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Capt. Mark Smith #1
Mayday
Ever wonder what really happens in the cockpit during a life-threatening emergency? Dan takes his readers where no passenger is ever allowed to go – past the armored steel cockpit door and into the pilot seat – transporting them on a terrifying journey that has a chilling resemblance to recent actual events.
The Tech-Liner—appropriately christened the Spirit of Silicon Valley—is the most advanced airliner ever built. Its speed and luxurious amenities could usher in a new golden age of air travel. Struggling Alpha Airlines is betting its future on the new jet.
On its maiden voyage—packed with VIPs from government, industry, and banking—this state-of-the-art plane is a prime target for attack. Capt. Mark Smith, Alpha Airlines Chief Pilot, will need to draw on all his decades of experience to make sure that never happens. At thirty-five thousand feet above the ocean, things spin wildly out of control. Smith will need a decidedly old-school strategy to save this high-tech marvel.
The Tech-Liner—appropriately christened the Spirit of Silicon Valley—is the most advanced airliner ever built. Its speed and luxurious amenities could usher in a new golden age of air travel. Struggling Alpha Airlines is betting its future on the new jet.
On its maiden voyage—packed with VIPs from government, industry, and banking—this state-of-the-art plane is a prime target for attack. Capt. Mark Smith, Alpha Airlines Chief Pilot, will need to draw on all his decades of experience to make sure that never happens. At thirty-five thousand feet above the ocean, things spin wildly out of control. Smith will need a decidedly old-school strategy to save this high-tech marvel.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
407 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Dan Stratman
10 books32 followersDan Stratman is a retired major airline Captain with over 26 years of experience in the industry. Before flying for the airlines, he was a decorated Air Force pilot. In addition, Captain Stratman is a highly sought-after aviation consultant, media aviation spokesperson, and NASA Astronaut applicant. He is a World traveler, having been to 38 countries so far.
In his new novel, Dan takes the reader where no passenger is ever allowed to go – past the armored steel cockpit door and into the pilot seat – telling them what really goes on during an in-flight emergency. MAYDAY! takes the reader through a frightening scenario that has chilling resemblances to recent actual events.
Only an experienced airline pilot could bring such authenticity and frightening realism to this story.
The MAYDAY! story was originally written as a screenplay. After it did well in several large screenplay competitions, Dan thought it would be well-received by a wider audience and decided to convert it into a novel.
Dan has an entrepreneurial side that stretches back many years. He developed the popular air travel app, Airport Life. The app did something that was sorely needed, it made flying easier and less stressful for passengers. In addition, he created a specialty photo printing eCommerce website, ran a multi-expert aviation consulting company he founded, and has filed numerous patents. In his spare time Dan enjoys mentoring budding entrepreneurs and volunteering weekly with Habitat for Humanity.
The two things he is most proud of are his long marriage to his lovely wife and his three wonderful kids.
In his new novel, Dan takes the reader where no passenger is ever allowed to go – past the armored steel cockpit door and into the pilot seat – telling them what really goes on during an in-flight emergency. MAYDAY! takes the reader through a frightening scenario that has chilling resemblances to recent actual events.
Only an experienced airline pilot could bring such authenticity and frightening realism to this story.
The MAYDAY! story was originally written as a screenplay. After it did well in several large screenplay competitions, Dan thought it would be well-received by a wider audience and decided to convert it into a novel.
Dan has an entrepreneurial side that stretches back many years. He developed the popular air travel app, Airport Life. The app did something that was sorely needed, it made flying easier and less stressful for passengers. In addition, he created a specialty photo printing eCommerce website, ran a multi-expert aviation consulting company he founded, and has filed numerous patents. In his spare time Dan enjoys mentoring budding entrepreneurs and volunteering weekly with Habitat for Humanity.
The two things he is most proud of are his long marriage to his lovely wife and his three wonderful kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 26, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A pilot is taking his last flight on a new high tech airplane. On this inaugural flight, there's a bunch of VIP's, all of whom think they know the plane better than the pilot. Also on board is the head flight attendant, who just happens to be the pilot's ex-wife.
The pilot discovers somebody has hacked the plane, and he has to figure out a way to get control of the plane, land it safely even though it's 1,000 miles off course in the Pacific Ocean, and stop the passengers from wreaking havoc.
Pretty good. Airport 2021.
A pilot is taking his last flight on a new high tech airplane. On this inaugural flight, there's a bunch of VIP's, all of whom think they know the plane better than the pilot. Also on board is the head flight attendant, who just happens to be the pilot's ex-wife.
