Success on the Step: Flying With Kenmore Air

by C. Marin Faure

Success on the Step is the story of a unique group of people. They happen to be people who've done amazing things with seaplanes but it's a people story, neverless. People who have never wavered from the principle on which the company was founded. Do the right thing.

432 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2004

Reviews

[Josh]

Just loved it. The 400 page book spoke to the aviation enthusiast in me, but there were also so many great stories about the history or greater Seattle, it’s relationship to the natural wilderness of British Columbia and Alaska, tales of adventure and bravery and technical competence. It’s a world of entertainment inside the story of one humble little seaplane operator, that now is the biggest in the world.
It helps that I got to fly my first seaplane flight with them.
Highly recommended, but some flying and aviation and mechanical knowledge definitely makes many parts more enjoyable and relatable.

[Ken Shaffer]

Great read. If you like seaplanes!

[Bryan Mclellan]

What a great story of good people doing the things that they love, adventurous by nature, and succeeding. At almost 450 pages it is nearly an encyclopedic tome on the history of Kenmore Air, but every chapter is filled with stories of Bob Munro and company pushing limits while maintaining integrity; simply because it was who they are. From landing float planes in the snow on glaciers to pulling sunken planes out of lakes with whatever was nearby, each chapter gives you a new tale to be enthralled by.

[Kevin]

If you have ever considered flying a float plane or operating your own business - you should definitely read this book. You will learn valuable lessons on both fronts from an honest perspective of Munro's company. Also a great history of aviation in the US, especially the non-military and small commercial side.

[Laura Authier]

Great story that spans a good deal of the history of float plans on the west coast. I particularly loved the glacier landings and the period when Kenmore was a dealer of Seabees, the most fascinating looking little plane I've ever seen.

[Linda]

I enjoyed this book -- it is a combined biography, pacific northwest history, business story and adventure all rolled into one.