Flying books (stories)

[Robert Lees]

I've recently read a few books about flying around the USA in classic aeroplanes...

"Taylored Around the USA" by Richard H Pearce (it's a Taylorcraft story) ISBN 1-58930-003-3

and "The Cannibal Queen" by Stephen Coonts (it's a Stearman story) ISBN 0-671-74884-X

Both very good (although obviously different in writing style). I preferred the Stearman story, since it invoked memories of places I have been to, and was more technically-minded ...from a flying perspective.

Both have some lovely passages about places, people met, tribulations experienced.

Any suggestions for further reading?

Apart from "Fate is the Hunter" (EKG) and several Richard Bach books, which I have already read

[jgerard]

Re: Flying books (stories)

"LAST OF THE BUSHPILOTS" Great stories about flying and the people of Alaska.

Jason
N43643

[Robert Lees]

Re: Flying books (stories)

Any idea of the ISBN number, Jason?

Rob

[mhorowit]

Re: Flying books (stories)

Rob - you seen this link?

[Robert Lees]

Re: Flying books (stories)

No...but I have now...thanks, Mike, it quotes
ISBN: 0553285564

Rob

[jgerard]

Re: Flying books (stories)

I also re-read "stick and rudder" between books

Jason
N43643

[Ron Greene]

Re: Flying books (stories)

Rob,

Flight of Passage ISBN 0-7868-8315-4

Memoir, two schoolboys buy a J-3 for $300, rebuild it and fly coast to coast in 1966.

Ron Greene

[jgerard]

Re: Flying books (stories)

thats one of my favorite books ron, read it in about 6rhs while sittin at the bookstore.

Jason
N43643

[Robert Lees]

Re: Flying books (stories)

Ron wrote:

Flight of Passage

Yep, I've read that on too.

[TimHicks]

Re: Flying books (stories)

I've always liked Richard Bach's books including:

Illusions : The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah - I loved this book. In fact, I'm ready to read it again.

A Gift of Wings - a collection of short stories. easy to read

[Dick Smith]

Re: Flying books (stories)

Two books that I thought were accurate windows on Bush Flying in Alaska are: Never Too Late To Be A Hero By Glenn R. Gregory ISBN 0-89716-571-3
and Arctic Bush Pilot (a memoir: James "Andy" Anderson as told by Jim Reardon ISBN 0-945397-83-6
Both of these books reveal the day to day activity and the practical "service" aspect that bush operators provided in the 40's, 50's and 60's in Alaska (and still do in many cases).
Another book...Alaskan Wings by Jim Ruotsala ISBN 0-9658830-2-7 is the story of "Aviation in Southeast Alaska-"The Golden Years" 1935-1946. This is primarily about float flying. (It has a picture a "new" 1940 Taylorcraft on floats...NC36027...Ser.# 2992).
I was in Anchorage last week and noticed that there are quite a few new offerings regarding bush flying in Alaska. I will try to compile a listing the next time I'm up there and put it on the list. Dick

[VictorBravo]

Re: Flying books (stories)

Although Rob mentioned it already, I cannot help but mention Richard Bach's "A Gift of Wings" again. Truly spectacular work, and it was this book in high school that inspired me to write. It also inspired me to get even more serious about flying, if that was possible.

Anyone who has not read that book already, there is an emergency FAA airworthiness directive that requires you read it before the next flight !

Thanks Richard, I love you

[Lee Eyler]

Re: Flying books (stories)

Gordon Baxter has several good books. A good start is "Bax Seat, Log of a Pasture Pilot." The ISBN is 0-87165-016-9.

[Dano"T"]

Re: Flying books (stories)

I am currently reading "Bush Pilots Legends of the old and bold" by Jack Hautila and Bob Cary. Mostly stories about Bush flying out of Ely Minnesota as told by the pilots themselves. The book comes with an entertaining CD of hanger flying in a Cafe with some of the piolots themselves. ISBN 1-59193-010-3.


Dan Gervae

[Howard Wilson]

Re: Flying books (stories)

If you're ever looking for a book try (bookfinder.com) just type in author or title. Used to be in the old book biz this site does in 2 minutes what it would take me all day to do.

Although Bach has been mentioned several times, my all time favorite is NOTHING BY CHANCE.
Did you guys know that Wolfgang Langewiesche wrote another book?
I'LL TAKE THE HIGH ROAD. Can't find it in my boxes right now but remember it as much less technical than Stick and Rudder. More about the fun of flying and experiences and people.
Nobody has mentioned WE by Lindbergh.
Just finished FIRE FLIGHT by John Nance There are some flying scenerios in that book that will make you hold your breath!! He's written several other flying books.
Just for fun, and part of it takes place in the U.S.: SAUCER by Stephen Coonts. Don't know why Disney hasn't picked it up. It would make them millions.