North Star: A Navigator's Angle

Dave Welch's lifelong love affair with aircraft and aviation began when he saw his first Spitfire. He joined the RAF, served in photoreconnaissance units, and later flew with civilian airlines. His story, North Star, provides insight into the peaks and troughs of civil and military aviation after World War Two.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2023
Publisher: SunRise Publishing Ltd

Dave Welch's lifelong passion for aircraft and aviation began when he saw his first real Spitfire as a young boy. As a youngster, he would ride his bike to airfields and Battle of Britain airshows, where he began photographing and recording the many aircraft types he encountered. He later joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) and served in photoreconnaissance units in Britain, Cyprus, and Kenya. During his service, he realized his dream of becoming a navigator, a challenging and demanding role that required years of training and experience.

After leaving the RAF, Dave had a successful career as a navigator, pilot, and instructor for several civilian airlines, including British Eagle, Britannia Airways, British Midland Airways, and Martinair. He also served as a navigating officer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force before qualifying as an airline pilot.

Dave's career spanned two air forces, numerous airlines, over a hundred aircraft types, and thousands of hours as a navigator, pilot, and instructor. His story, North Star, provides a unique insight into the peaks and troughs of civil and military aviation in the years following World War Two.

Throughout his career, Dave faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but he never lost his passion for aviation. He continued to fly and work in the industry until his retirement, and his legacy as a pioneering aviator and educator will continue to inspire generations to come.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 223 x 144 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914489402