Howard Pixton - Test Pilot and Pioneer Aviator - The Biography of the first British Schneider Trophy Winner

This book is a truly remarkable account that captures the atmosphere, thrills and danger of the pioneering days of aviation. Howard Pixton was flying for A V Roe at Brooklands in 1910 when S F Cody at Laffan’s Plain tried to persuade him to join him. But in 1911 he test flew A V Roe’s ‘tractor biplane, the forerunner of the 504. By now acknowledged as the first professional test pilot, he left A V to join Bristols and for two years demonstrated new models to dignitaries across Europe. In 1913 he joined Tommy Sopwith and in 1914 he became the first Briton in a British plane to win an international race, the coveted Schneider Trophy. This gave Britain air supremacy and Howard was feted as the finest pilot in the World. Sopwith’s Tabloid aircraft developed into the ‘Pup’, and then into the ‘Camel’. Throughout The Great War Pixton test flew many of the rapid evolving designs. For a biography of an early aviation pioneer of the top rank, this book cannot be bettered. REVIEWS ...these pioneering days of flying are often overlooked so it is good to see this book shed light on man's first attempts at flight and the birth of the constant quest for aerial speed. Air Classics Although this book is a biography, it reads more as an autobiography, as it is written in the first person. It reads as if Howard is sitting in front of you, and telling you his story. his presentation works quite well and is a wonderful way to experience an enthralling life in aviation history. Stella Pixton, being Howard's daughter, certainly has a close relationship with the subject of her book, and she quite ably relates her knowledge to the reader. It's a great story- very well told. For any aviation history enthusiast, particularly interested in the early days, this book is a must read. Logbook, Volume 13, Number 2, 2nd Quarter November 2015 a refreshing look at British aviation prior to World War I.....a personal view of the early evolution of aviation in Great Britain. It is highly recommended as a primary source from the recollections of an aviator who evolved into a legend. Over the Front Autumn 2015 Cover; Title Page; Copyright Page; Contents; Dedication Page; Foreword; Preface; Previews; Chapter 1: Man is Not Meant to Fly; Chapter 2: Flying Here to Stay; Chapter 3: Turning Point; Chapter 4: With Roe at Brooklands; Chapter 5: With Roe flying the Avro Biplane; Chapter 6: With Bristol at Brooklands; Chapter 7: With Bristol at Salisbury Plain; Chapter 8: With Bristol Overseas; Chapter 9: With Bristol as School Manager; Chapter 10: With Sopwith Flying the Tabloid Biplane; Chapter 11: With Sopwith winning the Schneider Trophy; Chapter 12: With Sopwith after winning the Schneider Trophy About The Author: Stella Pixton is Howard’s daughter and she draws on family papers to tell the story of her Father’s life as a man and aviator. She runs a popular business on the Isle of Man where she is well known as a colourful character. She is represented by her son, Robert Dallas. HISTORY / Military / Aviation Biography of an aviation pioneer who deserves public recognition. Pixton was the first professional test pilot and won the 1914 Schneider Trophy achieving universal recognition and Britain's first victory.