PostFlight: An Old Pilot’s Logbook by Byron Edgington, reviewed

We look at this five decade perspective on flying helicopters, fixed wings, and the lessons learned along the way. Written by Byron Edgington you can buy the book here.

PostFlight: An Old Pilot’s Logbook by Byron Edgington, reviewed

This book is an honest but also entertaining book about flight, the joy of it, the precautions you need to take, and how to be smart in the air. Edgington managed to survive the flying business for many decades, until one day reaching the point when he knew he was done and it was time to stop flying. His anecdote about a potential life ending gig in Panama as a tune spotter is both informative, wise, and slightly chilling. When his mechanic gave him an ambiguous response about how he had fixed the mechanical issue with his helicopter the author knew it was time to move on. Tragically he was accurate in his assessment and the next pilot who took the gig instead went down with the helicopter.

Throughout the book it feels like you are in the company of a Sully like pilot, who has gained immeasurable experience through his time flying a variety of helicopters.  Edgington starts out in Vietnam, and realises that reaching 500 hours in the air is actually one of the most dangerous moments. When you stop being a nervous rookie and start thinking you are the king of the skies is often one of the most dangerous periods. Throughout the book there is a wisdom blended with humility that, ‘there but for the grace of god’, he has survived situations that have often proved fatal for others.

There are good sections of female pilots breaking through too, and the challenges that they faced. It is an enjoyable book to read, and definitely one that we will be recommending to the pilots, and aspirational pilots in our lives. It is also an interesting and informative read even if you are not planning to fly yourselves, with good insights into learning to really listen to people too and hear what they are actually trying to say to you.

More about the book

Postflight: An Old Pilot’s Logbook

Postflight is full of wisdom from 50 years in the cockpit. If you dream of flying, you need to read this book.

I flew for 50 years, now I write about it. If you like aviation stories, you’re going to love these: They’re written from the front seat of the aircraft. Check out my books, especially the new Postflight: An Old Pilot’s Logbook. It’s filled with info to make your flying dream come true.

What readers are saying about PostFlight: An Old Pilot’s Logbook

Interesting, and innovative, and fun to read, with lots of good advice, especially for young women.

—Patty Wagstaff, Aerobatic pilot, inductee Hall of Fame, US Aerobatic team member.

Whether you’re a new or aspiring pilot, or a grey-haired experienced one, there are nuggets of wisdom slathered generously throughout this book.

—Patty Bear, former military pilot, retired 777 captain, author of From Plain to Plane, My Mennonite Childhood, a National Scandal, and an Unconventional Soar to Freedom.

This book explores the various paths a pilot might take, and the personalities that might be encountered along the way. It expands on much of the core spirit that makes aviation a truly unique endeavor.

—Capt. Stephen Walton (ret) American Airlines

Every pilot will find something that speaks to them in PostFlight. For me, it was the simple story of flying solo for the first time—when your flight instructor climbs out and says “take it up on your own”—Sheer magic! For anyone with a dream of an aviation career, this book shares the highs and lows (literal and mental) involved in this life.

—Connie Shelton, Mystery writer, and world record high altitude balloon pilot.

See more stories here.