Skycruiser by Howard M. Brier

I found this book in the dusty back storage area of an antique shop where it looked like it had been languishing for years. I took pity and rescued it and, of course, I had to read it. From the cover and the back cover description I figured I was in for an old-fashioned YA adventure yarn with a lot of "Golly Gee" type dialog. But I must say, this turned out to be a really fun read. 

First published in 1939, it's a straightforward adventure story of Barry Martin, a rookie pilot who gets hired on by an airplane manufacturer as a test pilot. Barry is a great flyer but his main challenge is finding a way to fit in with the other two pilots who regard him as an unnecessary addition to the team. Barry has many flying adventures in this novel, as he earns his place, but he also encounters some intrigue in the form of industrial espionage from rival manufacturers. His loyalty is tested as are his courage and flying skills.

Lots of fun to be had here. Today's book market would probably classify this as YA even though Barry is in his 20s. But I can certainly appreciate the more innocent age in which it was written. I'm very happy to have rescued this one from whatever fate awaited.