First Jet Pilot: The Story of German Test Pilot Erich Warsitz

by Lutz Warsitz, Geoffrey Brooks (Translator)

On 27 August 1939, Flugkapitan Erich Warsitz became the first man to fly a jet aircraft, the Heinkel He 178 and in June of the same year he flew the first liquid-fuel rocket aircraft, the Heinkel He 176. His legendary flying skills enabled him to assist the pioneering German aircraft and engine design teams that included Wernher von Braun and Ernst Heinkel. He repeatedly risked his life extending the frontiers of aviation in speed, altitude and technology and survived many life-threatening incidents.

This book is written by Erich’s son who has used his father’s copious notes and log books that explain vividly the then halcyon days of German aviation history. Warsitz was feted by the Reich’s senior military figures such as Milch, Udet and Lucht and even Hitler keenly followed his experimental flying. Little is known of this pioneer period because of the strict secrecy which shrouded the whole project – it is a fascinating story that tells of the birth of the jet age and flight as we know it today. The book includes many unseen photographs and diagrams.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[Vic Lauterbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sparse but very interesting biography reads quickly and provides a valuable personal perspective on the world of experimental aviation in Germany prior to World War II. The focus is on the dramatic advances in rocket and turbine engine design made by the Heinkel team up to 1939. The remainder of the book is just a sketch of events. If you are looking for a definitive study of the German aviation development during this period, this is not the book for you. On the plus side, it is lavishly illustrated with period photographs, most rare and some only recently discovered, and it accomplishes its limited goal quite well in less than 300 pages.

[Robert Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 2008, 'The First Jet Pilot' tells the story of the German test pilot Erich Warsitz, who became involved in testing some exotic aircraft from the mid to late 1930s. Much of the short book tells of his involvement in the testing of rocket powered aircraft such as the He 176, but the title refers to his claim to fame as the first ever jet pilot in testing the He 178. The account, mostly compiled from interviews with his son prior to his death in 1983, is supported by some amazing photographs taken at the test establishments.

[Nancy Klamut-Kurycz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read

I enjoyed the parts about development of the aircraft.
This man was a relative of my great-grandfather.
At one point I was learning to fly. I know what he means: flying gets in your blood!

[Iván Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring and great historical book. Truly enjoyed reading it on my way back home