Balls to Fly: Ricky Ellcock - an Autobiography

Ellcock's autobiography, "Balls to Fly," chronicles his journey from a promising cricketer to a successful airline pilot, overcoming obstacles and biases along the way. It includes his experiences of playing cricket at a high level, being injured and forced to pursue a different career, and his achievements as Virgin Atlantic's first black captain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 20 November 2023
Publisher: Trinorth Ltd

Ellcock's journey to becoming a commercial airline pilot is an inspiring tale of determination, resilience, and triumph over adversity. Born in Barbados, he displayed a remarkable talent for cricket from a young age, earning a scholarship to one of the UK's most prestigious public schools at just 15 years old. However, his cricketing aspirations were halted by a series of injuries that ultimately prevented him from playing Test cricket for England.

Determined not to let his dream fade away, Ellcock pursued another passion: aviation. He relocated to the USA and qualified as a commercial airline pilot, becoming the first black captain with Virgin Atlantic. His autobiography, "Balls to Fly," is a candid and unflinching account of his life, detailing his experiences with biases, prejudices, and racism throughout his journey.

Despite the challenges he faced, Ellcock never lost sight of his goals. He faced discrimination and prejudice from his cricket colleagues, but he refused to let it deter him. His dedication to retraining as an airline pilot was unwavering, and he took pride in becoming Virgin Atlantic's first black captain.

Ellcock's story is particularly poignant given the timing of his career. He was in US airspace just before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which had a profound impact on the aviation industry. However, Ellcock's resilience and determination helped him weather the storm, and he continued to fly for Virgin Atlantic until his retirement in 2006.

In addition to his professional achievements, Ellcock is also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. He has spoken out against discrimination and has worked to promote equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race or background.

"Balls to Fly" is a fascinating and inspiring read, offering a glimpse into the life of a remarkable individual who overcame adversity and achieved greatness. Ellcock's story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of one's dreams, and it will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915237323