The Power to Fly

This is the fascinating autobiography that tells how a young English boy who endured the horrors of World War II in London went on to become the Chairman of one of the World's greatest aircraft engine manufacturers - General Electric. From his early beginnings as an apprentice at de Havilland in Elstree working on the very basic Gypsy piston engine through to the acquisition of an outstanding qualification in engineering at Durham University, this story reveals much about the conditions of work and technology of those early post-war years. What was then known as 'The Brain Drain' enticed the author into a career in the USA. He rose steadily through the ranks of GE and worked on major new advances in jet-engine technology for both military and civil applications. His career lead him to meet many of the most influential politicians, aviation icons and world leaders. As fascinating as the technology, is the politicking that went on in the 70s, 80s and 90s to secure billion dollar orders on a global scale.