Pilot Error

by Sylvia Wrigley

Buckle up for an exhilarating ride through the world of aviation mishaps in Pilot Error! Aviation expert Sylvia Wrigley provides an eye-opening exposé of mistakes made in the cockpit, ranging from comical blunders to catastrophic consequences.

Discover the man who crashed a vintage plane for YouTube views, the helicopter pilot who tried to defend receiving a blow-job in the cockpit, and the man who crashed his new plane seven times in seven days. From drunken escapades to mid-air collisions, this collection of true stories will leave you in awe and in stitches.

With vivid storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Sylvia captures amusing, infuriating and tragic screw-ups from all over the world. Pilot Error is a captivating and eye-opening read that will have you shaking your head in dismay with every turn of the page.

Genres: Nonfiction, Aviation

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2023

Reviews

[Timber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not much to learn from these accidents because the majority of the pilots were so, so reckless, but I laughed the whole way!

[Chris Amies · Rating 5 out of 5]

If air crashes can be entertaining, Sylvia Wrigley has done just that in this book. From the avoidable accidents to the just plane stupid, not all of which end in disaster... for example the glider pilot who carried out an impromptu aerobatic display over a busy airfield. Nothing went wrong but it could have. On the other hand there's the other recent case, the Youtuber who crashed a vintage 'plane for views and was rightly pilloried. There are also tales of pilots who ignored weight limits, took off with the controls locked, or just downright drunk. Another (not in here) recent case was the FAA coming down on a pilot who aborted a grass-strip landing because he couldn't be sure it was safe to land. Rather than commending his flight safety procedures he came close to losing his licence. It isn't in here maybe because it wasn't pilot error!

[Sirilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was promoted as funny but only a few chapters were close to being funny. I’d say it was a read about stupid and/or arrogant persons making mistakes, some of which were fatal.
As a lay person, I had difficulties understanding some of the explanations of airplane mechanics and safety procedures before taking off or landing. I guess that the flaps (that should be up or down) are those small pieces on wings. However, what is the effect if they are in a wrong position, is more difficult to grasp. For sure I know what landing gear is and that an engine should not remain at nearly full power when a plane has taxied to a stop.
What was clear, though, that pilots should do pre-departure checklists diligently and that proper maintenance of the planes is of utmost importance.

[John McNair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short book. It wasn't what one would call gripping, but certainly it was interesting. And I did learn some aviation jargon and procedures I had not been aware of. The book comprised a series of vignettes of events that went wrong, in the air, and on the ground (and water). Usually through a pilot's carelessness or stupidity. Some were amusing, others tragic. You would have to be interested in this subject to read the book, so likely it's a fairly narrow audience to whom this would appeal.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good little quick read. It is worrying to think that there are some downright stupid individuals with pilot licenses.

I like Sylvia’s writing style, she’s easy to read, makes sure the reader is understanding the story & goes into enough detail to make the story come alive.

I read this book in a single sitting as it’s quite short. I enjoyed it & I have got a few more of Sylvia’s other books to read.

[Nathan Hoyt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit worried about this being very critical of pilots making mistakes in very complex stressful situations - something I have some sympathy for pilots (hey - how many times did I make a mistake at work?)

But the author stayed away from any of that and was able to give examples of huge lapses of judgement.

It read well and was quite enjoyable.

[William Gonser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

This was a fun read. Not being a pilot, some of the terminology was a bit confusing but all in all it mostly understandable. And always entertaining. I enjoyed this book.

[Studvet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and easy to read as usual😁