Book Review: 20 West by Steve Ford, published by 20 West*

’20 West’ is written by engineer and pilot Steve Ford, and recently published in paperback by 20 West. The book is a memoir, ‘boys’ own’ action story, an insider’s look at the aviation industry or a homage to two different kinds of family, depending on your outlook.

Spanning six decades of huge change within the industry, ’20 West’ is a collection of memories, anecdotes, well-researched information and re-tellings. Together, these prove the assertion made on the cover, that “Flying is a way of life that wraps itself around you and enters every pore as you fall within its envelope.”

What I thought of the book

There is a great deal of controversy around flying at the moment. Should the government give financial help to struggling airlines, because they help to keep the country connected and parts of the population in work? Airport expansion or no airport expansion? Do climate concerns mean that we should fly less, or pay more to do so? Although it isn’t the forum to try and provide answers, Steve Ford’s book makes it clear that this is not a new phenomenon. Flying can be divisive. There are passengers who love it, passengers who see it as a way of getting from A to B, and those who are terrified by it, but see it as a means to the far more enjoyable end of an exotic holiday. Similarly, there are those who wouldn’t consider it as a career and those who try it but aren’t suited to the periods of fierce concentration, the instability and days & weeks away from home and family. Then there are others, who have an almost indescribably intense relationship with flying and make it their life’s rework, regardless of the chance of danger and disaster. This book tells many of their stories – from backroom staff that passengers rarely notice, to the uniformed pilot on the tannoy – and is testament to them.

The author clearly falls into the latter category – who else could write a book like this?

The recounted memories and incidents are supported by a great deal of technical information and meticulous research into reported events. Much of this may be lost on the casual reader, but would satisfy the appetite of fellow flight enthusiasts. However, it is necessary, to help the reader understand the situations that planes and their people can find themselves in. Facts and figures also help to balance out the emotions involved in many of the scenarios described here. Of course, the interesting stories involve an element of excitement or danger. The author is careful not to under or over-state this. As a reader, it was reassuring to this nervous passenger to know that there’s a one in 10,000,000,000 chance of something catastrophic happening in an aeroplane. Also, the three main causes of problems for flights are “the weather, the weather and the weather”. Pilots and crews are extremely aware of this and – whilst they can’t change it – do their very best to understand and work around it. Whilst some of the scenes described in this book are heart-breaking, they did not make me any more nervous about belting myself into a plane seat.

’20 West’ leaves the reader with a completely altered understanding of, and appreciation for, flying and all that it involves. Steve Ford acknowledges the strength of the two flight ‘families – both the one left at home whilst the crew jet around the world, and the one on the airfield and in the air who support each other through challenges and share a wonderful camaraderie. He gives a real insight into what it’s like when flying “enters every pore” through his passionate descriptions of his time spent as an engineer and, later, travelling from place to place, being broke and leaving loved ones behind to accumulate flight hours towards the goal of the pilot’s licence. Alongside the fascinating stories of various incidents along the way, where this book best relates to the reader who isn’t a flight fanatic is in its attitude to life. Sacrificing in one area of life in pursuit of a true goal and passion is the underlying theme. Working towards the pilot’s licence opens up the door to a literal world of new experiences and adventures. When pilot status has been achieved, Steve Ford is quick to acknowledge that no matter how much we think we know about a subject, there is always a person or situation that can teach us something new. The pilot’s licence is simply a ‘licence to learn’.

How much is the book and how can you buy it?

The paperback edition of ’20 West’ by Steve Ford retails for £8.99 and the Kindle edition for £2.99.  Both can be purchased via this link.

About the author (from 20WestBook.com)

Steve Ford was born in Portsmouth, England and educated at St. John’s College, Southsea. Trained as a professional aircraft engineer, he holds aircraft engineering licences both sides of the Atlantic having served a full apprenticeship with British Caledonian Airways. He joined BCal in 1978.

Full independent Airline Transport Pilot’s Licences, again from both sides of the Atlantic, coupled with a solid engineering background have provided extensive opportunities to exercise the two disciplines; with British Aerospace and from 1993 to 2016 with Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Steve remains passionate about the aviation industry which led him to write his first book “20 West”. Believing that writing and descriptive prose will allow everyone interested in aviation, history, the technology and the thrill of flight, to become part of a never-ending journey.  Living in West Sussex, nestled against the South Downs National Park, Steve continues to fly and is adamant that he continues to learn…….

About the book
Title: 20 West
Author: Steve Ford
Publisher: 20 West
ISBN: 978-1916222502
Trim Size: 198mm x 129mm
Pages: 279 pages

Review by Sharon Corbally

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* We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.