Bush Pilot With a Briefcase: The Incredible Story of Aviation Pioneer Grant McConachie

by Ronald A. Keith, Sean Rossiter

At the age of 22, Grant McConachie was a bush pilot running his own crazy airline in the Canadian North, flying trappers, gold miners, huskies, and fish all over the wilderness. Only 16 years later, he was appointed president of the fledging Canadian Pacific Airlines. In this book, Ronald A. Keith tells Grant's incredible story.

Genres: Biography, Canada

Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Eric Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography of Canadian Aviation pioneer, Grant McConachie reads more like fiction. The escapades of this character beggar description as he pursues his passion to fly, and to cobble together a northern airline. Years of struggles in all kinds of weather and with bankruptcy ever at the door ultimately led to the purchase of his Yukon experiment and other bush airlines by CPR. CPR in turn tapped him to help them develop an airline, CP. He was president of Canadian Pacific from 1947 to his death in 1965. As such he pioneered cross-Pacific routes, over the pole routes and the use of jets at a time when the Canadian government sought to support only TCA.

He believed powerfully in free enterprise. It is an amazing story of an entrepreneur, enthusiast, and optimistic salesman. He expressed his philosophy as, “I have always believed in making the bold move first, then the profits will find their way home eventually…If a route is flyable, it should be flown.”

[Spencer Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any Canadian with a love for adventure and outrageous stories from a different time. This is especially a special book for Edmontonians with some very cool 1900’s history. Really neat to learn about the history of the Canadian passenger airline industry.

[Chris Tschirhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a Canadian Aviation buff you need to read this book.

[Ben Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for any pilot. During the pioneering days of air travel McConachie set the standard. Daring and adventurous flying pitching skill and luck against weather and uncertainty. McConachie's audacious approach to business when acquiring aircraft and investment will make you chuckle. Inspirational.