The pilot discovers somebody has hacked the plane, and he has to figure out a way to get control of the plane, land it safely even though it's 1,000 miles off course in the Pacific Ocean, and stop the passengers from wreaking havoc.
Pretty good. Airport 2021.
January 30, 2019
This was a free book from Amazon and worth just what I paid for it. The aircraft information is interesting but otherwise the book is sexist and anti-Arab hogwash, clearly written by someone who longs for the good old days of the 1950s. It reeks with hostility towards just about anything from the modern era. It reads more like an old time comic book than a novel, and has the same pulpy plotting and dialogue. No, not recommended at all.
February 12, 2019
Very good read
Enjoyed this book, and you will also. Just do not plan on putting it down once you start. Recommend this book.
Enjoyed this book, and you will also. Just do not plan on putting it down once you start. Recommend this book.
December 5, 2021
I enjoyed the book. It was fast paced and enjoyed getting to know Mark and Noelle. Charlotte add much needed humor to the story. It is easy enough to see how this situation could happen with our reliance on technology and making money.
How did I find this book? I won a Kindle copy though a Goodreads Giveaway.
How did I find this book? I won a Kindle copy though a Goodreads Giveaway.
January 5, 2022
1/3 of the way through and I just can't read any more.
It's not even the plot line really, it's that every single character so far is a generic stereotype.
The aging pilot with martial and drinking problems who doesn't understand technology.
The flight attendant ex-wife who somehow didn't notice who the Captain was going to be.
The flight attendant bimbo gold-digger.
The Russian passenger who, surprise, gets drunk from vodka and gets belligerent.
The Saudi passenger who is a pompous jerk.
The "perpetually stressed out, chain-smoking" air traffic controller.
The middle-eastern mechanic who calls people "capitalist pigs".
The New Yorker mechanic who talks just like you'd expect.
Etc.
It's not even the plot line really, it's that every single character so far is a generic stereotype.
The aging pilot with martial and drinking problems who doesn't understand technology.
The flight attendant ex-wife who somehow didn't notice who the Captain was going to be.
The flight attendant bimbo gold-digger.
The Russian passenger who, surprise, gets drunk from vodka and gets belligerent.
The Saudi passenger who is a pompous jerk.
The "perpetually stressed out, chain-smoking" air traffic controller.
The middle-eastern mechanic who calls people "capitalist pigs".
The New Yorker mechanic who talks just like you'd expect.
Etc.
September 10, 2018
What a great ride....it was so real....I just couldn't put the book down..
I didn't realize what a great story Mayday was going to be ..I had not previously been drawn to this type of story....what a Happy experience it was to be captivated by the feel of being on that plane....thank you Mr.Stratman
I didn't realize what a great story Mayday was going to be ..I had not previously been drawn to this type of story....what a Happy experience it was to be captivated by the feel of being on that plane....thank you Mr.Stratman
January 12, 2019
Unrealistic
Previous reviews quote realism. The simulator session described in chapter one is nothing like I’ve ever seen in 46 years of professional flying. I gave this one star because no stars is not an option.
Bending the thrust levers ? Really Captain ?
Previous reviews quote realism. The simulator session described in chapter one is nothing like I’ve ever seen in 46 years of professional flying. I gave this one star because no stars is not an option.
Bending the thrust levers ? Really Captain ?
November 26, 2020
One of the best.
June 15, 2023
Probably the most poorly-written book I have ever (part) read. The stereotyped characters, the complete lack of continuity, and the ridiculous plot made me give up after a few chapters.
August 12, 2024
Mayday, by Dan Stratman, is the first book in Stratman’s Capt. Mark Smith series.
Mark Smith is the aging senior pilot for Alpha airlines. Smith is a former Air Force pilot now flying jumbo passenger jets.
Smith has had a few ups and downs during his career, including divorce, estrangement from his daughter and drinking.
In spite of these issues, he is chosen to pilot the maiden flight of the Tech-Liner, the most computerized, fully integrated, technologically advanced airliner ever built, and Alpha Airlines has committed seven billion dollars for a fleet of Tech-Liners. The flight is going from New York to London.
Shortly after taking off, Smith retires to the crew rest room for a nap. When he wakes up 4 hours later, he can sense something is off when gazing out the window: Polaris (the North Star) is not where it should be!
