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An Airline Pilot's Life
This is Part 1 of "An Airline Pilot's Life." Part 2 will be published on May 24, 2020. Here's the story: Who didn't want to be a jet pilot as a kid? Yet for most, life gets in the way and charts a different course. But what if? Here's your chance to live the dream, the true story of a childhood passion for airplanes and flight to the rigorous military college that lead to Air Force pilot wings, to years as a USAF pilot in the Pacific and Asia, then into the cockpits of the world's largest airline, and decades as a captain. Live the struggle, the adventures, the flying, the ups and downs of airline crew life from an insider perspective. An airline pilot's life: strap in, hang on--it's a wild ride.
- GenresAviationNonfiction
529 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2020
126 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 23, 2020
This story is one man's dream to fly planes and his experience in obtaining that goal.
Chris Manno has led a very interesting life as you will learn from this book. He shares life growing up as a military brat and the multiple moves across the globe that were made for his father's career. The different schools, the tomfoolery with his brothers, and what he was willing to do (or not do) to fulfill his dream.
This line from the book summed up a lot of what I was thinking what he wrote about his earlier days in high school, VMI, the military, and even as a pilot (before drug and alcohol testing/rules)
"In some ways, airline crew life could be like an extended frat party, with the partiers sponsored with air travel, rooms, and access to some major league resort areas and free time to socialize and more."
I enjoyed learning more about pilots and the planes, but most of the jargon was more than I cared to read about. I think the ability to fly a plane is amazing and know that there are many factors that have to be considered, but I tended to skim over a lot of the technical jargon since I don't ever plan to fly a plane. However, I'm sure many pilots would devour this information.
I enjoyed discovering that while flying was Chris's dream, he had other talents that were put to use such as his cartoons and his interest in literature. He also partook in musical endeavors despite those not being his forte. I knew Chris was a professor (he taught some classes at my alma mater, Texas Wesleyan) but did not know about a paper he presented in London. That was intriguing especially considering the topic (which I am not going to spoil).
I did wonder about the lack of information about his personal life once he married and had children, there was barely a mention. I suppose it is because it was not a good time in his life and perhaps she didn't want to be mentioned or their personal life discussed? I kept waiting to hear more about what life was like being married, in the military, having children, how it affected his career choices. That changed some when he remarried and we did learn a little more about his personal life after that point.
This book will take you on a journey that will entertain and educate you.
I received a copy of this book from Lone Star Literary Life and all opinions are my own. What I read does cover parts 1 and 2 that were released on Amazon in digital format.
Chris Manno has led a very interesting life as you will learn from this book. He shares life growing up as a military brat and the multiple moves across the globe that were made for his father's career. The different schools, the tomfoolery with his brothers, and what he was willing to do (or not do) to fulfill his dream.
This line from the book summed up a lot of what I was thinking what he wrote about his earlier days in high school, VMI, the military, and even as a pilot (before drug and alcohol testing/rules)
"In some ways, airline crew life could be like an extended frat party, with the partiers sponsored with air travel, rooms, and access to some major league resort areas and free time to socialize and more."
I enjoyed learning more about pilots and the planes, but most of the jargon was more than I cared to read about. I think the ability to fly a plane is amazing and know that there are many factors that have to be considered, but I tended to skim over a lot of the technical jargon since I don't ever plan to fly a plane. However, I'm sure many pilots would devour this information.
I enjoyed discovering that while flying was Chris's dream, he had other talents that were put to use such as his cartoons and his interest in literature. He also partook in musical endeavors despite those not being his forte. I knew Chris was a professor (he taught some classes at my alma mater, Texas Wesleyan) but did not know about a paper he presented in London. That was intriguing especially considering the topic (which I am not going to spoil).
I did wonder about the lack of information about his personal life once he married and had children, there was barely a mention. I suppose it is because it was not a good time in his life and perhaps she didn't want to be mentioned or their personal life discussed? I kept waiting to hear more about what life was like being married, in the military, having children, how it affected his career choices. That changed some when he remarried and we did learn a little more about his personal life after that point.
