Set in the early 1970’s, ‘Tailwinds & Teapots’ is an account of Robert Thornton's time spent flying as a BOAC steward. The book gives a unique insight into the life of a BOAC aircrew member, taking the reader on a journey from recruitment and training to a fully-fledged steward working across the globe.
BOAC, Britain's national carrier and forerunner to British Airways, was a superb airline. It carried millions of passengers safely and in style, in distinctive gold and blue liveried jets. BOAC offered passengers, whether traveling first or economy class, a level of service equal to that of a top London hotel!
Set in the days before mass tourism came into being, when aviation was carried out in a slower and more personal way, the book covers Robert's time flying on these gold and blue jets - notably the Boeing 707, Standard and Super VC10s, and the Boeing 747.
'Tailwinds and Teapots' provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of a bygone era, charting the exploits of a 20 year exploring the world as a member of an elite group of aviators!
This is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in aviation, as well as being of interest to readers of memoirs and autobiographies! Here are some comments from those who have read transcripts from the book:
“a compelling and aspirational story that will captivate readers”
“a wonderful evocation of the Golden Age of Flying”
“amusing, with a very nostalgic air to it”
“it appealed greatly”