In the Shadow of Eagles: From Barnstormer to Alaska Bush Pilot: A Flyer's Story by Jim Rearden

by Jim Rearden

This book celebrates the great age of aviation with pioneer flyer Rudy Billberg, who took his first airplane ride in 1927 and began flying the the Alaska bush in 1941. From stunt flying at Midwestern air shows to flying out of Nome into the frozen Arctic to hauling for the Northway project during World War II, Billberg recounts a lifetime's worth of exciting adventures and close calls. 26 photos. 2 maps.

Paperback

First published April 1, 1992

Reviews

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid, true auto-biography of an adventurous life by someone that humbly, it seems, did what he loved, with extreme integrity; and was richly rewarded. The first 1/2 was a little slow for me, but the last 1/2 made up for it. I'm not an aviation fan, but regardless, it brings early Alaska alive in numerous ways, outside of the obvious.

[Ryan Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for anybody with an interest in flying. Bush pilots in Alaska during the 1930-40s faced tremendous challenges prior to radio navigation, GPS, etc.