This book will take you on a journey that will entertain and educate you.
I received a copy of this book from Lone Star Literary Life and all opinions are my own. What I read does cover parts 1 and 2 that were released on Amazon in digital format.
May 17, 2020
Right from the beginning of this book, I was hooked, reading the story of what could have been a deadly end to a planned jump from an airplane. opening story, and had to chuckle when I came to the last two sentences, “The calm, unrelenting voice of reason, always there no matter what, had the last words: you really didn't have to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.
Way to go dumbass.”
The author was fascinated by airplanes from a very young age, which isn’t surprising since his father was in the Air Force so, as a child, the author was introduced to airplanes up close and personal.
His first time in the air was when the family flew from Buffalo to McChord air Force Base in Tacoma Washington.
I cracked up when reading what he said about flushing things down the airplane lavatory thinking that they would just go out into space.
The book alternated chapters between memories of his past with his family which were quite amusing and entertaining and his journey toward getting his wings that started with that experience of jumping out of the airplane. He couldn't afford flying lessons so jumping lessons were all he could do.
His evolution from rambunctious little boy, to daring school boy and troublemaker at VMI, to getting his wings was a fun and interesting story, with large doses of humor.
Reading this book, one learns what goes into the making of an airline pilot, as well as what is in the heart and soul of an airline pilot. I highly recommend it on both counts.
Lone Star Literary provided me with a copy of this book for an honest review.
Way to go dumbass.”
The author was fascinated by airplanes from a very young age, which isn’t surprising since his father was in the Air Force so, as a child, the author was introduced to airplanes up close and personal.
His first time in the air was when the family flew from Buffalo to McChord air Force Base in Tacoma Washington.
I cracked up when reading what he said about flushing things down the airplane lavatory thinking that they would just go out into space.
The book alternated chapters between memories of his past with his family which were quite amusing and entertaining and his journey toward getting his wings that started with that experience of jumping out of the airplane. He couldn't afford flying lessons so jumping lessons were all he could do.
His evolution from rambunctious little boy, to daring school boy and troublemaker at VMI, to getting his wings was a fun and interesting story, with large doses of humor.
Reading this book, one learns what goes into the making of an airline pilot, as well as what is in the heart and soul of an airline pilot. I highly recommend it on both counts.
Lone Star Literary provided me with a copy of this book for an honest review.
July 3, 2020
“I’d endure, I’d succeed, I’d fly.”
In An Airline’s Pilot Life, Chris Manno shows us that dreams really can come true as long as you put in the work, have the right attitude, and keep your eye on the prize. Chris always wanted to fly. More specifically, he always wanted to be a pilot. The one sitting in the left seat in the cockpit and wearing pilot’s wings. But to get there, he had to dig in his heels and never give up, even when the odds were not favorable.
This memoir is entertaining and inspiring, even if you personally have never dreamt of becoming a pilot. Chris presents his fascinating journey—from a child who wants to fly to an adult with the hard-earned ability to fly—with grit, determination, humor, and a tell-it-like-it-is perspective. From a young boy with model airplanes, to a student at the Virginia Military Institute, to an officer in the US Air Force, and to a pilot for a major airline, Chris has doggedly and with an extra dose of integrity traversed an illustrious career. Flying, however, has not been the only job on his horizon, and perhaps it would be easier to ask what hasn’t Chris done?
For me, the most interesting aspect of An Airline Pilot’s Life is the blunt and often funny look behind the scenes of Chris’s life, both as a student in a flight simulator and as a full-fledged pilot confidently flying a hunk of metal across the skies. Chris has had his fair share of story-worthy moments throughout his career, and he definitely does not hold back on letting us in on all the hijinks as a student, a military pilot, and an airline pilot. He seems to have done it all. Parties, booze, relationships, and too many capers to count fill out Chris’s life as a pilot. With a wry sense of humor that comes across in each chapter, Chris keeps you hooked and wondering what could be next on his life’s agenda. The personal aspect of Chris’s adult life is curiously absent in most of this book, even after he marries and has two children. But as his pilot career advances, his focus in this memoir shifts to include more of his personal life that is filled with both tough and smart decisions and a dog named Gus.
