The Last of the Bush Pilots

by Harmon "Bud" Helmericks

First edition. Book very good; small moisture dot on top text block. Jacket has minimal edge wear; few small tears. Lower front edge turned up.

361 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1969

Reviews

[Jay Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever wanted to know anything about the early days of flying above the Arctic Circle, this book will certainly enlighten you. It was incredibly difficult to navigate an airplane through largely unmapped territory in difficult weather and rough, unforgiving terrain. Helmericks talks not only about his own experiences but the experiences of many of the most talented bush pilots prior to 1966. He details chapters on close calls, trapping and fishing, mechanics, local natives, and much more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a lot about what it takes to keep an airplane going between 1919 and the 1960's. These men are certainly pioneers, durable, tough, courageous, and dedicated to their love of flying.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome and in depth account of the life of an Alaskan bush pilot, both through firsthand and secondhand stories. However, don’t be put off if you’re not interested in the flying. The bush pilots tied the whole Alaskan economy together, and therefore this book is as much a history of Alaska, the industries, the natives, the missionaries, early communities and settlers, whatever you’re interested in, there’s a good chance this book crosses that at some point. All in all a very well written book that gave me a lot to think about.

[Chris Tschirhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read about the American Bush pilots.