The Lightning Boys: True Tales from Pilots of the English Electric Lightning

by Richard Pike

According to a recent international study, the Lightning is the fifth most popular military aircraft of all time. It has many thousands of devotees who are a ready market for this timely and entertaining book which, with over twenty individual stories from former Lightning pilots, relates the highs and lows, the dramas and the demands of those who operated this iconic aircraft from the sharp end.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Military Fiction, Aviation

190 pages, Hardcover

First published September 20, 2011

Reviews

[Phil On The Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not of great literary merit, this book does provide insight into the lives of those pilots flying this iconic cold-war interceptor. Each chapter is a condensed history of one pilots experiences on the Lightning aircraft, usually focused on one or two anecdotes. Many of the stories are linked through people, common issues or squadrons. Most enjoyable insight into a different time and set of technologies.

[John LeBrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the flying "…. Boys" series, this is by far the best written. The stories are at time hair raising but entirely believable. As an ex-Vulcan pilot myself, we had many scrapes with Lightnings at high altitude. They were impressive although not very agile compare to the Vulcan. "Bingo fuel" (down to minimum to recover and land) was often a good reason to abandon the chase.

My own experience in the air showed Lightning pilots to be very professional. But as neighbour of them on the flight line in Cyprus, I though that on the ground, away from the squadron, they seem to look and act as though they were 16 years old. I think some of them were.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful series of Lightning pilot tales, retold by Richard Pike, that whizz by at supersonic speed. The chapters are quite varied but offer technical insight, acts of bravery and bravado, humour and, poignantly, a final flight of fancy. So strap yourself in, engage reheat and take to the skies.

[DaveRed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this book , some interesting stories from the operational life of a remarkable aircraft and it’s even more remarkable pilots . Recommended for anyone who has an interest in aviation, especially during the Cold War .

[Miles Chicken · Rating 4 out of 5]

One minute you're snug in the cockpit of a Mach 2 jet plane, the next the wrong lights are illuminating on the control console and before long you are bobbing on the ocean in a life raft. A bad day in the office. Geddit?

[Robert Hepple · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lightning Boys is a selection of anecdotes from 22 former pilots who flew the Lightning with the RAF. A bit of a mixture, with some of the anecdotes being just amazing and informative, whilst a small number leave you thinking 'so what?'. Nevertheless, hugely interesting to anyone who is an enthusiast of this charismatic cold war jet.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable and informative look at the Lightning by the people who flew it. A series of short stories from these pilots individual experiences, letting the reader get a glimpse at the operation and dangers inherent in such a cutting-edge machine.

A definite must for any pilots and military aviation enthusiasts.

[Chris Lightfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a brilliant insight into life on a Lightning squadron. Whilst ostensibly a collection of well-written anecdotes, it reads very well indeed.

I highly recommend it!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating stories, a good read.

[Sid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Short and gripping stories. Now where did I leave part 2..