At the Controls

This is perhaps the finest collection of cockpit photographs in existence. The National Air and Space Museum holds the world's premier collection of historic aircraft, but visitors to the museum must maintain a respectful distance. In At the Controls, NASM photographers Eric Long and Mark Avino use creative lighting techniques andphotography to duplicate the sensation of actually being at the controls inside the cockpit of 45 legendary aircraft, with access not only to the instrument panels but to the consoles as well. The reader experiences a pilot's-eye view. This book will be a treasured addition to every aviation library.

Eric Long is a senior photographer for the Office of Imaging, Printing and Photography Services. He has photographed collections at both the Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum.

Mark Avino has been the chief photographer for the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution's Office of Imaging, Printing and Photographic Services since 1983.

Editor Tom Alison is the chief of the NASM Collections Division, responsible for managing all aspects of care for the National Air and Space Collections. He is a former curator for the military aircraft in the collection and a retired Air Force pilot.

Edtior Dana Bell has been on the staff of the NASM Archives since 1981. He is the noted author of 17 books on aviation and an expert on aircraft markings.