Book Review: How to Land a Plane by Mark Vanhoenacker

I was lounging by the pool while on holiday, desperately hoping that I would never need to use the knowledge contained within this book.

"How to Land a Plane" is not a metaphor. This isn't a book which teaches you life-lessons via the exciting world of aeronautics. It is a charming and practical guide to landing plane. What the various instruments say, how the controls work, and the basics of navigation.

The author strikes an irreverent but relaxing tone, the sort which might sooth a nervous flyer, as he gently bombards the reader with facts. There are some excellent illustrations and lots of rabbit-holes for the curious adventurer to wander through. The writing is pure poetry about motion.

It is one of those books which makes you feel clever without effort. For an over-confident man like me, it is utter catnip. I'm now convinced I could mansplain landing a 747 and take a reasonable crack at it if the pilot were incapacitated.

Our flight home was - sadly - uneventful.

I am indebted to my former colleagues at CDDO for getting me this fine leaving present - and regretful that it took me so long to read!