A great loss. Though he may be known in the UK for Pilot and his fine books, he will be best known to many American readers as a writer/editor for the American general aviation magazine Flying.

His features and pilot reports from the “glory days” of American light aviation were always a joy to read. His knowledge and opinions were matched by a fine and witty writing style too often missing from “technical ” publications.

I too am a fan of his book The Great Planes…and have often quoted from it in this forum. I had the honor of meeting him once. Shortly before I left my assignment at RAF Bent waters we hosted our annual airshow. I was thirlled to receive a personal call from him asking for press passes. On the day I sought him out in the media enclosure to tell him how much I enjoyed his work. He seemed surprized and pleased that I remembered ancient works published in Flying. He also said the success on both sides of the Atlantic of Great Planes book was a suprise and its financial rewards were a real benefit while he was working to start Pilot. Unfortunatly, my copy of the bookwas already packed for shipment back to the states so it remains unsigned.

RIP James…