Dangerous Lessons and Guardian Angels

An Airline Pilot's Story

By: P. J. Spivack

Narrated by: Tom Lennon

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

This is an action-packed, true adventure book that spans 35 years of airline flying. There are stories about transporting guns to Biafra in order to help the Independent Nigerians, flying cargo up and down the Berlin Air Corridor during the Cold War, as well as missions deep into Russia. Many of the stories in this book will put you on the edge of your seat; for example, when the author is forced to make a death-defying landing of a four-engine jetliner in total fog. During that landing, the runway never seen until the airplane is brought to a complete stop. This exciting book also chronicles treasure diving with frightening visits by man-eating sharks, exploring the anchorages off dreamy Caribbean beaches, and fly-fishing for huge trophy trout high in the Andes of Argentina. These true adventures are told in a series of fascinating short stories. Besides featuring dramatic and sometimes humorous tales of adventure, this information packed book also has a chapter on how to become an airline pilot and land that airline job. Finally, there is an inspirational message to be persistent, focused and never give up, even when faced with overwhelming odds.

©2012 Paul Jay Spivack (P)2015 P.J. Spivack

Excellent book - great aviation experiences...

Excellent book - great aviation experiences - a helpful resource for any aspiring Aviator. Thanks

I loved it.

Really cool and useful insight into the world of being a pilot over the lifetime of one man. Recommended for both aspiring pilots and established professionals alike. As someone thinking about whether or not I want to go to a vocational flight school or not, I found this to be very inspiring and was a wonderful book to listen to.
The narrator, to me, had the perfect voice to match the content. Great work.

Interesting

Any additional comments?

I am not a pilot (though a frequent flyer) and don't care for fishing, and that pretty much covers the two things this book is about. Yet I really enjoyed it!
Captain Spivack has a very easy to read style. Just technical enough to actually teach a few things, but light enough so no novice gets confused or lost.
Much is extremely humorous and frankly makes you understand why he is so glad his career ended up as it did.
The narrator did a good job of being Captain Spivack and his not overly serious manner added greatly to the somewhat irreverent text.

Loved It

As an airline pilot that also got to fly some of the old freighters before they were phased out, it was great to hear all of the author's old stories. Told in great detail and fun to listen to. Couldn't agree more with the advice given to aspiring pilots in the last chapter. I would've flown with you any day Captain Spivack!

Not to bad. a little bit long winded.

You should read this book, it's very easy to read. Very informative if you're thinking about becoming an airline pilot. The ups and downs of airplane life are spoken about freely. It will give you all the information you need to make a confident decision.

Awesome!

Loved this. Listened to it every day on my way to and from work. Enhanced my love for aviation!

Interesting but not captivating.

It was worth the read, but a bit lack luster at times. Was hoping for a more exciting book.

great insight on personal experience

PJS gives an honest assessment on what it took for his career and what it will take for aspiring airline pilots. Lessons learned were indispensable.

Excellent read

Wonderful stories, well written and real world examples of the airline industry.
Definitely entertaining and a good read!

Definitely worth the time.

GREAT BOOK!!!

Kind of a slow start. Short throw away stories near the beginning and a slightly odd arrangement bring some trepidation about how it’s going to go.

BE A little patient & by 20% through you will be very happy you hung in there.

Nearing the end I started to get upset that the enjoyable journey was coming to a close.