This fascinating story begins in 1973 when David Cook built a glider in an attempt to win the Selsey Birdman Rally - an annual event where all types of creations are launched from the end of Bognor Pier. Between 1975 and 1977 he won every National and international hang gliding competition entered and the in 1977 heIn 1978 he became the first and lowest-powered microlight to cross the English Channel. << His successes in this venture led to sponsorship from Duckhams Oil and there followed a period of demonstration flights at major air shows. In 1982 he designed a microlight called Shadow and in 1983 it took the FIA world speed and distance records for the class. In 1992 he took the aircraft to 23,600ft to claim the world altitude record for the class, beaten later by himself in a newly designed Streak to 27,150ft. David started a company to build the Shadow in 1984 and has demonstrated its remarkable flying abilities around the world, during which time he had many amusing and some exciting ecpreinces. In 1987 the Shadow won the British Design Award. AUTHOR: David Cook'as fascination with aviation started in his early years at home in Thorpness, where he watched low-flying P51 fighters from nearby Leiston and later F84 and F86 jets from the USAF base at Bentwaters. He served with the RAF between 1959 and 1963. During his hand gliding and licrolight flying career, David has won many awards including the 'Medal of Achievement' from the Royal Aero Club, the BBC Design Award and The Seagrave Medal. He and his aircraft featured in the film "Slipstream', and was used for aerial photography in 'Dragonheart' 74 b/w photos

Author Biography

David G Cook is an author and historian.