I find that most aviation-related novels lean heavily towards military flying which is not my thing at all.
My favourite non-military novel is a book called "Propellerhead" written by an English pilot name Antony Woodward and is an autobiography.
It's wonderfully written with pleny of humour and really captures all the joys and frustrations of learning to fly.
The synopsis is:
"Antony Woodward hated flying. It was, quite simply, not his thing. But when his flatmate Richard returned from Africa with a pilot's licence - and instant sex appeal - there was only one option....
Eccentric characters, recalcitrant lawnmower engines, lousy weather, unhappy landings - can these really be the things to get a relationship off the ground! As Woodwards passage from man to airman hits ever-increasing turbulence, he finds himself embarked on a jaunt of self-discovery that will strike a chord with many a disaffected urbanite".
Highly recommended.
