PlaneSlides

Pictorial aviation history books by Steve Hill (EMCS)

The Good Old Days & Classic Propliners

Listed below are all the books currently available. Each one is a meticulously researched pictorial history of aviation, featuring high-quality Kodachrome photographs spanning the 1950s through to the present day.

The Good Old Days now runs to ten volumes, each covering a particular air arm, airfield or group of squadrons. Classic Propliners in Colour is a brand new series that takes a single classic airliner per volume and shows it in the liveries of operators around the world, starting with the Vickers Viking. Alongside these sits the standalone title From Pistons to Jets, a look at Britain's changing skies through the 1950s.

All books are published and available via Blurb. Whilst this makes them a little expensive, you never usually have to pay the full asking price as discounts are available most of the time.

You can also preview all pages before buying, and a PDF version is available for a small fee.

Before you buy

  • All books available on Blurb
  • Full page preview available on every title
  • PDF versions available at reduced cost
  • Discount codes regularly available on Blurb
  • Questions? Get in touch with Steve

All Books

From Pistons to Jets - Britain's Changing Skies 1950–1960
Standalone Title • New
From Pistons to Jets: Britain's Changing Skies 1950–1960
The decade that changed commercial aviation, from wartime surplus DC-3s through the great propliners to the first jets, photographed at Heathrow, Croydon, Gatwick, Prestwick, Blackbushe and Filton.
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Classic Propliners in Colour Vol No.1 - Vickers Viking
Classic Propliners • Vol. 1
Classic Propliners in Colour Vol No.1: Vickers Viking
The first in a new series devoted to the golden age of piston and turboprop airliners, showing the Vickers Viking in the liveries of operators worldwide, entirely in colour.
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Vol.10 Australia & New Zealand Air Arms
Good Old Days • Vol. 10
Australia & New Zealand Air Arms
A pictorial history of the Australian and New Zealand Air Arms from the early 1960s through to present day, covering their fascinating and varied aircraft.
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Vol.9 Japan Air Self-Defence Force
Good Old Days • Vol. 9
Japan Air Self-Defence Force
Explores the early development of the JASDF, tracing its formation in 1954, the first flying school, and expansion of its fleet up to the F-104J Starfighter in 1962.
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Vol.8 RAF Mildenhall
Good Old Days • Vol. 8
RAF Mildenhall
Chronicles the transformation of RAF Mildenhall in the 1970s, including the retirement of iconic aircraft and introduction of the Lockheed U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird.
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Vol.7 Defunct Airlines of the UK
Good Old Days • Vol. 7
Defunct Airlines of the UK
Revisits the golden era of British aviation from 1960 to 1975, showcasing defunct airlines and pioneers like Freddy Laker's 'Skytrain', capturing the evolution of UK air travel.
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Vol.6 US Navy Fighter Squadrons
Good Old Days • Vol. 6
US Navy Fighter Squadrons
A stunning tribute to military aviation featuring meticulously scanned Kodachrome images, showcasing iconic aircraft from US Navy Test and Evaluation Centres and VF squadrons.
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Vol.5 USN Squadrons 1964-1985
Good Old Days • Vol. 5
USN Squadrons 1964–1985
A breathtaking collection of high-quality US Navy aviation photographs, expertly curated with just the right amount of information to complement the stunning imagery.
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Vol.4 West German Armed Forces
Good Old Days • Vol. 4
West German Armed Forces
A concise history of West German Armed Forces units from 1962 to 1980, with high-quality Kodachrome photographs. The first instalment covering European Air Arms of the era.
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Vol.3 The Royal Air Force 1962-1980
Good Old Days • Vol. 3
The Royal Air Force 1962–1980
A nostalgic journey through RAF squadrons from 1962 to 1982, featuring high-quality Kodachrome photographs and a comprehensive look at the aircraft and units that defined the era.
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Vol.2 USAF in Europe 1964-1972
Good Old Days • Vol. 2
USAF in Europe 1964–1972
A captivating pictorial chronicle of the golden age of military aviation (1960–1972), showcasing the evolution of aircraft, colour schemes, and operational history with vibrant imagery.
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Vol.1 RAF Northolt 1964-1972
Good Old Days • Vol. 1
RAF Northolt 1964–1972
A vibrant pictorial tribute to RAF Northolt's aircraft movements, featuring over 520 digitally enhanced full-colour photos, many previously unpublished, capturing the diverse military aircraft of the era.
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What Readers Say

I am almost speechless — a rarity for me. That is the most amazing collection of airliners. Goodness knows what else is out there to be downloaded and improved. It is way beyond fantastic. I think I need to go lay down in a dark room for a while!! Just amazing. Thank you so much for that. I look forward to further volumes.

Bob Archer

I know of few if any other publications which can rival the Good Old Days series for sheer visual punch, backed by succinct but relevant and useful information presented in an attractive format. Cannot be recommended highly enough, at any price. Steve generously provides a full preview on Blurb so it is not difficult to see what I am enthusing about.

Richard Vandervord

It would be easy to categorise this wonderful work into a coffee table book bracket, but that would be doing a great disservice to Steve's months of research. I prefer to think it is a snapshot in time. And, what a breathtaking snapshot from a glorious time!

Bob Archer

This must be the finest and most comprehensive collection of USN colour ever put together. It's not only the sheer quality of the illustrations which are second to none, but the smart way you lay these books out with the accompanying information, just enough to serve the purpose but not so much as to spoil the visual appeal. I will be very proud to add the book to my shelves alongside your other magnificent works.

Richard Vandervord

Contact Steve

If you have any questions at all regarding any of the books, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Steve directly.