If you want a rare glimpse into an airline pilot’s life, Chris Manno is your man. He will win you over with his humor and keep you reading with enough anecdotes to fill two books. Take your seat, enjoy the ride, and count yourself lucky if Captain Manno has ever been your pilot.
In An Airline’s Pilot Life, Chris Manno shows us that dreams really can come true as long as you put in the work, have the right attitude, and keep your eye on the prize. Chris always wanted to fly. More specifically, he always wanted to be a pilot. The one sitting in the left seat in the cockpit and wearing pilot’s wings. But to get there, he had to dig in his heels and never give up, even when the odds were not favorable.
This memoir is entertaining and inspiring, even if you personally have never dreamt of becoming a pilot. Chris presents his fascinating journey—from a child who wants to fly to an adult with the hard-earned ability to fly—with grit, determination, humor, and a tell-it-like-it-is perspective. From a young boy with model airplanes, to a student at the Virginia Military Institute, to an officer in the US Air Force, and to a pilot for a major airline, Chris has doggedly and with an extra dose of integrity traversed an illustrious career. Flying, however, has not been the only job on his horizon, and perhaps it would be easier to ask what hasn’t Chris done?
For me, the most interesting aspect of An Airline Pilot’s Life is the blunt and often funny look behind the scenes of Chris’s life, both as a student in a flight simulator and as a full-fledged pilot confidently flying a hunk of metal across the skies. Chris has had his fair share of story-worthy moments throughout his career, and he definitely does not hold back on letting us in on all the hijinks as a student, a military pilot, and an airline pilot. He seems to have done it all. Parties, booze, relationships, and too many capers to count fill out Chris’s life as a pilot. With a wry sense of humor that comes across in each chapter, Chris keeps you hooked and wondering what could be next on his life’s agenda. The personal aspect of Chris’s adult life is curiously absent in most of this book, even after he marries and has two children. But as his pilot career advances, his focus in this memoir shifts to include more of his personal life that is filled with both tough and smart decisions and a dog named Gus.
If you want a rare glimpse into an airline pilot’s life, Chris Manno is your man. He will win you over with his humor and keep you reading with enough anecdotes to fill two books. Take your seat, enjoy the ride, and count yourself lucky if Captain Manno has ever been your pilot.
May 29, 2020
Free-falling from impossible heights, waiting for the parachute to open, and then—nothing. How does Chris Manno, author of An Airline Pilot's Life, survive everyone's nightmare?
I've always been fascinated with airplanes and the pilots who fly them. Not every part of this branch of the military involves free-falling from incredible heights, of course. What about the people manning the base, instructing younger generations, and navigating behind screens? Over the course of An Airline Pilot's Life, we are given a deeper understanding of the trials, tribulations, and rewards which come from a life in and beyond service.
Manno begins his novel with one of the best hooks I've come across in years of reviewing fantastic fiction. It certainly pulled me in, especially when we jump from the "will he/won't he" make it, back to his past. I found this format of telling Manno's life to be a brilliant move. We're following two storylines, one in the narrative "present" and the other is what led Chris to that point.
The author's gift for clever turns of phrase coupled with a truly fascinating life makes for a compelling memoir. I found myself transported alongside Chris as he was raised with his many siblings through the years as he realized his dreams of being a pilot. For a boy who once couldn't afford flight school, Manno's adventures through life are at times pulse-pounding and inspiring.
An honest peek inside a life well-lived, An Airline Pilot's Life is the best memoir I've read in years. But don't take my word for it. This is one reader's journey you'll need to take for yourself. Chris Manno truly says it best with, "I know for a fact, from the ground looking up and from the sky looking down, that some things you just have to discover—and earn—for yourself."
**I was provided with a copy of An Airline Pilot’s Life by the publisher and this is my voluntary and honest review.**
I've always been fascinated with airplanes and the pilots who fly them. Not every part of this branch of the military involves free-falling from incredible heights, of course. What about the people manning the base, instructing younger generations, and navigating behind screens? Over the course of An Airline Pilot's Life, we are given a deeper understanding of the trials, tribulations, and rewards which come from a life in and beyond service.
