Tom the F-14 Tomcat has a need for speed. Convinced he's only valued for his ability to break the sound barrier, the mighty fighter jet is determined to win a race to Australia to keep the airshow alive. But when a rival F-15 Eagle tricks him into skipping refueling, the supersonic plane fears he's let everyone down as his tanks run empty. Can Tom get help from his talented friends and finish the contest before it's too late? We land with the Tomcat on the pitching deck of an aircraft carrier while Woody, the little biplane, finds he has some remarkable abilities that earn Tom's respect. Will Woody succeed in transporting a tiny passenger without losing face? But wait, what's that terrible smell? Can Vul rescue a six-engined giant who desperately needs help to get home? With his lonely backstory, having been shut in a hangar deemed unfit to fly, the Vulcan is determined to prevent an Antonov with a faulty landing gear from experiencing the same fate. And the Spitfire's leadership skills are exceptional as expected of a flying ace. With a keen sense of protocol, he is experienced and knowledgeable, but to his consternation, he has to transport a passenger who is oblivious to his importance. (His elliptical wings are described in a useful section at the back of the books entitled In and Out of the Cockpit, an A-Z of aviation information.) Flying Circus Takes to the Skies is a collection stories from the Aeroplane Adventure series centering around four true-to-life aeroplanes, exciting action, and important themes of self-esteem, patience and friendship. Illustrated with line drawings by the highly esteemed aviation illustrator Tim O'Brien.