Welcome to the Official Page for "All But Flying Is Simulation - The Illustrated History of Flight Simulation"

"All But Flying is Simulation - The Illustrated History of Flight Simulation" by Walter F. Ullrich is an engaging journey through over a century of innovation and development in the world of flight simulation. This comprehensive work covers the fascinating evolution of flight simulators, from the earliest attempts at mimicking flight to the advanced simulation technologies of today.

About the Book

Overview

Spanning more than two decades of dedicated research and experience, this book delves into the intricate history of flight simulation. It offers a wealth of information sourced from conversations, discussions, and collaborations with experts in the military, civilian sectors, science, and industry. The author provides a rich narrative that goes beyond technical data to include the personal stories of the inventors and the motivations that drove their innovations.

Key Highlights

• Historical Perspectives: The book starts with the early attempts at flight simulation and progresses through significant technological milestones.
• Personal Insights: Detailed accounts of the individuals behind the inventions, their challenges, and triumphs.
• Technical Evolution: An in-depth look at the devices and technologies that have shaped flight simulation over the years.
• Visual Journey: Richly illustrated with photographs and illustrations that bring the history to life.

This is not just a book for experts; it's written in a popular scientific style that makes it accessible to enthusiasts and laymen alike. Whether you are a student, a professional in the industry, or simply fascinated by the history of flight simulation, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge.

About the Author

Walter F. Ullrich possesses an exceptional background that uniquely qualifies him to author this book. Born in 1942, Ullrich began his career in the German Air Force, serving in various command and staff roles, including as the commander of a HAWK missile unit. His professional journey also includes a tenure as a Senior Technical Officer with NATO and over two decades as a distinguished technical journalist. During this time, he held key positions such as Managing Editor of the Modern Simulation and Training magazine and European Editor for the Halldale Group.

Ullrich's expertise and dedication to the field of modelling and simulation were formally recognized when the NATO Modelling and Simulation Group honoured him with the “Meritorious Service Award” for his outstanding reporting on military training. His combination of hands-on experience, rigorous research, and long-standing commitment to the subject establishes him as a leading authority in this domain.

Some Thoughts About Simulation: Explores the impact of information technology on simulation and its broader cultural implications.
Early Attempts: Chronicles the initial endeavors and pioneering inventions in flight.
Learning to Fly: Discusses the challenges of stability and control in early aviation and the training methods developed to address them.
The Sky as the Theatre of War: Examines the role of flight simulation during wartime, particularly in training military aviators.
Nations Form Their Air Corps: Looks at the establishment and development of national air forces and their adoption of simulation technologies.
First Pilot Screening: Details the early methods and devices used to screen and select potential pilots.
Flight Simulators of World War I: Covers the advancements in flight simulators during the First World War and their impact on pilot training.
Nations Restart After War: Describes the post-war efforts to rebuild and advance flight simulation technologies.
Between the Wars: Investigates the innovations and improvements in flight simulation during the interwar period.
Link the Pilot Maker: Highlights the significance of the Link Trainer and its contribution to modern flight training.
The Second World War: Discusses the extensive use and further development of flight simulators during World War II.
Flight Simulation in the Early Post-War Period: Examines the post-war advancements in flight simulation technology and its broader applications.
The Dawn of the Flight Simulation Industry: Tracks the emergence of the flight simulation industry and its early leaders.
The Cold War Era: Explores the role of flight simulators during the Cold War and the technological race between superpowers.
The Great Upheavals at the Turn of the Millennium: Looks at the significant geopolitical changes at the end of the 20th century and their implications for flight simulation and training.
The New Millennium: Analyzes the impact of 9/11 on flight simulation and the subsequent advancements in the field.
What May Still Be to Come: Speculates on the future of flight simulation, including the rise of unmanned aerial vehicles and emission-free aircraft.

How to Order

The book contains 333 pages and 228 illustrations, including many long-unseen images. This first edition, limited to 400 copies, can only be obtained from the author himself.

To order, please fill out this form.

The book costs 25,00 Euro. In addition, 7% sales tax will be charged for orders from Germany, so the retail price in Germany is 26.75 euros.

Additional costs:

- Packaging per book: 3,00 Euro

- Shipping costs*:

- within Germany: 2,90 Euro

- Rest of the world: 6.50 Euro

US Customers Only: Due to recent US customs changes, I now have to ship books via DHL Parcel International (PDDP/Delivered Duty Paid). That means all fees are prepaid—nothing due on delivery—but shipping is more expensive than before.

Here is the updated breakdown for orders from the US:

- Book: €25.00

- Shipping (DHL PDDP, USA, 550 g): €26.49

- DHL customs handling (PDDP): €3.00

-Packaging: €3.00

Total: €57.50

Delivery time: approx. 7–14 days.

*May be subject to changes.