Manno begins his novel with one of the best hooks I've come across in years of reviewing fantastic fiction. It certainly pulled me in, especially when we jump from the "will he/won't he" make it, back to his past. I found this format of telling Manno's life to be a brilliant move. We're following two storylines, one in the narrative "present" and the other is what led Chris to that point.
The author's gift for clever turns of phrase coupled with a truly fascinating life makes for a compelling memoir. I found myself transported alongside Chris as he was raised with his many siblings through the years as he realized his dreams of being a pilot. For a boy who once couldn't afford flight school, Manno's adventures through life are at times pulse-pounding and inspiring.
An honest peek inside a life well-lived, An Airline Pilot's Life is the best memoir I've read in years. But don't take my word for it. This is one reader's journey you'll need to take for yourself. Chris Manno truly says it best with, "I know for a fact, from the ground looking up and from the sky looking down, that some things you just have to discover—and earn—for yourself."
**I was provided with a copy of An Airline Pilot’s Life by the publisher and this is my voluntary and honest review.**
May 31, 2020
An Airline Pilot’s Life is a story of how one man achieved his dream. But it’s really more than that. It offers what seems like a very candid look into the “mystique” of airline pilots. If you ever wanted to know just how hard Air Force ground school is, or how a pilot transitions from the military to the corporate world, or what really goes on behind that closed door to the cockpit - this is the book for you. Chris Manno goes into wonderful detail about all of that - and more.
This was not my first Chris Manno book. Before I even opened the cover, I knew Chris was an exceptional author. I’m a fan of his fiction, but this was the first nonfiction book of his that I’ve read. He didn’t disappoint me. This guy can write anything and make it entertaining!
The book is about Manno’s life, not a generic airline pilot. It covers the span from his boyhood days to present. It really sends home the notion that if you really want something bad enough, and you’re willing to do the work, you can make a dream come true. (I mean that more in a practical sense than a fairytale sense.)
If you have no interest in flying, you may think this book isn’t for you. But you’d probably be wrong. You can draw parallels from Chris’s story to pretty much everything else in life. He includes the pilot part of his life, but he also goes into education, fitness, family and even music. He wraps it all into a very engaging read.
As expected, the pilot life bears the majority of the story. We’ve all heard stories of what it may take to become a military pilot - who hasn’t seen An Officer and a Gentleman and Top Gun? But this was really and eye-opener. However, Chris keeps the technical jargon to a minimum. He includes just enough for everyone to know there’s a reason why airline pilots are in a higher income bracket. They have to know so much!
I very much enjoyed reading about his days in the Air Force. As it turned out, I had just left Okinawa (Marines) around the time Chris arrived. Hearing him describe elements of that experience really brought back some memories. Thanks, Chris!
As a sideline cartoonist, you can expect Chris to have a wonderful sense of humor. He does! He injects that humor quite frequently. In some parts, I was actually laughing out loud. This was such a fun book to read - I highly recommend it.
This was not my first Chris Manno book. Before I even opened the cover, I knew Chris was an exceptional author. I’m a fan of his fiction, but this was the first nonfiction book of his that I’ve read. He didn’t disappoint me. This guy can write anything and make it entertaining!
The book is about Manno’s life, not a generic airline pilot. It covers the span from his boyhood days to present. It really sends home the notion that if you really want something bad enough, and you’re willing to do the work, you can make a dream come true. (I mean that more in a practical sense than a fairytale sense.)
If you have no interest in flying, you may think this book isn’t for you. But you’d probably be wrong. You can draw parallels from Chris’s story to pretty much everything else in life. He includes the pilot part of his life, but he also goes into education, fitness, family and even music. He wraps it all into a very engaging read.
As expected, the pilot life bears the majority of the story. We’ve all heard stories of what it may take to become a military pilot - who hasn’t seen An Officer and a Gentleman and Top Gun? But this was really and eye-opener. However, Chris keeps the technical jargon to a minimum. He includes just enough for everyone to know there’s a reason why airline pilots are in a higher income bracket. They have to know so much!
