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Ferry Pilot: Nine Lives Over the North Atlantic
What could possibly go wrong? A LOT, if you spend 30 years flying small airplanes over the North Atlantic! Join Kerry McCauley in the cockpit as he battles a fuel system malfunction over the Atlantic, a total electrical failure at night over the Sahara, being struck by lightning off the coast of Portugal and losing his engine in a thunderstorm. As an international ferry pilot Kerry’s almost insatiable, reckless quest for danger and adventure also led Kerry to put international smuggler and bank robber on his resume. Kerry’s skill, ingenuity and a heavy dose of luck were what allowed him to survive the countless mishaps, catastrophes and a nearly fatal plane crash. A true tail of adventure and courage, this harrowing account will have you on the edge of your seat wondering how Kerry is still alive. Ferry Pilot is destined to be a true aviation classic.
355 pages, Paperback
Published July 28, 2020
274 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Kerry McCauley
3 books19 followersKerry McCauley’s life of adventure started out in the Minnesota National Guard as a UH-1H “Huey” crew chief and winter survival instructor. His taste for aviation led him to be an international ferry pilot, professional skydiver and corporate jet pilot. As a ferry pilot he delivered planes to 60 countries, crossing three oceans and six continents. He’s flown about 50 different types of aircraft, has 9000 hours of flight time and 20,000 skydives. Kerry is an engaging and entertaining speaker, whose retelling of his adventures as a ferry pilot and his starring role in two seasons of the Discovery Channel’s series _Dangerous Flights_ puts people on the edge of their seats. Kerry lives in Wisconsin with his wife Cathy where they own and operate a skydiving school along with their children, Claire and Connor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 11, 2020
Ferry Pilot is an aviation memoir that you don't want to miss. The inside account of the mishaps and adventures the author experienced ferrying airplanes is delivered in an entertaining way. Not only is this book entertaining, the honesty in admitting mistakes and the explanations for why each course of action was taken and decision was made in response to emergencies that arose makes this book unique and interesting.
December 3, 2020
Written for those who like aviation and adventure
Sometimes I got the impression the experiences described were a bit over dramatised but, even though, it was a page turner for me.
Sometimes I got the impression the experiences described were a bit over dramatised but, even though, it was a page turner for me.
October 9, 2020
What a great book! For any pilot or aviation fan this is a must read book.
The author has a great sense of humor and is a masterful story teller. I particullary enjoyed the stories of flying in Africa and other less developed parts of the world and his negotiations with the bureaucracy. The description of some of his adventures are gripping and sometimes tragic.
The saying that there are old pilots and bold pilots but no old bold pilots does not seem to apply to McCauley. However I don't think he would qualify as old yet. He often reminds me of my late father who was a WWII fighter pilot who taught me to fly. I could relate to an incident where we lost our vacuum pump in a 182 in IFR conditions. With only 1,000 miles to go...who need instruments!
McCauley has written a great story and has some first class adventures. I highly recommend this book.
The author has a great sense of humor and is a masterful story teller. I particullary enjoyed the stories of flying in Africa and other less developed parts of the world and his negotiations with the bureaucracy. The description of some of his adventures are gripping and sometimes tragic.
The saying that there are old pilots and bold pilots but no old bold pilots does not seem to apply to McCauley. However I don't think he would qualify as old yet. He often reminds me of my late father who was a WWII fighter pilot who taught me to fly. I could relate to an incident where we lost our vacuum pump in a 182 in IFR conditions. With only 1,000 miles to go...who need instruments!
McCauley has written a great story and has some first class adventures. I highly recommend this book.
September 15, 2024
I got this book for my plane crazy son and have read it ahead of him. 5 stars to Kerry for telling his harrowing flight tales and remembering so many details while keeping us entertained and on the edge of my seat!
April 25, 2021
Kerry is a bit of a cowboy pilot, so this is not exactly high brow literature, but a gripping and often funny account of his ferry flying adventures. Pilots will appreciate the technical details and anecdotes of the stories as well as the ingenuity Kerry displays in the face of adversity, like blowing into a rubber hose for hours at end to keep his fuel system pressurized, thus preventing him from having to ditch into the North Atlantic. His aeronautical decision making is on the risky end of the spectrum, so I much prefer to read his stories to ever having to go through anything similar and challenge my luck myself. Or as he puts it himself: "Remember, a bad example is better than no example at all."
