The Cuban Eight
is the aviation adventures of Len Povey and his friends.
Aviator extraordinare Leonard J. Povey tells a story of flight that spanned most of the twentieth century. It involves his aviation experiences covering many facets of the business, from military, barn-storming, aerobatics and air shows, racing, training, aircraft sales, corporate flying, airlines, fixed-base operations, and public relations. He spent four years as commander of the Cuban Air Force under Colonel Fulgencio Batista and relates some of his observations of Cuba and Fidel Castro. During the early years, he associated with many of the famous (and not so famous) aviators of that era. He relates some experiences of pilot friends of his with Stevens Aviation, later in his career.
For Povey to survive the early years was quite an accomplishment in itself, considering the fatality rate during that period of time. He had prospered in what he called "this fascinating business" and had an intimate hand in the formation of aviation as we know it today.