I very much enjoyed reading about his days in the Air Force. As it turned out, I had just left Okinawa (Marines) around the time Chris arrived. Hearing him describe elements of that experience really brought back some memories. Thanks, Chris!
As a sideline cartoonist, you can expect Chris to have a wonderful sense of humor. He does! He injects that humor quite frequently. In some parts, I was actually laughing out loud. This was such a fun book to read - I highly recommend it.
September 3, 2020
Ok, I am gonna be honest, I never thought I would read a book about the life of an Airline Pilot. I am not a fan of flying; mind you, I am much better now but still, I am always amazed at those who choose to make a living way up in the sky. Now I certainly get wanting to fly; being a bird must be phenomenal in many ways but not with tons of steel wrapped around you deifying everything I know about physics. But back to the book. I was surprised at just how well done the writing was and how fast I flew through the pages wanting to know more.
Manno has written a personal memoir that allowed me to understand the desperate desire to fly. Not just fly but to fly planes of all different sizes and abilities, to want something so much you can not comprehend not achieving it. He does an incredible job of providing information about each plane and even making it all sound fascinating, even for a person who needs Xanax to get on a plane. One of the things Manno does to ensure his ability to fly is to join the Airforce and even his experiences there weave a tale of determination and courage.
This is a long book, 450 pages, and there are a couple of times when it seems redundant but it is well worth finishing the book. Manno manages to achieve so much in his life and at an overall glance, you wonder about the paradoxes found within his life but then again this is what makes the book so interesting. If you are interested in flying planes you should read this book. If you wonder how it looks to let nothing stop you from your dreams you definitely should read this book. If you think you have been knocked down and people are not supporting you in your efforts to achieve, you should read this book. Actually, I can not think of any good reason to not read this book.
Winner of the North Texas Book Festival Adult Non-Fiction Award for 2020!
Manno has written a personal memoir that allowed me to understand the desperate desire to fly. Not just fly but to fly planes of all different sizes and abilities, to want something so much you can not comprehend not achieving it. He does an incredible job of providing information about each plane and even making it all sound fascinating, even for a person who needs Xanax to get on a plane. One of the things Manno does to ensure his ability to fly is to join the Airforce and even his experiences there weave a tale of determination and courage.
This is a long book, 450 pages, and there are a couple of times when it seems redundant but it is well worth finishing the book. Manno manages to achieve so much in his life and at an overall glance, you wonder about the paradoxes found within his life but then again this is what makes the book so interesting. If you are interested in flying planes you should read this book. If you wonder how it looks to let nothing stop you from your dreams you definitely should read this book. If you think you have been knocked down and people are not supporting you in your efforts to achieve, you should read this book. Actually, I can not think of any good reason to not read this book.
Winner of the North Texas Book Festival Adult Non-Fiction Award for 2020!
May 30, 2020
Chris Manno has a strong eye for dialogue and for detail, and both are put to use in this entertaining, info-packed memoir of a pilot.
From the very first pages - where we see the author dealing with a failed chute opening on a jump from an airplane - we get a strong sense of his voice and the feeling that this will be one entertaining ride. From his childhood as a military kid, hopping from place to place, to his time at the Virginia Military Institute, proving all his doubters wrong, and through his time in the Air Force, and then as a commercial airline pilot, Manno shares his love of flying.
The first part of the alternates between his childhood and his VMI days, giving the reader a good sense of his personality and drive. From there, the book progresses in a more linear manner as he joins the military, earns his pilot wings, and eventually moves on to commercial airlines. As the daughter of a Navy helicopter electrician who grew up hearing some wild tales, I was not disappointed in the recounting of his adventures (and misadventures).
I enjoyed learning more about what goes into pilot training and flight, although I admit to skimming some of the more in-depth details and technical terms of the individual planes. All in all, the author's journey from a young boy with a balsa wood frame to Air Force pilot to commercial pilot reflects a story of drive and dedication, of believing in yourself, continually striving to learn, and staying focused on your goals.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Lone Star Literary Life; all opinions are my own.
