This memoir captures the “golden era” of post-WWII British General Aviation, a time of lighter regulation and accessible flight. It is a deeply personal story of a young man’s struggle to overcome a disability to claim his place in the cockpit. 

Spanning over 70 years, the narrative dives into the thrilling, often perilous world of air displays. With wit and honesty, Barry recounts the accidents and “near-misses” that tested his nine lives, proving that luck is often more valuable than gold. 

Beyond the hangar, he shares the journey of his 60-year marriage and his pride in his children, Helen and John, who continue the family’s aviation legacy.