Flying To Extremes
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Cover image – Published Hancock House Publishers Ltd. (March, 2021)
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As a long time aviation buff and especially a reader with a strong knowledge of aviation of all
sorts including Canadian bush flying... I have to share that I was “blown away” by the scope and
quality of the soon to be released: FLYING TO EXTREMES: Memories of a Northern Bush
Pilot, Hancock House Publishers, Surrey, 2021 280 colour paperback. I just couldn’t put it down!
As an ex-TV/Film producer I’m kicking myself for never having done a documentary with the rich diversity or experiences that author, Dominique Prinet relates in just 278 pages. Too short, too short I say as it left me hungry for more and… excited to refer it to my aviation friends.
I was very impressed by the scope and quality of his attention to detail, balance of content, pacing, ethno-cultural observations and geographic accuracy/descriptions… not to forget his ability to convey key technical aspects of flight and navigation. Bravo Zulu.
And so much fun to read too because Prinet can write! Including with modesty, a self-deprecating sense of humour and deep respect, even awe for his subject: the majesty and harsh reality of Canada’s far frozen tundra. In short, it’s a magnificent read… one loaded with a host of amazing characters and scenes – frontier bars and hotels, cagey prospectors, ex-pat Priests, First Nations folk, intense scientist types, fellow pilots and rugged base operators and austere facilities – plus an array of the aircraft he flew. All of which are described – including the quirks and attributes of the Cessna 172, 180, Otter among others – with the sort of intimacy that makes any reader wish that these were their adventures! Life from a near by-gone era.
I must tease potential readers by observing that Prinet was one lucky pilot with more than a few close shaves. Yet he was foremost a dedicated, very professional pilot which also made him wise vs just bold. And in that way I imagine he made his own luck. But how he did it all on such little sleep is amazing. Or carried such incredible loads! With so few Nav aids! In that weather!!
To aviation enthusiasts of any stripe who pick up this book… you are in for a rare treat!
I was very impressed by the scope and quality of his attention to detail, balance of content, pacing, ethno-cultural observations and geographic accuracy/descriptions… not to forget his ability to convey key technical aspects of flight and navigation. Bravo Zulu.
And so much fun to read too because Prinet can write! Including with modesty, a self-deprecating sense of humour and deep respect, even awe for his subject: the majesty and harsh reality of Canada’s far frozen tundra. In short, it’s a magnificent read… one loaded with a host of amazing characters and scenes – frontier bars and hotels, cagey prospectors, ex-pat Priests, First Nations folk, intense scientist types, fellow pilots and rugged base operators and austere facilities – plus an array of the aircraft he flew. All of which are described – including the quirks and attributes of the Cessna 172, 180, Otter among others – with the sort of intimacy that makes any reader wish that these were their adventures! Life from a near by-gone era.
I must tease potential readers by observing that Prinet was one lucky pilot with more than a few close shaves. Yet he was foremost a dedicated, very professional pilot which also made him wise vs just bold. And in that way I imagine he made his own luck. But how he did it all on such little sleep is amazing. Or carried such incredible loads! With so few Nav aids! In that weather!!
To aviation enthusiasts of any stripe who pick up this book… you are in for a rare treat!