Sky Talk: Stories from flying's Golden Age

by Philip Hogge

If you have ever wondered how it felt to be in the cockpit of a BOAC passenger jet in the mid to late 20th century, then Philip Hogge's fact-based stories will take you there with all the colour, detail and human drama that you could wish for. Let one of Britain's most senior airline captains tell you what it was really like to fly for an iconic British airline in the final years of flying's Golden Age. Meet the pilots, engineers, stewards, stewardesses and endless characters of Philip's long career.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2020

Reviews

[Kirsten Rielly · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the introduction, the writer explains that he wanted to write his memoirs about his experiences with flying during the 1960s and beyond, but fearing that he might embarrass some of his old colleagues, he decided to turn some of his ‘tall stories’ into short stories. After reading this, I had high hopes and I was not disappointed.

Flying planes without the technology that is available today must have added a whole new dimension back in the day, particularly when you are faced with heavy thunderstorms – my worst nightmare as I am petrified of turbulence. With the first story based in the Caribbean in terrible weather, the writer describes exactly that.

The story about transporting a large animal in the hold on a passenger flight is very entertaining, full of humour and sounds almost too bonkers to be true. However, the accompanying photo shows said animal being escorted off a plane – I keep wondering whether there were also other passengers on board that flight or not.

This book is full of technical language about how planes used to be flown and navigated, which is interesting if you are keen to discover more about this aspect of the history of aviation.

I liked the recurring characters of Bill Williams and Taff Flynn who appear in more than one story – their escapades made me smile even if Taff was a total ladies' man – and I learned that even pilots find tests stressful. Nobody likes being judged, I suppose. The references to 'the box' or the simulator are very realistic.

I enjoyed the story about karma, with all those narrow escapes and the message being to live your life right. One of the stories I found very gory (not to be read whilst eating). I would describe it as one of those that sounds 'too unbelievable to be true,’ which no doubt means that it happened in real life. Others were full of suspense with some frightening events.

These experiences may have taken place quite a few years ago now, but I am not sure if reading this book has made me more inclined to travel by air or not. I certainly found most of the stories entertaining though.

[Daniela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really fascinating. As an avid traveller, the author's stories from his time working for the BOAC airline in the 1960s, are entertaining and eye-opening. Philip Hogge has a great way of telling these stories, whether they unfold in an unexpected manner (such as what it takes to transport a large animal in the cargo of a plane) or how a pilot can move past a poor flying experience, especially if a fellow aviator passes away in that incident.
Not only did I not realise the amount of skills needed to get a plane in their air, but the technology behind this process, and the testing needed for every aircraft before departure, consist of a long process for everyone involved. This read if ideal for short periods of time. Each chapter presents a different scenario, whether amusing or with a little life lesson embedded in it, one thing is certain: the next story will be different and even more captivating than the last. Definitely recommend this read for its' illustrations as well, whether of a plane cabin, passengers being greeted by a camel and a trumpet or the go-to relaxation spots all over the world for pilots.

[S Czich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky Talk is a great collection of short stories covering life in the air & on lay overs away from home base. It also looks at the after effects of life changing events. At times funny, touching, even inspiring, you don't have to be a plane geek to enjoy this book. If you were lucky enough to travel in the golden age of flying, I think you will especially enjoy looking back at cities that have modernised, but lost some of their character in doing so.
The book is well illustrated with aircraft pictures, including inside the cabin & flight deck, pictures of airports & cities & even the occasional classic poster. Thoroughly recommended.