Test Pilot

"Test Pilot" by James Collins is a gripping memoir that recounts the author's exhilarating and perilous journey as an early 20th-century test pilot. From the foreword penned by Joseph Medill Patterson, readers learn about Collins' extraordinary abilities and distinctive character, setting the stage for a narrative filled with daring feats and close calls. The book illuminates the challenges and achievements of pushing the boundaries of aviation, primarily focusing on the extreme dangers of aircraft dive testing. We also learn about his background, his entry into aviation, and his relationships with other famous aviators, such as Charles Lindbergh. Through personal stories, Collins exposes the technical complexities of flight and the mental and emotional toll it takes on pilots, providing a window into the high-stakes world where courage and skill are the only things standing between life and death.