Arctic Bush Pilot: From Navy Combat to Flying Alaska's Northern Wilderness

by James "Andy" Anderson, Jim Rearden

Backed by Wien Airlines, former Navy combat pilot "Andy" Anderson pioneered post-World War II bush service to Alaska's vast Koyokuk River region serving miners, Natives, sportsmen, geologists, adventurers, and assorted bush rats. He flew mining equipment, gold, live wolves and sled dogs, you name it--anything needed for life in the bush. He sweated out dozens of dangerous medical-emergency flights, "always at night and in terrible storms." Illustrated with 50 historical photos and co-authored by one of Alaska's most popular writers, Arctic Bush Pilot is an exciting and sometimes nostalgic account of a pioneer pilot and his special place in Alaska aviation history.

Genres: Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2000

Reviews

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a straight forward narrative memoir of Andy Anderson. If you enjoy aviation and the idea of the freedom it brings, or you are interested in the arctic and how people travel and work together in those environments you will enjoy this book. I was lucky enough to spend a summer during college flying to many of the villages described in this book in small bush plans and this book brought back my memories splendidly. Now I hoping to find my way back to this beautiful land.

[James Hennessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I received Artic Bush Pilot as a gift from my son and daughter in law after their recent cruise to Alaska. Very informative! Makes one realize the challenges of living in this setting. The sheer beauty of the terrain is sometimes offset by the possible perils of the same terrain.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

While in Alaska I bought this book for my dad as a gift. As a result I decided to read it before giving it to him and enjoyed it a lot. Now I can't wait for me dad to get this so we can talk about it.

[Greg]

Not one to read if you aren't already into aviation. Some interesting perspective on pre-regulations flying (he once flew 600 hrs in 3 months), the development of Brooks Range area aviation, and some good anecdotes. Overall though the writing is adequate rather than noteworthy, which is fine for a memoir but nothing you'd tell your friends they've gotta read.