The Golden Years of Flying: As We Remember

Embark on a nostalgic journey to the "golden age" of commercial aviation with "The Golden Years of Flying: As We Remember". This book is a tribute to an era of exceptional piloting and pioneering airlines, narrated directly by those who lived it.

Testimonies from a Golden Era

The heart of this book lies in the first-hand accounts:

• Authentic Voices: Captain Tex Searle, a retired Frontier Airlines captain, dedicated himself to collecting and interviewing several retired DC-3 pilots from the old Frontier Airlines days, bringing their tales together in a vivid and moving historical account.
• Historical Legacy: A true testament to the beginnings of commercial aviation and the bravery of its protagonists, offering a unique perspective on a period that shaped the industry.

Flying in Extreme Conditions and Safety Records

Discover the challenges and achievements that defined this era:

• Pioneers in the Rockies: Frontier Airlines pilots, flying in the Rocky Mountain region from 1946 to 1986, achieved the best safety record in civil aviation. This was based on the most stringent measure of the number of takeoffs and landings performed in extreme conditions.
• Intrepid Navigation: In its early days, crews hand-flew DC-3s over the high Rockies, in and out of small airports hidden deep in mountain canyons, with approaches often referred to as "black holes" due to their almost ominous darkness and lack of reliable visual references.
• Weather Challenges: Immerse yourself in their experiences of flying through "tornado alley" without radar, or flying in canyons of sodden clouds while lightning displayed an explosion of pageantry throughout the heavens.

Everyday Stories from the Cockpit and Hangar

Beyond the challenges, the book also invites you to a lighter dimension of flight:

• Anecdotes and Camaraderie: The pilot storytellers in "The Golden Years of Flying" invite you into the cockpit to enjoy the hijinks and hangar tales of their shared experiences. An authentic glimpse into the daily lives of these aviators.
• The Magic of the DC-3: As a retired FAL captain himself, the author points out that "flying the DC-3 was just about the best thing that could happen to a man", a phrase that encapsulates the passion for this iconic aircraft.

Product Specifications:

• Product Name: The Golden Years of Flying: As We Remember
• Author: Captain Tex Searle
• Content: First-hand accounts from DC-3 pilots of Frontier Airlines (1946-1986)
• Language: English

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this book only for pilots?
While narrated by pilots and focused on their experiences, any aviation enthusiast, historian, or person interested in human stories of perseverance and adventure will enjoy this book.

Does it cover the entire history of Frontier Airlines?
It focuses on the experiences of DC-3 pilots during the early years of Frontier Airlines (1946-1986), with an emphasis on their flights in the Rocky Mountain region and the extreme conditions they faced.

Discover more about the fascinating aviation history in our collection.