Review of The Last Bush Pilots
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Erika Storbeck
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Review of The Last Bush Pilots
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Last Bush Pilots" by Eric Auxier.]
Author Eric Auxier is an experienced pilot. In The Last Bush Pilots, he takes us to Alaska. We meet Daniel Christopher Alba (DC) and his best friend Allen Foley. Along with the pilots of Southeast Alaskan Seaplanes (SEAS), we face the challenges presented by the unique weather conditions and landscape of Alaska. The author sums it up perfectly on page 103 when he says; “Civilization and wilderness, two entirely different songs, seemed orchestrated into one masterpiece, a symbiotic whole.” For DC starting work in Alaska is exactly the opposite from his previous job flying tourists across the Grand Canyon in Phoenix. He sets his mind on learning from the other pilots and makes good progress. Until the austere Holly Innes takes him for his “checkride”. The weather is bad and DC is hungover from the previous night’s drinking. The “checkride” does not go well. DC fears that it was the end of his career. Holly knows better and gives him a chance. DC settles into his new life comfortably. Together we fly with the pilots of SEAS and their dog named Eluk. Flying is dangerous enough but these pilots do not stand back for poachers and go more than the proverbial extra mile to rescue three little bear cubs. Their struggles and accomplishments lead to safety and survival, but not always. Airplane crashes still happen. DC is fascinated when he sees an eagle holding a salmon in its talons. In the end, the question all bush pilots have to answer is; Are you the eagle or the salmon?
The author’s knowledge of aircraft and weather conditions is admirable. I would like to thank Erik Auxier for sharing his knowledge with us. He is a wonderful writer balancing the characters and their adventures in such a way that the readers are on the edges of their seats the whole time. I also notice Erik’s deep side in the things he says. Two specific ones touch me on a personal level: On page 270 DC realizes that fear in the cockpit of a plane can be deadly. He draws this conclusion which helps him to conquer the situation; “Fear, properly tempered, could be his strength, not his weakness. Confidence, not ego, respect, not fear.” And shortly thereafter he discovers the key to being a successful pilot – not only to a bush pilot in Alaska but in any aircraft anywhere in the world: “Confidence within the cockpit, humbleness before Her without.” You are only in charge of the aircraft which to Mother Nature is just a tiny little speck in the great big sky.
The only negative aspect I have experienced while reading The Last Bush Pilots was the profanity of the language. Mostly while the pilots and friends are having a few drinks at the Red Dog Saloon the tongues get loose. Name-calling and swearing are acceptable within such an environment. What upsets me though, is the constant disrespectful use of The Lord’s name.
I rate The Last Bush Pilots 4 out of 4 stars. The editing is excellent and professional. I have not found one spelling or grammar mistake. The author has great knowledge of flying and personal experience of being a bush pilot. The whole story is informative and offered in an educational yet adventurous way. Eric Auxier stays focused on each event as it happens, keeping the story fast-flowing and interesting.
The Last Bush Pilots is suitable reading for just about anybody. If you can look past the foul language, you are guaranteed to enjoy this book. It has everything a reader could wish for. High mountains, low cloud bases, rain, sunshine, friends, fights, love, hate, loyalty, dedication, and most important of all: respect for each other, their equipment, and a very deep settled respect and love for Her – Mother Nature. And don’t forget about the three little bears.
******
The Last Bush Pilots
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Author Eric Auxier is an experienced pilot. In The Last Bush Pilots, he takes us to Alaska. We meet Daniel Christopher Alba (DC) and his best friend Allen Foley. Along with the pilots of Southeast Alaskan Seaplanes (SEAS), we face the challenges presented by the unique weather conditions and landscape of Alaska. The author sums it up perfectly on page 103 when he says; “Civilization and wilderness, two entirely different songs, seemed orchestrated into one masterpiece, a symbiotic whole.” For DC starting work in Alaska is exactly the opposite from his previous job flying tourists across the Grand Canyon in Phoenix. He sets his mind on learning from the other pilots and makes good progress. Until the austere Holly Innes takes him for his “checkride”. The weather is bad and DC is hungover from the previous night’s drinking. The “checkride” does not go well. DC fears that it was the end of his career. Holly knows better and gives him a chance. DC settles into his new life comfortably. Together we fly with the pilots of SEAS and their dog named Eluk. Flying is dangerous enough but these pilots do not stand back for poachers and go more than the proverbial extra mile to rescue three little bear cubs. Their struggles and accomplishments lead to safety and survival, but not always. Airplane crashes still happen. DC is fascinated when he sees an eagle holding a salmon in its talons. In the end, the question all bush pilots have to answer is; Are you the eagle or the salmon?
The author’s knowledge of aircraft and weather conditions is admirable. I would like to thank Erik Auxier for sharing his knowledge with us. He is a wonderful writer balancing the characters and their adventures in such a way that the readers are on the edges of their seats the whole time. I also notice Erik’s deep side in the things he says. Two specific ones touch me on a personal level: On page 270 DC realizes that fear in the cockpit of a plane can be deadly. He draws this conclusion which helps him to conquer the situation; “Fear, properly tempered, could be his strength, not his weakness. Confidence, not ego, respect, not fear.” And shortly thereafter he discovers the key to being a successful pilot – not only to a bush pilot in Alaska but in any aircraft anywhere in the world: “Confidence within the cockpit, humbleness before Her without.” You are only in charge of the aircraft which to Mother Nature is just a tiny little speck in the great big sky.
The only negative aspect I have experienced while reading The Last Bush Pilots was the profanity of the language. Mostly while the pilots and friends are having a few drinks at the Red Dog Saloon the tongues get loose. Name-calling and swearing are acceptable within such an environment. What upsets me though, is the constant disrespectful use of The Lord’s name.
I rate The Last Bush Pilots 4 out of 4 stars. The editing is excellent and professional. I have not found one spelling or grammar mistake. The author has great knowledge of flying and personal experience of being a bush pilot. The whole story is informative and offered in an educational yet adventurous way. Eric Auxier stays focused on each event as it happens, keeping the story fast-flowing and interesting.
The Last Bush Pilots is suitable reading for just about anybody. If you can look past the foul language, you are guaranteed to enjoy this book. It has everything a reader could wish for. High mountains, low cloud bases, rain, sunshine, friends, fights, love, hate, loyalty, dedication, and most important of all: respect for each other, their equipment, and a very deep settled respect and love for Her – Mother Nature. And don’t forget about the three little bears.
******
The Last Bush Pilots
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Man Mission by Eytan Uliel
