EVERY AVIATOR SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!
928655
I am a licensed pilot and I love everything aviation. I saw this book for sale and thought it looked interesting. I received the book in amazing condition. I started reading this book a few days ago and I can't put it down! This book covers Sully's life as a kid all the way through Flight 1549. I am usually not interested in reading books, but this is definitely something that every aviator should own and read! Unfortunately, I can only give it five stars, but if I could I would give it 100!!! I would recommend this to anyone!
103880
A must have for every aspiring aviator! ..or even kids who are mesmerized by the men and women who serve our country and the giants in the sky!
2662265
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was unbelievable to see how unregulated flying was back in the early 50s. It was also very shocking to see how cavalier pilots were when flying planes with 30 or 40 lives in their hands, deciding whether to fly by instrumentation or by visual.  This book open my eyes to an era of aviation that I never knew existed and will continue to research long after I put it down.
3187841
This book leads the reader, step-by-step, through the growth and achievements of Naval Aviation, from the first flight to take off from a Navy ship in 1911, through both World Wars, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, the Cold War and finally, Desert Storm. Learning the role the Joint Chiefs of Staff played during the whole of naval aviation's history is insightful and often frustrating. The author's obvious meticulous research allows the reader to feel and understand the height of victory and the depth of defeat. I never learned so much so fast!
339611
Shot Down is a wonderful, fact filled book about Lt. Howard Snyder and his B-17 crew during WWII. The author, Mr. Steve Snyder, spent years researching the chronological history of his Fathers' bomber crew and their exploits. I have been a fan of the accomplishments of the 'Greatest Generation' most of my life and this book puts the reader at the shoulder of the men in the crew of their B-17 in training in the USA and in combat in the skies over Europe. I can't fathom the amount of time it took to research all of the details put forth in the book 'Shot Down'. It has always seemed unrealistic to me that these men climbed back into their bomber, day after day, to return to the targets that have cost them so many of their fellow crew members and their planes. Such courage! Mr. Snyder teaches you the dangers of trying to exit a stricken bomber, as it begins to come apart. The work of the Belgium underground is amazingly portrayed and their courage, helping the American air crews escape, is impressive.
Thank you Mr. Snyder for your impressive work!
3223294
I flew helicopters for the Army starting in 1972. From there to becoming a Test Pilot, Instructor Pilot, Standardization Instructor Pilot, Aviation Brigade Safety Officer, and Master Army Aviator. A 20 year career in the Army and Guard and 5 more in the Ready Reserve, a career full of fun and excitement. Sometimes flying to the full extent of my ability and sometimes past the published limits of the aircraft. Early in my career a few very talented aviators had an influence in my flying career and were responsible my success and for molding me into the aviator I became. One of those men and a dear friend Robert Curtis has written a book "Surprised at Being Alive." In his book are a couple of flights that we performed together. Bob is one of four aviators that had major impact on my development as a professional aviator. Thanks Bob for all your patience when I was a newbie, beginning my aviation career. If you want an exciting read about military aviation and cheating death. I strongly recommend the book.... I read the whole thing yesterday start to finish. Just could not put it down......Bob captures the seriousness, of always completing the mission and glamour of being military aviator, always cool under pressure no matter how scared. Bob introduced me to several aviation books back in the 70's, like books by Richard Bach. Bob's book rivals any I have ever read about Military aviation.

Thanks Bob, my hat is off to you.
Get your copy today.
4196901
This book is tightly written, with an even flow and deals with the real world. Every Naval Aviator and squadron leader should read and understand this accurate account of Naval Aviation in a time of transition. The work would be priceless as an MBA Case Study or Naval War College leadership exercise.

If you are looking for stirring sea stories or lurid exposes I suggest you go elsewhere. If you want insight as to the workings of aviation leadership and the Flag Mess at its best, this is the work for you. We had a problem  all of us  from the poor taxpayer in front of the TV to the overworked taxi director on the flight line. We were losing, hell we were hemorrhaging, lives; we were bleeding dollars; we were impacting readiness. We were in a mess of our own making and it was up to us to identify the problem with specificity and design a resolution that not only made sense on paper but one which we could sell to the end users  the mechanics and the pilots.

I started in that system in 1955 (with an aircraft first flown in 1935) in the midst of the crisis. I joined first Fleet Squadron as the RAGs were birthing. VA-94 was the last of the West Coast self-trained attack squadrons as it transitioned from VF to VA, FJs to A4s. I had my last flight in 1973 (in an aircraft first flown in 1954) when the problem had been resolved. I lived to tell my aviation tale because of leaders like VADM Dunn, NATOPS and a load of luck.

This is the story of how our leadership stood up and was counted, enabling many of us to avoid becoming a statistic. Self disclosure: I am a professional acquaintance of the author, Vice Admiral Dunn, and would cheerfully fly on his wing anywhere, anytime.

