North Star over My Shoulder

North Star over My Shoulder chronicles Bob Buck's five-decade career in aviation, from his early days as a barnstormer in the 1930s through his years as a commercial airline captain. The memoir follows his path from teenage flight instructor to becoming TWA's chief test pilot and eventually one of their most experienced captains. Buck's narrative covers major developments in aviation history, including the transition from propellers to jets and the evolution of navigation technology. His career intersected with historic moments, from flying B-17s for the Air Force during WWII to piloting early passenger flights across the Atlantic. The text includes Buck's observations on weather patterns, aircraft performance, and the technical aspects of flying, making it relevant for aviation professionals and enthusiasts. His accounts of specific flights, encounters, and challenges provide a pilot's perspective on both routine operations and extraordinary situations. This memoir stands as a record of commercial aviation's formative years while exploring themes of technological progress and human adaptability. Through Buck's experiences, readers gain insight into how air travel transformed from a dangerous adventure into a routine part of modern life.

Readers describe this aviation memoir as a detailed account of airline history through the eyes of a TWA pilot. Reviews highlight Buck's first-hand experiences flying from the DC-2 era through to the 747. Positives: - Technical details satisfy aviation enthusiasts - Clear explanations make concepts accessible to non-pilots - Personal stories and humor throughout - Historical perspective on aviation's development Negatives: - Some readers note the narrative can meander - A few mention it's overly technical in parts Ratings: Amazon: 4.7/5 (180+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.3/5 (100+ ratings) Reader quotes: "Feels like sitting in Buck's kitchen listening to his stories" - Amazon reviewer "The perfect mix of technical detail and storytelling" - Goodreads review "Too much focus on weather research in later chapters" - Goodreads review Multiple readers note the book provides insight into both commercial aviation's golden age and the science of flight.

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🌟 Author Bob Buck became the youngest licensed pilot in New Jersey at age 16 in 1930, launching his remarkable 40+ year aviation career ✈️ Buck helped develop vital high-altitude weather forecasting methods during WWII by flying specially equipped B-17s into dangerous storms 🌍 As a TWA captain, Buck flew everything from early DC-2s to Boeing 747s, witnessing firsthand the complete transformation of commercial aviation 📊 The book details Buck's role in testing cutting-edge aircraft, including setting a transcontinental speed record in 1957 flying the Boeing 707 🎯 Buck's expertise in aviation weather was so respected that the U.S. Air Force consulted him about weather patterns during the planning of the Berlin Airlift