Robert Houghton has had a lifelong interest in all things related to aviation. It was probably first instilled in him by his father who had been an RAF pilot in WW2 who volunteered for the Glider Pilot Regiment, and who flew a Horsa glider on Operation Varsity, the Rhine crossing operation. He took him as a young boy to numerous air shows and museums, but unfortunately died when Robert was 12 years old and so did not really tell him much of the detail he would now love to know. Eventually as an adult Robert fulfilled an ambition and gained his civilian Private Pilots Licence. A far cry from the exploits of the pilots of many of the aircraft illustrated, it does however, perhaps give him just a bit of insight into the pure joy and beauty of flight.