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The Airline Transition Manual
The Airline Transition Manual might be targeted at pilots and flight crew. Still, it transcends the confines of the cockpit, offering insights and lessons that are as universal as they are uniquely aviation-centric. Its authors—Richard Swindell, Jolanda Witvliet, and Andrew Ross—dexterously weave together technical, serious, and delightful aspects of airline operations. They strike a balance between engaging the aviation neophyte and satisfying those more familiar with the industry’s jargon.
The authors have built a bridge between the complexities of the aviation industry and readers who may be venturing into this world for the first time. These three seasoned pilots share their hard-earned wisdom and extensive knowledge, making the manual a vital resource for prospective aviation professionals. The title’s promise of a smooth transition into the industry isn’t an overstatement but a testament to the authors’ in-depth exploration of the field.
At the heart of any great book lies the ability to begin at the beginning. The authors fulfill this by demystifying the different carriers, examining their evolution, and delving into how historical events have shaped the airline industry. One of the book’s many strengths is its engaging discussion on the profound changes following 9/11. The reader is effortlessly drawn in, not by monotonous recitations, but through the authors’ knack for imbuing even the most somber topics with compelling theories and captivating trivia.
The breadth of the book’s content is remarkable, covering subjects as diverse as training, company orientation, scheduling, medical certification, deployment, interviewing, and transitioning. The authors dive deep into these themes, providing comprehensive knowledge essential for industry newcomers. A particularly insightful section on unions offers budding pilots invaluable insights into the benefits of professional associations, underlining their contribution to career development and mental well-being.
While the casual reader may be more entranced by the book’s lighter discussions, its technical side, full of industry-specific terms and phrases, adds a layer of authenticity and depth. As a result, this book is more than a reference tool for aspiring pilots; it’s a treasure trove of knowledge for inquisitive minds that are intrigued by the multifaceted world around them.
The Airline Transition Manual manages to be both enlightening and entertaining, answering the myriad questions that curious readers might have. This fascinating book isn’t just a guidebook; it’s a window into the behind-the-scenes operations of airline companies—a remarkable achievement by its authors.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B09RNC6LGZ
The Forgotten
The Forgotten by Barbara Dorger is a deep dive into one of the most tragic events of modern American History- 9/11. Countless volumes have been written about this awful day, but Dorger has taken a different approach than any other book.
Dorger approaches 9/11 with an often overlooked perspective, that of the aircrews who were serving that fateful day. Dorger was a flight attendant on the day of the attack, and in her book, she gives us a fascinating insight into how it would have been for the crews of the planes that went down that day.
For most of the book, Dorger focuses on the perspective of flight crews and other aviation workers before, during, and after 9/11. However, Dorger isn’t just focused on the attack itself but on the failures within her industry that let it happen. She then highlights the plight of the aviation workers who, through layoffs and downsizing post-9/11, were left out in the cold as their industry struggled to recover.
Later on, in the book Dorger widens her scope. She gives brief but detailed histories of the major intelligence agencies involved in investigating 9/11 and airline security procedures and regulation/ deregulation. In addition, she interviews flight attendants who had served on the flights leading up to 9/11 that had had the future bombers onboard. In these chapters, Dorger paints a troubling picture where their airlines and government counterintelligence ignored front-line flight workers’ concerns.
This is not to say that Dorger’s work is all finger-pointing. She also highlights the heroism and good that came from the day. In addition, she spends time praising other countries’ responses to the tragedy, and the solidarity America received from its allies.
But at its heart, this book is a tribute to the flight crews who lost their lives that day. She highlights how her colleagues, even when they knew they were going to die, kept their cool and stayed professional. Their cool heads helped prevent other hijackings that day. The Forgotten isn’t for everyone. But for anyone wanting to learn more about what happened during 9/11, The Forgotten is worth a read. Dorger’s years of experience in the industry and thorough research shine through.
Pages: 228 | ISBN : 1664183329
Black Dragons Attack: A Nick Grant Adventure
Black Dragons Attack, the fourth installment in the Nick Grant Adventures series outdoes the high bar set by the previous adventures. This enthralling pre-World War II story features a superb cameo by American aviation hero Howard Hughes! Readers are transported to the nostalgic war era with the mind-blowing narrative by author Jamie Dodson. Nick Grant starts afresh as a Naval Aviation Cadet that leads to a chance encounter with Howard Hughes that changes the course of his life. Join Nick as he thwarts the Japanese plot to steal the famous Hughes H-1 racer along with his friends Nancy Tanaka and Leilani Porta for some edge of your seat entertainment.
Jamie Dodson has always delivered riveting story lines, perfect character development, amazing locales, and ultimately an exceptional climax – in short, each of Nick Grant’s adventures, be it Flying Boats & Spies, China Clipper, or Mission Shanghai or the latest offering Black Dragons Attack never fail to impress readers.
Set in 1936, Black Dragons Attack continues the Nick Grant saga as he believes his arch nemesis Toshio Miyazaki, is dead and starts afresh as a Cadet in the Naval Aviation Academy. It takes no less than a chance run in with the genius billionaire aviator and movie producer, Howard Hughes to lure Nick back into another deadly spy game.
The Black Dragons, working for the Japanese Intelligence Service, turn out to be secretly active and conspiring with a new partner, the Third Reich in California! As the Japanese hatch an elaborate plan to steal the Hughes H-1 racer to reverse engineer and build something even more advanced, US Naval Counterintelligence uncovers their activities. Nick is tasked with foiling the plans of the Japanese with the help of Nancy Tanaka and Leilani Porta.
As much as Nick impresses with his heroic show of patriotism and daredevilry, the Hughes H-1 steals the show with its sheer technological prowess and revolutionary functionalities that are years ahead of anything that existed in that era, precisely why the fascist regimes of Imperial Japanese and Nazis were so obsessed with it.
The setting of pre-world war II provides a poignant background wherein Jamie Dodson successfully manages to capture the mindset of people in a war torn country. Howard Hughes, albeit in a sort of guest appearance, manages to shine and awe the reader with his larger than life personality. The character sketches of Nancy, Leilani and Toshio are spot on and do justice to their role in the plot.
Overall, Black Dragons Attack, the fourth book in the Nick Grant adventure series is a pleasure to read.
Pages: 244 | ASIN: 1938667549
Black Dragons Attack: A Nick Grant Adventure
Book IV. The Black Dragons are back! After their last run in, Nick Grant believes his nemesis, Toshio Miyazaki, is dead. Determined to leave the spy games behind, Nick starts a new life as a Naval Aviation Cadet. During training, famous aviator and movie producer, Howard Hughes, lures Midshipman Grant into a mock dogfight. Afterwards Hughes offers Nick a pilot job. Nick’s college dreams stand in the way, and he turns Hughes down. However, their paths cross again in an unexpected way.
In 1936 the Black Dragons, working for the Japanese Intelligence Service, remain active in California and have a new partner, the Third Reich! Agents from both countries team up in their most audacious plan yet—steal the Hughes H-1 racer. Their plan—use the cutting edge technology to develop the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft.
The Japanese plan goes awry when US Naval Counterintelligence becomes aware of their activities. Commander Boltz assigns Nick and Senior Chief Ellis to guard the airfield until the FBI can take over. Together, they foil the Black Dragons’ attempt to steal the H-1 plans but the Japanese regroup with an even more sinister plan. They grab a hostage and demand that Nick deliver the H-1 technical plans and the Navy’s Top Secret Pacific War Plans.
When the Black Dragons attack, it’s up to Nick and friends to turn the tables, retrieve the stolen goods and a fabled katana. Join Nick Grant, Nancy Tanaka, and Leilani Porta in their latest adventure, Black Dragons Attack!
LITERARY TITAN 