Colin Higgs Libri

Geoffrey de Havilland's DH.89 Dragon Rapide, introduced in the early 1930s, transformed air travel with its simplicity, reliability, and affordability, becoming a key player in both commercial and military aviation. At that time, aviation was largely a rich man's pursuit, but de Havilland's company changed that with a series of accessible airliners. The DH.89 first flew in 1934, quickly making a name for itself by participating in air races and entering commercial service shortly after. With over 700 units produced, it became a significant biplane commercial airliner. The aircraft was used globally, and in 1939, the military requisitioned Rapides, ordering 500 more as trainers, known as the Dominie, for the RAF and Royal Navy. After the war, many surplus aircraft were repurposed by airlines for short-haul services, which continued into the 1960s. Remarkably, many airworthy Rapides still exist today, used for pleasure flying worldwide. This story is illustrated through an exceptional collection of archive images, most of which have never been published before, showcasing the legacy of this remarkable aircraft.

The narrative revolves around Howard Hughes, a wealthy aviation pioneer who sought to design a unique and luxurious aircraft specifically for TWA, the airline he controlled. His vision transformed into the creation of one of the most elegant planes in aviation history, showcasing innovation and opulence. The story highlights Hughes' ambition and the impact of his designs on the aviation industry.

Packed with fabulous photographs, many of them being seen for the first time, The story of the Red Arrows explores the history behind the team, its pilots and crew and its instantly recognisable red aircraft, first Gnats and now Hawks. Read about the team's greatest moments - the triumphant tours to the USA, the Middle East and Far East, topping the bill at the Farnborough Air Show and their elevation from the early beginnings in the 1960s to superstar status almost 60 years later - but also their worst times as the team came to terms with tragedy and threat

This resource outlines a systematic approach to developing sporting excellence and increasing participation in various sport organizations through the long-term athlete development (LTAD) model. It emphasizes an athlete-centered approach that integrates skill instruction with long-term planning and an understanding of human development. Sport administrators and coaches will find valuable insights to enhance participation and improve athlete performance and growth. This text provides a comprehensive explanation of the LTAD model, incorporating current research on talent development and assessment to aid sport leaders in planning athletic development throughout the lifespan or designing programs for specific groups, including those with disabilities. The authors, Balyi, Way, and Higgs, critique existing talent development models, address the limitations of LTAD, and highlight its benefits as a new approach. Readers can analyze their own programs and refine their coaching philosophies to achieve performance goals. The text features explanations and visuals to clarify concepts in talent identification and long-term athlete development, along with chapter-opening vignettes illustrating practical applications. Each chapter concludes with sources for further study and reflection questions to help readers apply the content. Key factors guiding the LTAD model, such as physical literacy and training variations, are discussed, along with