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Part of the process of training to become a certified and licensed pilot is “soloing,” a process in which a trainee must take off, follow the airport’s flight pattern, and land successively without the presence or guidance of their instructor in the plane. It’s something that can be hard to properly explain to someone who is not also a pilot or who knows little about what it takes to become one. This autobiographical memoir comes from a recipient of the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot award and covers many topics dealing with the thrills of aviation as well as the rigorous attention to detail and procedure that is demanded of a pilot. From teaching new pilots to crop dusting to sales work for aircraft manufacturers all across the country, Hruban’s life is told through one job in the air after another.
One of the things that makes this autobiography so eye-opening is that the average person would expect the memoir of a pilot to either focus on military service or commercial jet travel. The author’s experiences instead come from working with small clubs, airports, and other distinguished pilots in his area to help pass on their passion to others regardless of existing proficiency. Some of those other pilots have written books as well, with excerpts of their stories or testimonials interspersed with the author’s life story, along with scanned documents and photographs depicting the described moments. This story helps show that history can be made anywhere from anyone, and a rich culture and legacy can be grown anywhere with the right person navigating. Aviation enthusiasts will see a lot of threads woven together in this book, while other readers can simply enjoy the recounting of a life well lived.