Rubber Suits & Lukewarm Soup

by Steven Randall

"..don’t read this review, just log on to Amazon and buy this book” - Flyer Magazine “..this book is well-written and engaging” - Pilot Magazine. All author proceeds donated to the Douglas Bader Foundation. A desire to become a professional pilot against the odds and without the benefit of wealthy relatives leads to a journey through some unusual jobs including theft investigator, car salesman, loans agent, and finance company repo man. When the opportunity to join an airline is abruptly halted by bureaucracy, a determination to continue flying results in an accidental career as one of the busiest oceanic ferry pilots in the world. Fly along on nine very different delivery flights and experience the literal highs and lows of these dangerously exciting journeys across our oceans. Read about flights from dirt tracks in Russia, fuel leaks in Iceland, mechanical issues in war-torn Africa, low fuel across the Pacific and flying through the waves of the Atlantic Ocean!

252 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2017

Reviews

[Chris Lightfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Like the author, my first taste of flight was in a de Havilland Chipmunk and like him, it led to becoming a professional pilot. The tales of ferry flights are incredible! Rather him than me. I thoroughly enjoyed these recounts, it made for an easy and well described read.

Thank you Steve!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating to read, I had previously no idea about the job of a ferry pilot. I am also in awe of the sheer determination of the author in pursuing his dreams, and succeeding.

[Sejal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people join aviation because it runs in the family, some get into it by chance, and some fall in love with the dream of being in the air and want it so badly that they will bathe in kitchen sinks and truly do whatever in takes to be part of this flying family. That last part applies to one of the most genuine, kind-hearted, fun pilots I’ve never had the pleasure of flying with (yet but am crossing my fingers I get to soon) but I know through stories and chance meetings and whose reputation precedes him: Steve Randall. In his book, Rubber Suits and Lukewarm Soup, he takes you through his path to becoming a pilot with stories that are full of humor, descriptive scenery, aviation geekiness and camaraderie. I was in tears in the end, not necessarily because it was sad but because it reminded me that I truly have the best job in the world because it allows me to work with people like Steve and while we have so much fun doing what we do, everything we do has a risk and safety is always top of mind. An easy light hearted read that leaves you feeling inspired to pursue your dreams, whatever they may be. Getting my pilot’s license is on my bucket list and now I’m even more excited to get started! Bonus: all the proceeds from the book go to charity.