Quickly going back to the cockpit Smith and his flight crew quickly determine that their fully automated aircraft has been hacked; the flight crew has been locked out of the system and has been flying due south for four hours! When they finally are able to get control of the plane, they find they do not have enough fuel to backtrack to London; their only hope is to make it to the Azores.
The rest of the story centers on the frantic efforts of Smith and his crew to make it to the Azores with no margin of error because of the low fuel, including dumping all the baggage (which includes a $450,000 Lamborghini) and turning off the heat to the passengers.
The story includes the typical events in this type of thriller: airline chairman and CEO more concerned about the bottom line and stock value than safety; a union maintenance worker disgruntled because the airline has cancelled his pension; unruly and demanding passengers; and a sophisticated sabotage plot.
This is a typical action story that takes place in the confines of a plane in flight; however, I thought it borrowed too much on story lines from other books, particularly Michael Crichton’s Airframe.
Mark Smith is the aging senior pilot for Alpha airlines. Smith is a former Air Force pilot now flying jumbo passenger jets.
Smith has had a few ups and downs during his career, including divorce, estrangement from his daughter and drinking.
In spite of these issues, he is chosen to pilot the maiden flight of the Tech-Liner, the most computerized, fully integrated, technologically advanced airliner ever built, and Alpha Airlines has committed seven billion dollars for a fleet of Tech-Liners. The flight is going from New York to London.
Shortly after taking off, Smith retires to the crew rest room for a nap. When he wakes up 4 hours later, he can sense something is off when gazing out the window: Polaris (the North Star) is not where it should be!
Quickly going back to the cockpit Smith and his flight crew quickly determine that their fully automated aircraft has been hacked; the flight crew has been locked out of the system and has been flying due south for four hours! When they finally are able to get control of the plane, they find they do not have enough fuel to backtrack to London; their only hope is to make it to the Azores.
The rest of the story centers on the frantic efforts of Smith and his crew to make it to the Azores with no margin of error because of the low fuel, including dumping all the baggage (which includes a $450,000 Lamborghini) and turning off the heat to the passengers.
The story includes the typical events in this type of thriller: airline chairman and CEO more concerned about the bottom line and stock value than safety; a union maintenance worker disgruntled because the airline has cancelled his pension; unruly and demanding passengers; and a sophisticated sabotage plot.
This is a typical action story that takes place in the confines of a plane in flight; however, I thought it borrowed too much on story lines from other books, particularly Michael Crichton’s Airframe.
September 9, 2021
Review of eBook
The Tech-Liner christened “The Spirit of Silicon Valley,” an advanced, state-of-the-art airliner, has only one objective as it takes some one hundred VIPs on its maiden flight: save the struggling Alpha Airlines.
But can the modern marvel live up to the hype?
Unknown to the flight crew, someone on board the plane has used a laptop computer to hijack the plane. All that remains now is to see if chief pilot Captain Mark Smith, once an Air Force pilot, has any chance of saving the plane from crashing and disappearing somewhere into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.
Can the pilot, against all odds, pull off a miracle?
Despite some stereotypical character clichés, this disaster story holds together reasonably well. The piloting scenes feel frighteningly real; for readers, the stratospheric tension is both authentic and palpable. [Of course, non-pilot readers have no idea if all the actions Captain Smith takes in his battle to defeat disaster would stand the test of actually occurring in real life, but it reads exceptionally well for readers who possess flight experience only as passengers.]
Character development is, at best, sketchy in this quick-read tale, but the heart of the story is the rapidly-building suspense as the turmoil surrounding the ill-fated maiden flight of the aircraft takes readers for an unforgettable flight into danger and panic.
The only downside for this story well told is the exasperating cliffhanger tacked onto the end of the story.
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program
The Tech-Liner christened “The Spirit of Silicon Valley,” an advanced, state-of-the-art airliner, has only one objective as it takes some one hundred VIPs on its maiden flight: save the struggling Alpha Airlines.
But can the modern marvel live up to the hype?
Unknown to the flight crew, someone on board the plane has used a laptop computer to hijack the plane. All that remains now is to see if chief pilot Captain Mark Smith, once an Air Force pilot, has any chance of saving the plane from crashing and disappearing somewhere into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.
Can the pilot, against all odds, pull off a miracle?
Despite some stereotypical character clichés, this disaster story holds together reasonably well. The piloting scenes feel frighteningly real; for readers, the stratospheric tension is both authentic and palpable. [Of course, non-pilot readers have no idea if all the actions Captain Smith takes in his battle to defeat disaster would stand the test of actually occurring in real life, but it reads exceptionally well for readers who possess flight experience only as passengers.]