April 16, 2021
This young man delivered new and used aircraft all over the world for more than 10 years, and tells us about his most hair raising near death experiences. Mostly flew smaller one engine planes. Hard book to put down. Well written.
December 20, 2020
As a fairly high time ATP rated pilot with international flight time logged, I applaud the author’s writing and logbook entries that allowed me to sit in the cockpit with him. That’s how authentic his prose is. Still, some of his flights scared the stuffing out of me.
Chuck Asbury
Chuck Asbury
February 21, 2025
Great read for any pilot or aviation enthusiast. Masterful storyteller. I wish I could spend a day in the hangar with Kerry, but something tells me we’d be in the air in the first 10 minutes.
August 27, 2020
Don’t fly like this
The book was a well-written and engaging chronicle of every single one of what the FAA describes as “hazardous attitudes.” If I had had the poor judgement to do some of the things the author writes about, I certainly wouldn’t have put them into print. Five stars for storytelling quality, minus two stars for poor aeronautical decision making.
The book was a well-written and engaging chronicle of every single one of what the FAA describes as “hazardous attitudes.” If I had had the poor judgement to do some of the things the author writes about, I certainly wouldn’t have put them into print. Five stars for storytelling quality, minus two stars for poor aeronautical decision making.
September 28, 2024
Interesting, funny, edge-of-your-seat stories of the life of a Ferry Pilot. I read it with a map pulled up to follow all the different places he travelled to. I also enjoyed his series “Dangerous Flights”. Well done Kerry of LOJ!
June 9, 2024
Ferry Pilot
I really thought that this book wouldn’t be all that interesting but boy was I wrong! Well written and informative plus I could almost feel the air flying through my hair! This author is good. Definitely a keeper.
I really thought that this book wouldn’t be all that interesting but boy was I wrong! Well written and informative plus I could almost feel the air flying through my hair! This author is good. Definitely a keeper.
October 3, 2024
Riveting read. The stories are incredible even for those familiar with the risks of aviation. The author’s risk appetite is certainly well beyond that of mine but I won’t hesitate to recommend this as a solid read to anyone interested in aviation.
December 28, 2021
A unique real life adventure book. Other than thinking Pete was a prick held in much too high regard I thought this was a fab book
October 10, 2024
I don’t know that anyone could be more adventurous than sky diving daily and flying crappy single engine aircraft’s over the Atlantic
March 28, 2022
As a former military pilot I do look back on some ferry flights as fun and even, carefree adventure. Somehow we always made it to our planned destination. (Thank God for seasoned flight engineers who wisely traveled with ample spare parts!) Only domestic destinations; nothing like the ocean-spanning exercises of this author.
He writes with considerable flare and has given us a page-turning book. (I read it in three days!)
But--and I add a qualified "but" since I've never met the author--my mind grates at the impulsiveness of his youth. Especially taking his girlfriend on a ride when, as a young pilot, he was (at that time) only qualified to fly as a solo student in a local bounce pattern. As a former Army National Guard Huey crew chief, he surely should have known better. Resourcefulness and creativity are always good traits, but Follow the rules! has its proper place too, especially in aviation.
He writes with considerable flare and has given us a page-turning book. (I read it in three days!)
But--and I add a qualified "but" since I've never met the author--my mind grates at the impulsiveness of his youth. Especially taking his girlfriend on a ride when, as a young pilot, he was (at that time) only qualified to fly as a solo student in a local bounce pattern. As a former Army National Guard Huey crew chief, he surely should have known better. Resourcefulness and creativity are always good traits, but Follow the rules! has its proper place too, especially in aviation.
February 12, 2022
Life of a Ferry Pilot
Kelly's life was a somewhat parallel to that of my husband. His thrills did not come from his employment, but from his love of speed and competition. His love of racing modified ski boats and his continued modification of his craft resulted in constant wins and increased the danger of fatal accidents. At the last race he ran and won, his boat became airborne, but, fortunately, at the last moment he regained control. He sat in the water for a period of time before returning ashore, proceeded to trailer his boat, brought it to his workshop and, and immediately, began to dismantle the racing alterations. He later told me that the pending fatality made him see he had to stop because next time, he may not be so fortunate. I was happy to see Kelly make that decision, as well.
Kelly's well-written memoir kept my attention all the way through his story, so much that I could not bear to put the book down! Keep them coming!
Kelly's life was a somewhat parallel to that of my husband. His thrills did not come from his employment, but from his love of speed and competition. His love of racing modified ski boats and his continued modification of his craft resulted in constant wins and increased the danger of fatal accidents. At the last race he ran and won, his boat became airborne, but, fortunately, at the last moment he regained control. He sat in the water for a period of time before returning ashore, proceeded to trailer his boat, brought it to his workshop and, and immediately, began to dismantle the racing alterations. He later told me that the pending fatality made him see he had to stop because next time, he may not be so fortunate. I was happy to see Kelly make that decision, as well.
Kelly's well-written memoir kept my attention all the way through his story, so much that I could not bear to put the book down! Keep them coming!
June 8, 2022
Cautionary Adventure Tale
As a low-time pilot who generally plays things as safe as possible, this was a really fun read. There’s a part of each of us that wants to just dive into the cockpit, throw caution to the wind and see where the weather and circumstances take us. But then there’s an old saying in aviation. “There are old pilots and there are bold pilots. But there are no old, bold pilots.”
Make no mistake, Kerry McCauley is a bold pilot. I sincerely hope he becomes an old pilot and can continue to tell his tales. I enjoyed every second of this book. Stay safe Kerry & keep writing!
As a low-time pilot who generally plays things as safe as possible, this was a really fun read. There’s a part of each of us that wants to just dive into the cockpit, throw caution to the wind and see where the weather and circumstances take us. But then there’s an old saying in aviation. “There are old pilots and there are bold pilots. But there are no old, bold pilots.”
Make no mistake, Kerry McCauley is a bold pilot. I sincerely hope he becomes an old pilot and can continue to tell his tales. I enjoyed every second of this book. Stay safe Kerry & keep writing!
October 30, 2020
The book rapidly became a page turner i didn't want to put down.
A great read for pilots and non pilots. The book details an aspect of flying that most people don't know anything about, and how risky ferry flying can be. Limited automation and navigation aids, altitudes that force pilots to fly through bad weather instead of over it. Mechanical and electrical problems that force a pilot to think quickly or plan on a certain and sudden end of their life. A seat of the pants perspective that made for a great read.
A great read for pilots and non pilots. The book details an aspect of flying that most people don't know anything about, and how risky ferry flying can be. Limited automation and navigation aids, altitudes that force pilots to fly through bad weather instead of over it. Mechanical and electrical problems that force a pilot to think quickly or plan on a certain and sudden end of their life. A seat of the pants perspective that made for a great read.
September 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book very much. I especially liked the author telling his own story. It was a great adventure for me, who doesn't like to fly in small planes, to out over the Atlantic with any number of issues which could have been a disaster. I was stuck inside during several nasty, rainy days and it held my interest from beginning to end. Since I live in the UP of Michigan, it was great to relate to the winter and Lake Superior,
March 25, 2021
Don't start this if you're in a hurry....if you like adventure, this book is hard tdo put do hard to quhisitwn!
This book didn't really call out, "please read me". I
had just finished another book and was looking for another and there it was. Soon after I started reading it, I found it hard to put down. If this book doesn't bring out the adventurous bad boy in you, nothing will!!
This book didn't really call out, "please read me". I
had just finished another book and was looking for another and there it was. Soon after I started reading it, I found it hard to put down. If this book doesn't bring out the adventurous bad boy in you, nothing will!!
December 22, 2020
Great Book
The more I had book the mire I wanted to watch tv series. I saw episodes of the show. The book reminds us Lindbergh’s famous flight across the Atlantic but ferry pilots do it every day!! The story about his first wife kept me reading. I am still trying to decide between a ferry pilot snd airline pilot when I grow up!!
The more I had book the mire I wanted to watch tv series. I saw episodes of the show. The book reminds us Lindbergh’s famous flight across the Atlantic but ferry pilots do it every day!! The story about his first wife kept me reading. I am still trying to decide between a ferry pilot snd airline pilot when I grow up!!
December 27, 2020
Greater read from the first terrifying in-flight cockpit problems!
