The Smell of Kerosene: A Test Pilot's Odyssey

by Donald L. Mallick

The Smell of Kerosene tells the dramatic story of a NASA research pilot who logged over 11,000 flight hours in more than 125 types of aircraft. Donald Mallick gives the reader fascinating first- hand descriptions of his early naval flight training, carrier operations, and his research flying career with NASA and its predecessor agency, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). Mallick joined the NACA as a research pilot at the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory at Hampton, Virginia, where he flew modified helicopters and jets, and witnessed the NACA's evolution into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. After transferring to the NASA Flight Research Center (now NASA Dryden Flight Research Center) at Edwards, California, he became involved with projects that further pushed the boundaries of aerospace technology. These included the giant delta-winged XB-70 supersonic research airplane, the wingless M2-F1 lifting body vehicle, and the triple-sonic YF-12 Blackbird. Mallick also test flew the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) and helped develop techniques used in training astronauts to land on the Moon. This book puts the reader in the pilot's seat for a "day at the office" unlike any other. Donald L. Mallick joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics as a research pilot in 1957. He retired in 1987 as Deputy Chief of the Aircraft Operations Division at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. During his distinguished career, Mallick logged over 11,000 flight hours in more than 125 different types of aircraft. He is a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Peter W. Merlin has worked as an archivist in the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center History Office since June 1997. He has published Mach 3+: NASA/USAF YF-12 Flight Research, 1969-1979 (NASA SP-2001-4525) as well as many articles on aerospace history.

Genres: Space, Naval History, History, Nonfiction

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Cindy Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I'm always fascinated and amazed at first had accounts of history. Being a fan of both history and aviation, this book held my attention the entire time. I can see rereading this in the future.

[Yukiko K Pool · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the vest aviation books ever.

And I have read them all. I was very sorry to see this book end. Thoroughly tremendous. Fascinating, readable, well edited. Just the best.

[Marty Teramani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book

A very interesting and detailed account of a long career as a test pilot. No B.S., just the straight facts.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. For anyone interested in what flight test is really like, I recommend Mr. Mallack's book. This is the real story of the "right stuff."

[Spad53 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I like most to read about is, pilots who flew unusual aircraft and are good enough at writing to let me experience it, in perfect safety. This book does that in spades.
Highlights are XF8U-3 Crusader III, YF-12 and XB-70, with lots of lesser stars in-between, there is also a good deal about space research.
I'd say you need to be aviation or possibly space enthusiast to enjoy this one, but if you are, wow!

[Buzz Nau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the laid back writing style sued by the author. The material was interesting and covered in ways that were easy to follow and stay engaged. The problem I've had with several books of this genre is the tendency to go too deep in the weeds with detail that doesn't matter to the majority of readers. I felt this book had the perfect balance.

[Rod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly recommended for anyone interested in aviation, especially of a technical nature. The author flew over 100 different aircraft, including the XB-70 and the SR71 as a research pilot.

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow pace compared to the bios of combat pilots, but intellectually interesting for the aviation, NASA, and Mach 3+ crowd.

[Robin Horth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and exciting first hand look and feel into the life and challenges of a test pilot

[Denis · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the writing was generally uninspired, the content was interesting as it followed the author's career as a NASA test pilot.

[Sid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book for pilots, written by a pilot.

[Anthony Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read!

Picked this one as I read another test pilots book, this one is equally entertaining. This guy has had a very interesting career.