The Heart of a Pilot

Book excerpt: It was during a time when his family was financially down that the author discovered his passion. In a county fair where it was even hard for him and his mother to experience a single ride, he found himself fascinated with only one amusement—the old Curtis Robin airplane. Luckily for him, a family friend gave him the chance to ride it himself. As soon as the engine roared to life and the airplane lurched forward across the rough pasture and into the sky where he could see the beautiful view from above, he knew right then that he wanted to go flying for the rest of his life. Now in his late seventies, Bangart relives his wonderful journey through the skies and life to bring inspiration to others. In this autobiography, he reminisces his adventures as a pilot during the Great Depression, treating the reader with an inside look at growing to manhood during the first half of the twentieth century. His descriptions of the early days of Alaska bush flying, and the trials and hazards of the early airline flying are given in great detail. A person does not have to be a pilot or airplane enthusiast to enjoy this book. It covers such things as driving the Alaska-Canadian highway both in summer and winter weather, making a home in Alaska with a new bride, how government has brought many changes in our lives, and many insights into life itself. If you have been a passenger on an airliner during these early years, this book will give you a perception to what went on behind the closed cabin door where the pilots were secluded.