This book kept showing up on my suggestions. Having just finished this short read, it was a page turned of drama from page one! Merry McCauley has lived an incredibly exciting life in his shirt life. Highly recommend this one.
This book kept showing up on my suggestions. Having just finished this short read, it was a page turned of drama from page one! Merry McCauley has lived an incredibly exciting life in his shirt life. Highly recommend this one.
January 30, 2021
Terrifying
This was an exhilarating read, and for that I gave it 5 stars. As a pilot of single engine aircraft myself, I found it somewhat farfetched that another pilot could have such blatant disregard for flight rules and safety procedures and yet survive. My hat's off to the author for his boldness, but I don't admire his recklessness. Thanks for the entertainment.
This was an exhilarating read, and for that I gave it 5 stars. As a pilot of single engine aircraft myself, I found it somewhat farfetched that another pilot could have such blatant disregard for flight rules and safety procedures and yet survive. My hat's off to the author for his boldness, but I don't admire his recklessness. Thanks for the entertainment.
February 7, 2021
Great Read
As a former §135 pilot flying bank checks at night on a Navajo, and having having been raised in different countries in South America, the Middle East and Africa, I understood the author’s anxieties .... but I never had to experience more than 5% of what he went through.
This man was funny, balsy, and modest.
He’d be a great person to have dinner with.
As a former §135 pilot flying bank checks at night on a Navajo, and having having been raised in different countries in South America, the Middle East and Africa, I understood the author’s anxieties .... but I never had to experience more than 5% of what he went through.
This man was funny, balsy, and modest.
He’d be a great person to have dinner with.
May 27, 2021
Excellent aviation “Sea Story”
Scary Kerry can spin a very delightful tale while instilling the challenges and at times,desperate moments of flying single engine aircraft over the ocean. Even if not an aviation buff, if you have ever survived a close situation where you made a less than stellar decision, but yet reviled in the outcome, this book is for you
Scary Kerry can spin a very delightful tale while instilling the challenges and at times,desperate moments of flying single engine aircraft over the ocean. Even if not an aviation buff, if you have ever survived a close situation where you made a less than stellar decision, but yet reviled in the outcome, this book is for you
December 29, 2022
Interesting biography
Read about the adventures of seeing amazing places around the world vs the dangers, demanding challenges facing a Ferry Pilot,flying solo to deliver small aircraft to their new owner. If you are interested in flying and / or a pilot, this is an adventures book for you.
Read about the adventures of seeing amazing places around the world vs the dangers, demanding challenges facing a Ferry Pilot,flying solo to deliver small aircraft to their new owner. If you are interested in flying and / or a pilot, this is an adventures book for you.
February 13, 2023
This book gave me nightmares. It was interesting and I plowed through it. Not sure how interesting it is if you aren't a pilot since many of the details are very specificn and he doesn't go through the acronym soup of IFR flying (which is a plus).
I think this is a 3 star if you don't have a flying background.
I think this is a 3 star if you don't have a flying background.
March 18, 2023
Kerry's Awesome!
Kerry McCauley was the highlight of the show "Dangerous Flights" and it led me to find this
book as a budding aviation enthusiast.
It is unfortunate the personal tragedies he's suffered, but he's also focused on trying to spend his one life doing amazing things -- and that is inspiring. Highly recommended!
Kerry McCauley was the highlight of the show "Dangerous Flights" and it led me to find this
book as a budding aviation enthusiast.
It is unfortunate the personal tragedies he's suffered, but he's also focused on trying to spend his one life doing amazing things -- and that is inspiring. Highly recommended!
December 13, 2023
This is a great book. The way Kerry takes us along the journey of his life as a ferry pilot is absolutely astonishing. Born in Minnesota, Kerry McCauley worked his way up to becoming a ferry pilot, ferrying planes from the US to Europe. From the fjords in Greenland, to the pyramids in Egypt, McCauley takes us to many places, facing challenges at the cockpit in many of his flights.
March 7, 2025
Fascinating look into a world that, at least to me, isn’t widely known. The book offers captivating stories and firsthand recollections of the challenges and dangers of ferry flying. The experiences shared are both thrilling and insightful, making it an enjoyable journey through a unique slice of aviation history.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews