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Human Interference: An Out of Control Novel
The new air traffic control system is implemented throughout the United States reducing fifteen thousand air traffic controllers to mere monitors. While technology was at work replacing the radar controllers, deep inside the system things were not adding up. Just like a sleeper cell awakens to rain destruction and chaos amongst the citizens, the virus planted within the program of the Next Generation Air Traffic Control System awakens to create destruction and chaos in the skies across America. Charlie Beckler tries desperately to balance his family life, while the aviation community looks to him for guidance in the ever-changing world of technology.
428 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
465 people want to read
About the author
Donald L. Reavis
4 books12 followersDonald L Reavis, a private pilot, and a resident of Roann, Indiana spent over 24 years controlling airplanes at Los Angeles and Miami air traffic control centers. Born and raised in rural Indiana, he moved his young family to Palmdale, California in 1987 at the request of the FAA. Living in the desert was not conducive to him or his family so in 1991 they moved to the mountain town of Wrightwood where they still spend their winters. The next two decades brought many of experiences leading to writing of his first novel. Retiring December 2011 he returned to Indiana with Sharla, his wife of thirty four years. As the layers of stress are now being peeled back he has acquired the desire to share his love of aviation with his readers.
In 2013 he hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail with his son Quentin. This experience led to writing Halfway Home.
In 2013 he hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail with his son Quentin. This experience led to writing Halfway Home.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 19, 2013
I received a copy to review as a goodreads first reads winner.
WOW talk about a story that makes you paranoid of all technology. Seriously! I almost want to go back to the Stone Age before computers were invented. I had a serious phobia of planes before reading this book and let me tell you it didn't help. That being said this book is SO good! I honestly didn't know what to expect when I started reading it but I definitely did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. The writing is clear and concise, the story is vivid and entertaining. It sucks you in from the beginning and will leave you on the edge until the last page!
WOW talk about a story that makes you paranoid of all technology. Seriously! I almost want to go back to the Stone Age before computers were invented. I had a serious phobia of planes before reading this book and let me tell you it didn't help. That being said this book is SO good! I honestly didn't know what to expect when I started reading it but I definitely did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. The writing is clear and concise, the story is vivid and entertaining. It sucks you in from the beginning and will leave you on the edge until the last page!
December 7, 2013
Technology run amok is not a new theme in literature or the arts. In Orwell's 1984, pervasive control and spying made life a living hell for everyone. 2001: A Space Odyssey's on board computer, HAL, seized control from the humans. In Human Interference, we see the same situation happening, except that in this case, the story is both believable, and relatable for everyone, even those who have never boarded an airplane.
In an attempt to both improve the efficiency of the air traffic control system, and also reduce the costs involved in maintaining a nationwide staff of highly paid experienced controllers, the FAA has invested heavily in a new system that will be controlled entirely by computers. Despite learning that a Trojan Horse has been slipped into the program, the decision is made to continue implementing the system, justified by the belief that the security layers in the program will have neutralized the virus. Once the system is in place, warning signs appear, but the bureaucracy overrides the advice of those in charge of the program, leading to a crisis that no one could have predicted. It is up to the former director of the program, Sean O'Leary, and veteran air traffic controller Charlie Beckler to intervene and prevent a catastrophe of almost unimaginable proportions.
With his own background as a pilot and air traffic controller, author Donald Reavis has brought convincing realism to this thrilling story. He is able to make the technology and terminology accessible to those of us without a technical background without being condescending. And, as one who has experienced the life of a controller, he manages to include a very realistic view of the stresses that profession places on a person's private life and relationships. He convincingly interweaves the personal and professional aspects of the story, providing a well-developed hero in Charlie Beckler.
The story starts dramatically, and the action flows smoothly and quickly. While somewhat complicated, the plot is easy to follow, thanks to Reavis' ability to explain the details of air traffic control. The story culminates in a heart-pounding, realistic scenario that will leave readers unable to put the book down until its resolution.
I would have liked to give this book five stars, but there were a few things that I felt could have been better. While Reavis is a great storyteller, his one weakness seems to be dialogue. Too many times, conversations between Charlie and his wife, Carrie, feel stiff and formal, rather than the intimate expressions of a couple in love and as devoted to each other as they are. I also felt that the occasional religious tones of the book were fine, and served to flesh out Charlie's character, but one scene involving the programmer who planted the virus into the program was truly unnecessary to the plot, and might be construed as over the top by readers who don't happen to share the author's (and Charlie's) religious beliefs.
Finally, there were a couple of minor descriptive points that were inaccurate. I realize I am probably being overly critical on this, but the devil is in the details!
These minor flaws left me wishing I could give the book 4 1/2 stars, but in no way lessened my enjoyment of Human Interference. It is a truly thrilling read, and a very impressive debut novel! I hope Mr. Reavis will continue bringing his experiences to life in more stories for the rest of us to enjoy.
In an attempt to both improve the efficiency of the air traffic control system, and also reduce the costs involved in maintaining a nationwide staff of highly paid experienced controllers, the FAA has invested heavily in a new system that will be controlled entirely by computers. Despite learning that a Trojan Horse has been slipped into the program, the decision is made to continue implementing the system, justified by the belief that the security layers in the program will have neutralized the virus. Once the system is in place, warning signs appear, but the bureaucracy overrides the advice of those in charge of the program, leading to a crisis that no one could have predicted. It is up to the former director of the program, Sean O'Leary, and veteran air traffic controller Charlie Beckler to intervene and prevent a catastrophe of almost unimaginable proportions.
With his own background as a pilot and air traffic controller, author Donald Reavis has brought convincing realism to this thrilling story. He is able to make the technology and terminology accessible to those of us without a technical background without being condescending. And, as one who has experienced the life of a controller, he manages to include a very realistic view of the stresses that profession places on a person's private life and relationships. He convincingly interweaves the personal and professional aspects of the story, providing a well-developed hero in Charlie Beckler.
The story starts dramatically, and the action flows smoothly and quickly. While somewhat complicated, the plot is easy to follow, thanks to Reavis' ability to explain the details of air traffic control. The story culminates in a heart-pounding, realistic scenario that will leave readers unable to put the book down until its resolution.
I would have liked to give this book five stars, but there were a few things that I felt could have been better. While Reavis is a great storyteller, his one weakness seems to be dialogue. Too many times, conversations between Charlie and his wife, Carrie, feel stiff and formal, rather than the intimate expressions of a couple in love and as devoted to each other as they are. I also felt that the occasional religious tones of the book were fine, and served to flesh out Charlie's character, but one scene involving the programmer who planted the virus into the program was truly unnecessary to the plot, and might be construed as over the top by readers who don't happen to share the author's (and Charlie's) religious beliefs.
Finally, there were a couple of minor descriptive points that were inaccurate. I realize I am probably being overly critical on this, but the devil is in the details!
These minor flaws left me wishing I could give the book 4 1/2 stars, but in no way lessened my enjoyment of Human Interference. It is a truly thrilling read, and a very impressive debut novel! I hope Mr. Reavis will continue bringing his experiences to life in more stories for the rest of us to enjoy.
November 11, 2013
"Human Interference" by Donald L. Reavis which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a novel that blends advanced aviation technology, terrorism, and political corruption into a futuristic story that's as chilling as it is mesmerizing. It begins with a software glitch in the ERAMS system, the advanced technology that will change the face of air traffic control. Abdur Rahman and two of his associates are hired to write a patch that will correct the problem. What no one suspects is that Abdur has been coerced by a terrorist cell into installing an undetectable virus into the program which when awakened could bring chaos and destruction to the world of air travel.
After the system is introduced serious glitches are found, one which has tragic consequences. But, the cost of the investment in this technology continues to outweigh moral responsibility and safety, and air traffic controllers are replaced by a cheaper workforce. As the problem escalates Charlie Beckler, a senior air traffic controller and the voice of NextGen is called on for his expertise which not only weighs him down emotionally but places stress on his family life. A Christian, Charlie reaches out to his faith for support and guidance in a time when air travel is in peril.
The plot is well-written and packed with a lot of interesting information on aviation and the role of an air traffic controller. With a background in air traffic control and a pilot himself, Donald Reavis brings a strong sense of reality and possibilities to this fictional tale which grips the reader from the first page to the last. The only criticism I have is that the cover doesn't do it justice. It doesn't really personify such a riveting novel.
The characters come alive in its pages with their complex personalities, like Charlie Beckler, a faithful and loving husband and father, as well as man of high moral integrity and a sense of duty. Like all the characters he tends to stumble, when his marriage is strained and in his struggle with post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), but when he seems broken, he gains strength from his unalterable faith. Sean O'Leary, a man obsessed with his work, neglecting the bonds of his past, is upright and honorable, refusing to uphold a lie. Carrie Beckler after her betrayal finds forgiveness and a renewed love and friendship with her husband. Menopause will test her nerves, resilience and belief in her husband's fidelity. Abdur Rahman an intelligent man whose principles are compromised by a threat seeks to rectify his error in judgement and finds deliverance and forgiveness where its least expected. All the characters with their strengths and weaknesses bring realism, and emotional intensity to a story which heats up as it progresses.
Into the darkness of a plot where fear, greed, dishonesty and deception seem to fester, the light of love, faith, hope, and bravery abounds. This is a novel about a future that may be closer than we think. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
After the system is introduced serious glitches are found, one which has tragic consequences. But, the cost of the investment in this technology continues to outweigh moral responsibility and safety, and air traffic controllers are replaced by a cheaper workforce. As the problem escalates Charlie Beckler, a senior air traffic controller and the voice of NextGen is called on for his expertise which not only weighs him down emotionally but places stress on his family life. A Christian, Charlie reaches out to his faith for support and guidance in a time when air travel is in peril.
The plot is well-written and packed with a lot of interesting information on aviation and the role of an air traffic controller. With a background in air traffic control and a pilot himself, Donald Reavis brings a strong sense of reality and possibilities to this fictional tale which grips the reader from the first page to the last. The only criticism I have is that the cover doesn't do it justice. It doesn't really personify such a riveting novel.
The characters come alive in its pages with their complex personalities, like Charlie Beckler, a faithful and loving husband and father, as well as man of high moral integrity and a sense of duty. Like all the characters he tends to stumble, when his marriage is strained and in his struggle with post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), but when he seems broken, he gains strength from his unalterable faith. Sean O'Leary, a man obsessed with his work, neglecting the bonds of his past, is upright and honorable, refusing to uphold a lie. Carrie Beckler after her betrayal finds forgiveness and a renewed love and friendship with her husband. Menopause will test her nerves, resilience and belief in her husband's fidelity. Abdur Rahman an intelligent man whose principles are compromised by a threat seeks to rectify his error in judgement and finds deliverance and forgiveness where its least expected. All the characters with their strengths and weaknesses bring realism, and emotional intensity to a story which heats up as it progresses.
Into the darkness of a plot where fear, greed, dishonesty and deception seem to fester, the light of love, faith, hope, and bravery abounds. This is a novel about a future that may be closer than we think. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
August 3, 2016
I received a copy of this book through a First Reads giveaway.
Human Interference tells the story of a computerized air traffic control system that causes all hell to break loose. The story is mostly told through the eyes Charlie Beckler, a controller who hates management and is coming to grips with changes in his industry. He often laments how computerization has taken the adventure out of flying as well as removing human agency. The author, Donald Reavis, is a former air traffic controller and gives a lot of history of the flight industry and air traffic control.
This book is a good read for people who like a high-stakes thriller with in-depth view of a field of knowledge they're not familiar with.
Human Interference tells the story of a computerized air traffic control system that causes all hell to break loose. The story is mostly told through the eyes Charlie Beckler, a controller who hates management and is coming to grips with changes in his industry. He often laments how computerization has taken the adventure out of flying as well as removing human agency. The author, Donald Reavis, is a former air traffic controller and gives a lot of history of the flight industry and air traffic control.
This book is a good read for people who like a high-stakes thriller with in-depth view of a field of knowledge they're not familiar with.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews