Book review A Concorde in my Toy Box by Michael Riley (published by Mereo Books, www.mereobooks.com, 18.50) Many pilots who have a full career in aviation have a book in them, in theory, with plenty of good stories. The majority who think about writing that book never get around to the long hours on a computer. Mike Riley is an exception and, as this book shows, his efforts are well worthwhile. Riley was an airline pilot and trainer, and spent 13 years on Concorde. He joined the remarkable Tiger Club and developed a taste for sporting flying, which provided the second theme of his career: aerobatics. Riley competed at world standard and served as an international aerobatic competition judge. As he travelled the world, Riley took advantage of flying some rather exotic even challenging aircraft types, often from Eastern Europe. He has always thought deeply about the technical aspects of flying, whether in an airline or an aerobatic light aircraft, and he has a very readable way of explaining his ideas. He also has trenchant opinions about flying instructors, their selection and the philosophy of instruction. Riley must have kept a very detailed logbook or diary, because he has a great grasp of the details of his career and the often-distinguished pilots he encountered. Anyone who had a flying career at a similar time will find this book endlessly interesting and it is well illustrated, too. Review by Ian Frow, Log Board member Would you like to review a book for The Log? If so, simply email TheLog@balpa.org BOO KS Our pick of the best flight-related tomes this issue