Squawk 7700

by Peter M. Buffington

Squawk 7700, an aviation autobiography by Peter M. Buffington, tells of his personal adventure into the world of aviation to achieve a professional airline pilot career. He provides riveting details of daily operations within the aviation industry, and the struggles flight crew members face to maintain their lifestyles. Although two decades separate Peter's trials (1990s) and tribulations from mine (1970s) to obtain federal licensing permitting us to fly commercially in an effort to build the experience necessary become employed by a major airline, the insufferable challenges remain unchanged. Peter’s descriptions of the existence of dangerously poor maintenance and unscrupulous pressure to ignore Federal Aviation Regulations at entry level air freight and air taxi charter operations were chillingly reminiscent of my experiences in the 1970s. The actions, or perhaps more accurately reactions, taken by Congress to supplant the “invisible hand” with a “visible hammer” only validate the voracity of Peter’s accounts of his experiences while attempting to pursue a career as a professional pilot. Television shows such as the PBS Frontline series "Flying Cheap" very adroitly lift Peter’s words from the pages of his book, and provide audio visual validation to his experiences. Squawk 7700 provides the reader with an excellent insight as to the coming shortage of qualified pilots this country will experience during the second decade of the 21st century. This book should be mandatory reading at the first year level for any student at any professional pilot training institution. - Capt W. Mann, US Airways, Boeing 737, 30 years My personal experiences as an airline pilot and as acting first officer aboard US Airways Flight 1549 that ditched into the Hudson River, I recommend Squawk 7700 for anyone interested in an aviation career, and mandatory reading for those who fly on our national airline system. - Jeff Skiles, First Officer US Airways Flight 1549 A few more reviews... An honest, inside look at the aviation industry from someone who lived it. - A.S., Former regional airline captain I finished your book a few weeks ago...I could not put it down. It was like I was living it all right beside you. I ached in agony while reading about some of your experiences, and then thinking about how you are probably the most naturally blessed pilot with great flying abilities that I ever flew with. - K.S., American Airlines First Officer I have just finished reading your book. I read it cover to cover in two days! Thanks for an exciting and informative story! I am impressed by the openness with which you describe your personal story....anyway, thanks again for "the book that was missing" and the best of luck to you. I will spread the word of your book among my aviation friends." -Tom P., Commercial Pilot, Danderyd, Sweden The industry has changed much since I flew in the hay day of the airline boom. 1963 -> 1993 - retired TWA, 30 years. This young lad has written a solid tale about how things have changed in today's airline career. Outstanding book about an often overlooked niche of the aviation industry - The 1st 10 years. Sacrifices abound and soul searching within, I look back at my own sacrifice, for each of us was created to die, and within, Peter is a lad of integrity, nicely done. - TARPA

Genres: Aviation, Nonfiction

379 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2009

About the author

Peter Buffington, author, has been a licensed commercial pilot for 15 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Sciences from the University of North Dakota and is currently employed as a Software Quality Analyst in the Midwest. He flies for pleasure outside of work.
Peter has logged more than 2,700 hours total flying time in countless aircraft makes and models."

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Very well put together, researched, editing, and edge-of-the-seat reading. I will highly recommend this to my friends. Read whether you are just an occasional airline passenger, or if you are an aspiring pilot.

[Mark Arleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read and an excellent insight to the fight pilots battle to attain an airline career. Pete really tells it like it is, and I can attest to that having been a pilot for 15 years myself. This book speaks the truth. I think anyone who rates this book poorly has their hand in aviation and they don't want certain aspects of how they operate exposed, they are just attempting to shuffle Pete and his book under the rug. The story takes the reader from youth to regional airline pilot, and a deep soul search along the way. It'll reinforce your priorities in life and make you think twice about the sacrifices we make along the journey we face between balancing careers with loved ones. Nice job Pete, I will recommend this to my family and friends (Purchased Kindle version).

[Travis Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book filled with exciting turns and twists. Great descriptive details that made me feel like I was right there by the author's side throughout the book. I felt the joys, thrills, intensity, anger, and sadness that he conveyed along the way. If you are interested in aviation, or someone wanting to know the inner workings of the aviation industry, I highly recommend this book. If you are looking for a literary read like Tom Clancy, this is not for you. But I give the author 5 stars because he wrote this from his heart, and clearly a story that should have been told a long time ago.

[Don Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, really enjoyed this read. I once considered a career in aviation and this book just reaffirms my decision for an alternate career path that I took 10 years ago. Great behind the scenes look at the industry, and what it's really like 'on the other side' as a flight crew member.

[Eidan Nasiali]

Book Review: "Squawk 7700" by Peter Buffington

If you're into planes, adventure, and learning cool stuff about flying, then "Squawk 7700" is the book for you! Written by Peter Buffington, this book takes you on a wild ride through the skies and gives you a peek into the life of a real pilot.

The title, "Squawk 7700," might sound like a secret code, but it's actually the emergency signal pilots use when they're in trouble. And let me tell you, Buffington has some crazy stories to share about emergencies and daring rescues up in the air. From engine failures to navigating through storms, every chapter is packed with heart-pounding action that will make you feel like you're flying right alongside him.

But it's not all about the adrenaline rush. Buffington also talks about what it takes to be a safe and responsible pilot. He shares tips on training, following procedures, and staying calm under pressure. It's like getting a crash course (pun intended!) in aviation safety while having a blast reading about his adventures.

One thing I really liked about this book is how Buffington explains everything in a way that's easy to understand. Even if you're not a plane expert, you'll still get what he's talking about when he describes flying at 35,000 feet or making emergency landings. Plus, there are cool pictures and diagrams that make it even more fun to read.

Overall, "Squawk 7700" is a thrilling book that's perfect for middle schoolers who dream of soaring through the clouds or just love a good adventure story. Whether you're a future pilot or just curious about aviation, this book will keep you hooked from takeoff to landing. So buckle up and get ready for an awesome ride with Peter Buffington!

[Anatolie Manole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countless times avoided to read this book, finally, after one year I decided to clean the cover from dust and spend some productive time. I thought it's another copy-paste book in the aviation industry. To my surprise, it's a piece of art and a must-read book for aspiring future pilots.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains a lot of aviation abbreviations, had to learn to work my way around that. I enjoyed the book, but it sure doesn't paint a very good picture of the airline industry!

[Isaiah Coffey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Squawk 7700 is like that person you meet, who is initially interesting, but then after a moment you begin to realize that the individual is full of it. The book has humble beginnings and morphs into a pompous rant about the author's quality of safety and level of professionalism. However, once you begin the appendix section and read the NTSB transmission reports it becomes very humbling and places high quality standards and an esteemed level of professionalism in their proper place. Truth be told, I'd rather appear to be pompous and home with my family than a complacent pilot who has to remembered by his family, relatives and friends. It goes without saying: "Don't be a show-off. Never be too proud to turn back. There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots." - E. Hamilton Lee

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different. Many people wont like what they read here but its a sad reality about the regional airline. It gives a frank and honest assessment of the profession, some of the obstacles and hurdles that crop up and the seniority that is widely known throughout the industry. Theres many sides to this story, this is merely the pilots / authors experience. However...dig a bit and look awhile and youll see its strangelh resonant of many other tales. No denying a pilot is a dream job...but getting to a big jet may well prove to be a nightmare!

[Chris Wren · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the overall subject was interesting, the method with which the author told the story left a lot to be desired for me. There was a lot of repetition of the same phrases, or entire paragraphs altogether, throughout the entire book.

While I understand that the main point of the book is that the aviation industry is in dire need of more strict regulation, the overall tone of the book comes off as whiny.

[Heath Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of belly-aching and "woe is me" as to why he quit his aviation career. Most of this is an attempt to paint an aviation career with a broad brush. Having also worked my way through the industry, I can tell you that my experiences were nothing like the author's. I have seen and heard of some similar experiences to those he experienced. But mostly, it seemed to be a justification for why he chose to give up, rather than seek out employment with quality operations.

[Tracy Mahoney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Complainer

Typical liberal complainer we all owe him something because God forbid he actually work his ass off for what he gets. Not just a little time in the jr leagues
We don't get participation trophies in real life.