Character development is, at best, sketchy in this quick-read tale, but the heart of the story is the rapidly-building suspense as the turmoil surrounding the ill-fated maiden flight of the aircraft takes readers for an unforgettable flight into danger and panic.
The only downside for this story well told is the exasperating cliffhanger tacked onto the end of the story.
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program
December 4, 2024
This book was so bad that, even though I got it for free from Amazon, I feel ripped off.
I’m a fan of aviation fiction and had read many great book by the likes of John J Nance and Nelson DeMille. So I saw this and thought I would give it a go.
The characters were all, without exception, wooden and stereotypical. We had the busty blonde “tart” of a flight attendant desperate to bed the 60 year old wise and brilliant Captain. We had the Englishman called Nigel telling his fiancée to keep a “stiff upper lip”, we had the evil, scheming airline executives, the drunk salesman, the computer experts who were all “geeks” and the Saudi prince with his retinue of burka clad wives and his Rolls in the hold.
The dialogue was execrable and even the aviation jargon seemed contrived and inaccurate. Just an awful book. I’m shocked that he wrote another, I will not be reading it.
I’m a fan of aviation fiction and had read many great book by the likes of John J Nance and Nelson DeMille. So I saw this and thought I would give it a go.
The characters were all, without exception, wooden and stereotypical. We had the busty blonde “tart” of a flight attendant desperate to bed the 60 year old wise and brilliant Captain. We had the Englishman called Nigel telling his fiancée to keep a “stiff upper lip”, we had the evil, scheming airline executives, the drunk salesman, the computer experts who were all “geeks” and the Saudi prince with his retinue of burka clad wives and his Rolls in the hold.
The dialogue was execrable and even the aviation jargon seemed contrived and inaccurate. Just an awful book. I’m shocked that he wrote another, I will not be reading it.
August 14, 2019
Not That Great ... Teetering on 2-stars, but 3 is acceptable ...
The writing in the 1st half of this book, to build up the cast of characters, was pretty atrocious ... just about every cockamamy stereotype you can think of was used, to describe some of the men and women! (For example: a ‘typical’ wealthy Russian being an endlessly drinking fat slob, women Flight Attendants only thinking of one thing, idiotic managers throwing their weight around while going off the deep end, abusive fathers, and so on).
The 2nd half of the book was the better part of the story, but not quite believable — except for the amount of fuel available for the flight, where pilots are taught to never believe the gauges ...
The writing in the 1st half of this book, to build up the cast of characters, was pretty atrocious ... just about every cockamamy stereotype you can think of was used, to describe some of the men and women! (For example: a ‘typical’ wealthy Russian being an endlessly drinking fat slob, women Flight Attendants only thinking of one thing, idiotic managers throwing their weight around while going off the deep end, abusive fathers, and so on).
The 2nd half of the book was the better part of the story, but not quite believable — except for the amount of fuel available for the flight, where pilots are taught to never believe the gauges ...
February 24, 2020
The "Mayday" portion of this novel is absolutely riveting and I found it hard to tear myself away when I needed to work, eat, or go to the restroom.
However, this book is action-intensive. Background information and character development is lacking with the exception of the protagonist and his significant other. The characters are angry with one another and speak rudely to one another without the reader understanding why in many instances.
However, this book is action-intensive. Background information and character development is lacking with the exception of the protagonist and his significant other. The characters are angry with one another and speak rudely to one another without the reader understanding why in many instances.
September 24, 2021
I received an ecopy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
I read this book in one sitting, it was that good. It felt so real. I felt the terror and fear of the passengers, the strength and determination of the captain and crew, and I felt such rage at someone who would so this to innocent people. This book sent me emotions on a roller-coaster ride. I can’t wait to read the follow-up story.
I read this book in one sitting, it was that good. It felt so real. I felt the terror and fear of the passengers, the strength and determination of the captain and crew, and I felt such rage at someone who would so this to innocent people. This book sent me emotions on a roller-coaster ride. I can’t wait to read the follow-up story.
September 8, 2018
Awful
It was so dragged on that by the two any action occurred, I was 2/3 through the book plus the conversations were sooo contrived. The author is so knowledgeable and intelligent but I just don't feel he's the best storyteller. I'll have to.check out his other books before I decide. JC
It was so dragged on that by the two any action occurred, I was 2/3 through the book plus the conversations were sooo contrived. The author is so knowledgeable and intelligent but I just don't feel he's the best storyteller. I'll have to.check out his other books before I decide. JC
April 13, 2024
It's an ok setting but the book is like 90s disaster movie's script. Hilariously stereotypical characters and a fast, but completely predictable plot. Yet it's so full of holes you need to turn at least half your brain off to read it. On the positive side, the text flows nicely and this was one of the fastest books I've ever read.
April 21, 2024
Exciting and tense filled story
The first quarter of the book was background and story foundation.
Then the tension mounted as the plot line was revealed. The pilot, Mark Smith, proved to be skilled and resourceful in his duties as captain and brought the story to a satisfying conclusion.
Overall the book was thrilling and spine tingling from beginning to end.
The first quarter of the book was background and story foundation.
Then the tension mounted as the plot line was revealed. The pilot, Mark Smith, proved to be skilled and resourceful in his duties as captain and brought the story to a satisfying conclusion.
Overall the book was thrilling and spine tingling from beginning to end.
February 9, 2019
Thrilling adventure
Reading this book made me so involved that I felt like I was on the plane experiencing the same joys and fears that the crew and passengers were exhibiting. The dynamics of the plane and its flight were very realistic.
Reading this book made me so involved that I felt like I was on the plane experiencing the same joys and fears that the crew and passengers were exhibiting. The dynamics of the plane and its flight were very realistic.
July 12, 2019
At good story of computer hijacking a commercial airplaane.
A well written story regarding the hijacking of an airliner. The pilots and crew had their hands full controlling both the airplane and the passengers. This s story is a good read. I recommend it.
A well written story regarding the hijacking of an airliner. The pilots and crew had their hands full controlling both the airplane and the passengers. This s story is a good read. I recommend it.
October 10, 2019
Full of cliches
Fair, transparent story with a few detours. Some of the information is surprising to come from an "experienced airline pilot". Sets up a plot but leaves out the details, just fills in with cliches. Pleasant fast read without any meat.
Fair, transparent story with a few detours. Some of the information is surprising to come from an "experienced airline pilot". Sets up a plot but leaves out the details, just fills in with cliches. Pleasant fast read without any meat.
November 11, 2020
Gripping read
What an excellent start to a series of books. This is a really strong storyline with good characters, and really well written. The action starts quickly and keeps whipping along at a great pace, till it reaches a intense ending.
What an excellent start to a series of books. This is a really strong storyline with good characters, and really well written. The action starts quickly and keeps whipping along at a great pace, till it reaches a intense ending.
September 7, 2021
Gripping!
The story started out slowly. Once the plane took off though, I was hooked. I read the remaining 3/4 of the book in one sitting. I loved the twist at the end too! Definitely an excellent book for someone who loves airplanes and disaster stories.
The story started out slowly. Once the plane took off though, I was hooked. I read the remaining 3/4 of the book in one sitting. I loved the twist at the end too! Definitely an excellent book for someone who loves airplanes and disaster stories.
October 25, 2021
May Day
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, however, I wish I wasn’t getting on an airplane in less than a month. I should have saved it for my return home. I enjoyed the little bit of comedy written in too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, however, I wish I wasn’t getting on an airplane in less than a month. I should have saved it for my return home. I enjoyed the little bit of comedy written in too.
April 9, 2024
Great story
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
January 15, 2025
A good read.
The book was a good combination of an airplane story and a story of suspense and intrigue. The characters were interesting and well developed. Airplane enthusiasts will enjoy the aviation aspect of this story.
The book was a good combination of an airplane story and a story of suspense and intrigue. The characters were interesting and well developed. Airplane enthusiasts will enjoy the aviation aspect of this story.
July 12, 2025
Edge of your seat action!
Dan did it right. His research into flight capabilities and FBI protocols is impressive. From the first page to the last you will have a hard time putting it down.
Dan did it right. His research into flight capabilities and FBI protocols is impressive. From the first page to the last you will have a hard time putting it down.
September 26, 2025
Good book but maybe not before flying
I really enjoyed the book, it kept my attention and dragged me into the story. I was a little disappointed, not to see what happened to the CEO or president. I will definitely read more of his books.
I really enjoyed the book, it kept my attention and dragged me into the story. I was a little disappointed, not to see what happened to the CEO or president. I will definitely read more of his books.
September 10, 2018
Good read; outcome always predictable
December 23, 2018
This is the first 5 star review I have given in a long time. I found the book to be a very enjoyable read. Would recommend to others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews