---
product_id: 143369590
title: "Riding the Wind: A Test Pilot's Story"
brand: "p ashoka"
price: "$75"
currency: NZD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 6
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/143369590-riding-the-wind-a-test-pilots-story
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# Riding the Wind: A Test Pilot's Story

**Brand:** p ashoka
**Price:** $75
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Riding the Wind: A Test Pilot's Story by p ashoka
- **How much does it cost?** $75 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/143369590-riding-the-wind-a-test-pilots-story)

## Best For

- p ashoka enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted p ashoka brand quality
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## Description

Riding the Wind: A Test Pilot's Story

## Images

![Riding the Wind: A Test Pilot's Story - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81DOfLNRR8L.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    An Interesting and Thrilling story about a Test Pilots Life
  

*by S***S on Reviewed in India on 1 September 2021*

Riding the Wind – A test pilots storyAnyone including a layman who is curious  in knowing the role of a  Test Pilot, then this book is the right book.  The author Wing Commander Padmanabha Ashoka joined the Indian Air Force as a Fighter Pilot in 1954. Has test flown more than 58 types of aircraft which include Trainers,  Fighters and Transport with piston engine as well as jet engines which include right from the Tigermoth to the Mirage 2000The book is 181 pages hardbound with text in medium font. Page 117 to 128 comprises of photos of the author and the aircraft that he has flown.In 3 December 1963 Wg. Cdr. Ashoka received the Empire Test Pilots School Trophy at Farnborough, UK along with Edwards Award for best progress in the course.  This is an interesting read which makes one proud.The Book has following contentsForeword by  Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma [ Research Cosmonaut]PrefaceTypes of Aircraft Flown by the AuthorAcknowledgementsChapters:1. Call of the Armed Forces2. Learning to Fly3. The 1st jet fighter of the IAF4. The 1st Transonic jet fighter of the IAF5. The smallest transonic jet Fighter6. Test Pilot Training7. Early years as a test Pilot8. Aircraft and Armament testing unit9. Test flying transport Aircraft and Gliders10. Supersonics11. HAL Bangalore part I12. HAL Bangalore part II13. Test Flying Light AircraftMy Brother Wg. Cdr. P. Gautam MVC and bar, VMMy FamilyI rate this book at 5 stars.  It is perfect. However I expected a few color photos of the author along with the MiG 21, MiG 27, MiG 29, the Sepecat Jaguar and the Mirage 2000.Happy Reading.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Rare insights into Indian test flying - MUST BUY
  

*by L***H on Reviewed in India on 10 March 2020*

By their very nature Test Pilots are the creme de la creme of any nation . There are some incredible accounts of Western test flying with hair raising stories of survival and development . Given the culture of the West and its systematic recording of history , such efforts are the rule than the exception .In India given our culture of NOT recording anything related to the military for decades, it is but natural that various myths abound . However for the last decade or so some doors are being opened and many memoirs and historical accounts, mostly cautious, are emerging into the public realm.So it is an ABSOLUTE JOY to read this memoir which takes us into the rare world of Indian test pilots and how the whole process of test flying evolved in India . With his experience of flying basic piston engined trainers to supersonic fighters and everything in between , Wing Cdr Ashoka's memoir is an absolute must for every person interested in the stories and perils of Indian military test flying. There are also insights into the early days of flying in India including hardships such as no family accommodation, living in tents and dugouts, having scorpions inside tents and boots and so on. Barring couple of errors (eg - Kurt tank as designer of the Messerschmidt fighter), the book is an absolute joy to read and at 180 pages is a quick read.I have no qualms in recommending this to anyone who is interested in Indian military test flying and just for the SHEER JOY OF FLYING which comes through in each and every page of this wonderful memoir.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    A Ride in The Wind That Touched A Deep Chord
  

*by A***R on Reviewed in India on 22 April 2022*

Though he was much senior to me while in HAL, I am blessed to have shared a common past with him.  Wg Cdr P Ashoka, undoubtedly has been one of the greatest Experimental Test Pilot ever but his writing skill has been a revelation.  His book is not only very lucid and highly  educative, it also gives me a deep sense of nostalgia. Had he not been such an ace pilot that he has been, his writing skills alone would have placed him in the class of Nevil Shute.

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*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-02-22*