From the very first pages - where we see the author dealing with a failed chute opening on a jump from an airplane - we get a strong sense of his voice and the feeling that this will be one entertaining ride. From his childhood as a military kid, hopping from place to place, to his time at the Virginia Military Institute, proving all his doubters wrong, and through his time in the Air Force, and then as a commercial airline pilot, Manno shares his love of flying.
The first part of the alternates between his childhood and his VMI days, giving the reader a good sense of his personality and drive. From there, the book progresses in a more linear manner as he joins the military, earns his pilot wings, and eventually moves on to commercial airlines. As the daughter of a Navy helicopter electrician who grew up hearing some wild tales, I was not disappointed in the recounting of his adventures (and misadventures).
I enjoyed learning more about what goes into pilot training and flight, although I admit to skimming some of the more in-depth details and technical terms of the individual planes. All in all, the author's journey from a young boy with a balsa wood frame to Air Force pilot to commercial pilot reflects a story of drive and dedication, of believing in yourself, continually striving to learn, and staying focused on your goals.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Lone Star Literary Life; all opinions are my own.
August 23, 2023
Chris has written an excellent book on what it is like to be an airline pilot. Interestingly he came from a military background as opposed to my civilian one. That just makes it all the more readable from my perspective. He definitely sounds the sort of guy I would enjoy a beer or three with! Thanks for a great book Chris and enjoy retirement, yiu have certainly earned it!
April 1, 2021
Captivating
It took me a few chapters to get into the pace and style of the story, but once I got into it I looked forward to reading what came next.
I could identify with much of what Chris lived as a pilot, and am looking forward to reading his next book.
Ibu
It took me a few chapters to get into the pace and style of the story, but once I got into it I looked forward to reading what came next.
I could identify with much of what Chris lived as a pilot, and am looking forward to reading his next book.
Ibu
August 24, 2021
Interesting perspective
A really good read without being too sensational...a interesting look behind the scenes of a job that most kids dream about, but rarely pursue or achieve. Kudos to the author for a life well lived!
A really good read without being too sensational...a interesting look behind the scenes of a job that most kids dream about, but rarely pursue or achieve. Kudos to the author for a life well lived!
October 21, 2021
what a guy!
I’ve known, and flown with, many airline pilots, but never really knew how much work and dedication went into that career. Chris Manno tells his story in a very literate and can’t stop reading way. One of the best!
I’ve known, and flown with, many airline pilots, but never really knew how much work and dedication went into that career. Chris Manno tells his story in a very literate and can’t stop reading way. One of the best!
November 14, 2022
Enjoyed every minute
A really interesting follow along of the trials and tribulations of a pilot (and then some). Written not as an engineer but as someone interested (and very frank) in other people and their motivations. You feel the angst and joy that Mr. Manno experiences.
A really interesting follow along of the trials and tribulations of a pilot (and then some). Written not as an engineer but as someone interested (and very frank) in other people and their motivations. You feel the angst and joy that Mr. Manno experiences.
August 2, 2021
Enjoyable Read
This was a very enjoyable read. Interesting and well written. Inspiring to see a dream come true. I highly recommend.
This was a very enjoyable read. Interesting and well written. Inspiring to see a dream come true. I highly recommend.
May 4, 2024
Good reac
I did not like the holier than though attitude for non pilots. Surely they did more than he gave them credit for
I did not like the holier than though attitude for non pilots. Surely they did more than he gave them credit for
April 1, 2021
Awesome read from start to end! follows Capt. Chris Manno’s dream come true from childhood to military to retirement as a top Airline Captain. Working for the same Airline myself for the last 35 years I probably have ran into him once or twice !
I like how he doesn’t stay on one subject to long just moves on and keeps you interested, also doesn’t get too involved in personal issues. Excellent MUST READ for aviation enthusiasts.
I like how he doesn’t stay on one subject to long just moves on and keeps you interested, also doesn’t get too involved in personal issues. Excellent MUST READ for aviation enthusiasts.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews