Island Bush Pilot: Founder of san Juan Airlines

by Roy Franklin

After serving as a carrier fighter pilot in the Navy during World War II, Roy Franklin returned to his native Washington State to fly, build an airport, and establish a commuter airline in the San Juan Islands. He developed the first successful air service in the otherwise isolated islands by persevering against the adversities of weather, lack of navigational aids, and the many hazards of bush flying. A candid and often humorous account of adventures and misadventures over 30 years adds to the rich traditions of bush aviation.

310 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2006

Reviews

[Kt · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy aviation, the Pacific Northwest, old guys telling funny yarns about the old days, or all of the above, this is a good book for you. In a straightforward and folksy voice, the author tells some great stories about his life flying small planes for a living in a beautiful but dangerous part of the world. His "can-do," friendly spirit shines through.
I am an aviator, so it didn't bother me, but there may be a part of a story here or there that may not be as easy to follow if you aren't familiar with flying.
The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because I am very picky about giving out 5 stars.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Roy Franklin spent all 9 lives surviving World War II; he needed another 90 to live the tales he tells in this awe-inspiring book of bush flying in the post war US aviation boom and bust. In the preface to the book he admits to not being a writer and this is well demonstrated throughout the book. Sentences are often awkward and roughly phrased; almost as if the book was captured by a Speech-to-Text software with no editor. But the death-defying stories captured far outweigh the lack of eloquence. A must read for anyone living near the San Juan Islands or aspiring to be a pilot.

[Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hated to see this book end. Wonderful local stories and some high flying adventure.