North Star Over My Shoulder – A Flying Life: An Inspiring Journey Through the Skies

The sky has always been a mysterious realm, tempting humanity to explore its vastness and unlock its secrets. For many, the dream of flying becomes a lifelong passion, pushing them to overcome any obstacle in their quest to touch the heavens. In his book, "North Star Over My Shoulder – A Flying Life," renowned aviator and adventurer Bob Buck shares his extraordinary journey through the skies, taking readers on an exhilarating ride of inspiration and discovery. Let's dive into this fascinating tale that showcases the true magic of flight.

A Man with Wings

Bob Buck was not your ordinary pilot. With more than thirty thousand hours of flight time and a career spanning several decades, he had stories that could fill volumes. "North Star Over My Shoulder" chronicles his experiences as a pioneer of aviation, providing a unique glimpse into a world that few have had the privilege to witness firsthand.

Buck's passion for flying flourished at an early age, taking him on incredible adventures around the globe. From flying Lockheed Constellations during World War II to crossing the Atlantic on a Pan Am Clipper, he never ceased to explore the boundaries of the aviation world. Buck's remarkable stories, peppered with witty anecdotes and insightful observations, capture the essence of a true aviator.

North Star over My Shoulder: A Flying Life

by Fred W. Frailey(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1173 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	448 pages

FREE

An Inspirational Journey Through Time

"North Star Over My Shoulder" is not just a collection of aviation tales; it is an inspiring journey through the 20th-century aviation industry. Buck recounts historical milestones, such as the first transatlantic flight, the advent of commercial airlines, and the technological advancements that shaped flying as we know it today.

Intertwined with these remarkable achievements are Buck's personal experiences, allowing readers to gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by early aviators. The book takes you back in time, immersing you in the thrill of flying amidst the backdrop of significant historical events.

The Magic of Flight

What sets "North Star Over My Shoulder" apart is its ability to encapsulate the magic of flight. Buck's vivid descriptions transport you to the cockpit, where you can feel the exhilaration of taking off and the awe-inspiring moments of soaring above the clouds.

His words capture the freedom and sense of adventure that comes with flying. Whether it is navigating through turbulent weather or witnessing stunning aerial views, Buck's storytelling prowess makes you truly appreciate the wonder of aviation.

Unveiling the North Star

The North Star has long been a symbol of guidance and exploration. In "North Star Over My Shoulder," Buck reveals how this celestial beacon became a metaphor for his own life. Just as ancient sailors relied on the North Star to find their way, Buck found inspiration and direction in the captivating skies.

Through his anecdotes, Buck encourages readers to pursue their passions relentlessly, reminding us that our journey is more important than the destination. His tales serve as a compass, guiding us to follow our dreams with unwavering determination.

An Everlasting Impact

"North Star Over My Shoulder – A Flying Life" is not a book that you read and forget. It resonates with your soul, instilling a lifelong love for aviation and a renewed appreciation for the power of dreams. Buck's words are a reminder that when you chase your passions with unwavering determination, the sky is never the limit – it's just the beginning.

So, buckle up and embark on this extraordinary journey through the skies. Let "North Star Over My Shoulder" ignite the flames of curiosity and courage within you, inspiring you to reach for the boundless horizons of your dreams.

North Star over My Shoulder: A Flying Life

by Fred W. Frailey(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1173 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	448 pages

FREE

It is rare to find one person whose life embodies the history of an industry the way Bob Buck's life encompasses the history of commercial aviation in America. Buck first flew in the 1920s, inspired by the exploits of Charles Lindbergh. In 1930, at age sixteen, he flew solo from coast to coast, breaking the junior transcontinental speed record. In 1936 he flew nonstop from Burbank, California, to Columbus, Ohio, in a 90-horsepower Monocoupe to establish a world distance record for light airplanes. He joined Transcontinental and Western Air (T&WA) as a copilot in 1937; when he retired thirty-seven years later, he had made more than 2,000 Atlantic crossings -- and his role had progressed from such tasks as retracting a DC-2's landing gear with a cockpit-based hand pump to command of a wide-body 747.
Buck's experiences go back to a time when flying was something glamorous. He flew with and learned from some true pioneers of aviation -- the courageous pilots who created the airmail service during flying's infancy. At the behest of his employer Howard Hughes, Buck spent three months flying with Tyrone Power on a trip to South America, Africa, and Europe. He flew the New York-Paris-Cairo route in the days when flight plans called for lengthy stopovers, and enjoyed all that those romantic places had to offer. He took part in a flight that circled the globe sideways (from pole to pole). He advised TWA's president on the shift to jet planes; a world expert on weather and flight, Buck used a B-17G to chase thunderstorms worldwide as part of a TWA-Air Force research project during World War II, for which he was awarded the Air Medal (as a civilian) by President Truman.
In North Star over My Shoulder, Bob Buck tells of a life spent up and over the clouds, and of the wonderful places and marvelous people who have been a part of that life. He captures the feel, taste, and smell of flying's greatest era -- how the people lived, what they did and felt, and what it was really like to be a part of the world as it grew smaller and smaller. He relates stories from his innumerable visits to Paris, the city he loves more than any other -- echoing Gertrude Stein's view that "America is my country, and Paris is my home town" -- and from his trips to the Middle East, including flights to Israel before and after it became a state. A terrific storyteller and a fascinating man, Bob Buck has turned his well-lived life into a delightful memoir for anyone who remembers when there really was something special in the air.