The Joys and Dangers of an Aviation Pilot

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO today officially launched the book The Joys and Dangers of an Aviation Pilot by Leigh ‘Laddie’ Hindley, winner of the 2012 RAAF Heritage Award for Literature.

“I am honoured to launch this book as the winner of the 2012 RAAF Heritage Award for Literature,” Air Marshal Brown said.

“I thank Laddie Hindley for sharing his personal experiences as a dedicated RAAF member and aviation pilot.

“The RAAF Heritage Awards enable us to enhance our records and share untold stories which inspire all of us in our duties.”

From the time Leigh ‘Laddie’ Hindley joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1942 until his retirement from commercial aviation in 1989, he lived a life of high adventure.

In his autobiography, Laddie traces his flying career in the RAAF through three conflicts and his subsequent involvement in helicopter operations in Papua New Guinea as a civilian and as a policeman.

After leaving the RAAF in 1968, Laddie continued flying helicopters in Australia and South East Asia as a commercial pilot and police officer in Papua New Guinea.

The RAAF Heritage Awards are administered by the Air Power Development Centre (APDC), Canberra.

Prizes are awarded for outstanding achievements in literature and art, as well as assistance for individuals seeking to undertake valuable historical research.

The book is available through the Air Power Development Centre at http://airpower.airforce.gov.au/ or through the Australian War Memorial Book Shop.

Media note:
Interviews are available with author Laddie Hindley. Complimentary copies are available for media on request.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999