Thunder Through the Valleys

Low level flying in military aircraft at speeds of up to 500 mph and as low as 100 feet above the ground is as challenging for the pilot as it is for the photographer wishing to capture the action. This is two books in one, the main subject is about military low flying; the skills, reasons and dangers from a pilot's perspective.

The writer also talks about the challenges faced, revealing how and where the images were taken from mountainsides and desert canyons to cockpits for air to air. Pilots describe their training, mission planning, systems and the aircraft they love to fly; from A-7 Corsairs and F-4 Phantoms to Tornados, Typhoons, F-15 Eagles and Gripen. They fly low to deliver weapons or gather data and evade Radar.

Pilots from air forces across Europe and the United States talk about the skills they need to be effective in very dangerous flying environments, discussing the challenging conditions they face when flying fast and low over snow, the sea or through mountain ranges at night. Commanders with years of low level flying give a fascinating insight in to their most memorable sorties.

About the Author

Philip Stevens a photo-journalist for 40 years travelling around the World in pursuit of the perfect image which captures an aircraft in its natural surroundings combining action with the best light and backgrounds. This is what low level flying photography from a mountainside is about. He has been commissioned to write articles on military aircraft and pilot training for major aviation magazines. Philip accepts invitations to be a guest speaker at camera clubs and aviation societies, his fees and many images are donated to the `Help for Heroes' charity.