This volume is well worth your investment of time and treasure.
4269636
This is a great book. In keeping with the high standard set by his book on the SR 71, author Crickmore offers many great photos and personal accounts of pilots and people involved. In both books he seems to have an extraordinary access and insight into the people and machines of the "black world". In addition to anecdotes, this book contains many technical insights and explanations, to really involve you in the plane and it's story. For any military or aviation nut like myself, this book is a particular treat. I was extremely happy with this book, and wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. Also try his excellent book on the SR 71.
2712152
I was pleasantly surprised to find that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The history of aviation is not a subject I would have picked as one of the top ten topics for my reading list! David McCullough's account of the story of the Wright brothers should be read by everyone. Far from being just the first men to succeed in flying a "heavier-than-air powered machine carrying a pilot," the Wright brothers were extraordinary men who devoted their entire lives to "teach the world how to fly!" You will be amazed to read the story of their lives, the tremendous challenges they faced, and the courageous determination they demonstrated for so many years until the flying machine became a permanent part of the American experience. Learning about the large contribution their sister, Katherine, made to their efforts was a big bonus!
62748
I absolutely love this book. I recommend it for any aspiring military pilot or civilian aviation enthusiast such as myself. Being a private pilot, I read many books about flying. This one was crafted with actual life and career experiences with astounding detail only possible by someone who has been there. I was sorry to reach the end of the book. But luckily the author has many more books available and I have purchased another to pick up where I left off. Thank you for your service to our country and sharing your life experiences with us Captain Bryans.
3698516
Robert Gandt's new book "With Hostile Intent" is all I hoped it would be .. and more.  It is definitely hard to put down.  I found myself rereading passages after minor interruptions just to be sure I didn't miss anything.  His characters are most believable and I felt as though I was there.
If you are at all interested in aviation you will like this book.  If recent events make you curious about what life is like for a fighter pilot, you must read this book.  It is enlightening and entertaining.. enjoy!
491219
I really enjoyed this book because many of the NTSB accidents that are laid out in the book, I had heard of, but never really knew the whole story. I have great respect for the men and women of the NTSB who have to respond to the accidents and see sights I hope I'll never see. The book also goes into accidents in Europe, and different parts of the world. I was very interested in the detail of TWA flight 800 that blew up over Long Island, the author brings out information that I never heard. As a pilot myself, who lost a brother in an aircraft crash, I was very compelled to go to the scene of the accident. At the end of the book the author talks about this very thing. The police would not let me close to the plane, but then a worker from the NTSB came over, told the police it was alright to let me go with him in the woods to the crash site. I was always thankful to this man who was the head investigator of the crash scene. It gave me a quick understanding of what most likely might have
happened even before the official NTSB report was out. When reading the book I got the impression that politics and money often get in the way of safety. What else is new!! Now with what I just said and giving the book five stars, I must say that I got off to a bad start with the author in the forward section of the book when he seems to want to crucify us general aviation pilots out there. Like any group of people who share a common interest, you have the bad ones that make it hard on us. Most of the pilots I know who reside below 10,000 feet do their best to obey the rules, after all, the FAA will come down hard on us with fines, loss of license, etc., and most of us don't have a death wish. Yes there are cowboys and showoffs, but they usually don't stick around for long, if you know what I mean. Enough said, I just don't agree with Nicholas Faith about us GA pilots, but still think this book is great reading. Read it and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
3626497
I first came across this book over twenty five years ago when I was a young kid.  It was at the local library for a very short space of time before it was stolen.  Not remembering the title or the author of the book it has taken me until now to renew my acquaintance with this riveting read.  This document offers a rare insight into the aircraft featured, also into the life of an accomplished test pilot during a very interesting period of aviation and political history.  While the multitude of other books on this subject are written on hearsay and conjecture, this is coming from the horse's mouth.  Eric Brown not only flew the aircraft featured, but also flew the aircraft that they are compared against.  In this regard the book is unique and it staggers me why it should be out of print.  If I were to fault the manuscript it would be that the final page came all too quickly.  For anyone interested in aviation this book is a 'must have'.
731983
Wonderful reading for any aviation-interested person.  The book is well-written. Mrs. Mock is truly an unsung hero.  She was successful in her round-the-world adventure with much less support than many other aviators.
3667045
Once in a great while, one finds a book that's entertaining, educational and fun to read.  This is it!  For anyone desiring to own and operate a bush airplane in Alaska or any other large wilderness area, anywhere in the world, this book is a necessity.  Jake, through innumerable episodes and incidences, will educate the potential new pilot or inquisitive passenger of a bush aircraft, to be aware of the adventures and potential dangers awaiting those who climb aboard a bush aircraft.  I was one of those persons ensconced in the back seat of Jake's airplane, as a ADF&G biologist, between 1977-1984.  Early on I found it advantages to always give the pilot his discretion and found it much better to never challenge the pilot into extraneous or challenging flight or landing conditions that would endanger pilot, passenger and aircraft.  There will always be a better and safer time.
1475769
I knew Charlie from the Northwest Regional airport. It was such a true pleasure to read about a guy that made positive contributions to the world everywhere he went. This book shared even more than I already knew and reminds me that the Charlies of the world make it a great place to live. This book is an excellent antidote to the daily negative news broadcasts.

From a personal view as one of the 6% of pilots that are women, I was always impressed that Charlie treated all pilots the same - with respect for their skills and without discrimination based on their sex. As the Chief Instructor for a flight school, he encouraged all pilots equally.

Charlie is missed and this book brings him home for a lovely visit. A must-read for those who want to make a positive contribution to the world.

Patricia Jayne Keefer
Gold Medalist - Around the World Air Race
4941067
Just finished reading Flavell's book.  Unbeknownst to Flavell, his career path crossed my brother's career path!  My brother, Jim McCartney, a retired airline pilot, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2010.  He survived for 18 months and during that time, we collaborated to write a book about his career as an airline pilot while documenting his treatment for pancreatic cancer.  I was surprised when Flavell wrote of piloting the inaugural flight of New York Air.  He refers to the fact that Continental pilots picketed the inaugural New York Air flights.  My brother was on that picket line and he documents his view of the incident in our book, "Jim McCartney: My Life in Flight."  I am sure there are many pilots who pursued aviation careers without the "proper" background and without the benefit of military flight training.  My brother also ended his airline career at the mandatory age 60 retirement and became a flight instructor in order to stay with the aviation he loved.  I'm sure George and Jim would have loved to exchange pilot stories!&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Adventure-of-Becoming-an-Airline-Pilot/dp/0741431300/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Adventure of Becoming an Airline Pilot</a>