Engaging, witty and unputdownable, this autobiography isn’t just for those with an interest in aviation. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves an adventure and is keen to learn more about another’s journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurial success.
The author’s non-technical writing style also combines a warmth, humour, and clarity of thought. Often self-deprecating, this 5-star, polished autobiography has already been the subject of significant media interest.
A joy to read, ‘The-Self Improver, A Pilot’s Journey’ will stay with the reader long after its last page
Synopsis:
Nick’s first flight was in 1974 and he was so unimpressed it took him another five years before his second flight. Aviation ran in his family, sadly not in his veins. After a very unsuccessful attempt at selling second-hand cars, and then dropping out of university, Nick decided to give aviation one more try. Unable to gain sponsorship he fought his own way up the aviation ladder. From cleaning and loading aircraft seven days a week Nick managed to find the time and money to complete his own training.
Once qualified, the airlines were not interested in a ‘Self-Improver’, instead preferring to employ professionally trained pilots. And so, Nick, his best friend Pete, and his golden retriever Roffey, decided to start their own flying company. Starting out with propeller aircraft from grass runways they ended up flying executive jets. One of their major contracts was flying the Irish band U2 on their Joshua Tree Tour.
Nick now works for British Airways, and with the retirement of the Boeing 747 fleets worldwide in 2020 he became the most experienced 747 captain on the planet.
The author says:
“The rules for pilot training have changed and the Self-Improver path is closed. Today every pilot has to go to an approved school, the cost of which can be equivalent to buying a small house. My generation were the last of the self funded pilots, we are now consigned to the annuals of history”
Receiving five-star reviews, Amazon Readers say:
One of the most exciting books I have had the pleasure of reading. One I couldn’t put down, as one near disaster was avoided only to be thrown into another. To top it all, Self-Improver led Nick into a financial nightmare, in which most people would have given up. – Michael John Littler
I loved this book, it’s funny, charming, self-deprecating and blooming exciting too.
For a first book, Nick shows a definite skill in keeping you on the edge of your seat in one chapter, while making you laugh in another, and even shedding a tear as he describes tragedy in another still. Definitely worth a read, I’m waiting for the sequel. – fotios pitiakoudis
What a refreshing read! I literally could not put the book down. As someone who grew up within the BA family (my Dad flew 747’s with Nick) I can relate to a lot what is being told. As a private pilot I can also relate to the nerve wracking feeling when you’re first given the controls of a small aeroplane! Nick’s storytelling captures these feelings perfectly. It is so well written that you don’t have to be an aviation enthusiast to be gripped by it. I recommend the book wholeheartedly and it will be passed around my family for sure! Bravo Nick. – Paul Kelly
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