; test; and develop high performance aircraft. He was flying as a teenager in the mid-30's; soon owned his own aircraft; and honed his skills (and paid his way) by barnstorming the midwest. He went to engineering school; left when he had the technical knowledge he wanted; and entered WW II well positioned to contribute to the ultra-fast growing aviation industry. Soon to come; of course; was the jet age; and Tex was flying prototype jets by 1943.His book is fun to read; filled with color and characters; and has enough technical detail to satisfy the reader. And Tex; who's clearly a driven; triple Type-A personality; comes across as a likable guy. Recommended.