Ditching the Sky

Extraordinary Humans in Aviation

Pilots all have a story as to what we did back in the day for the love of aviation and to build flight hours for the coveted airline pilot job. Those were the good old days. Today the world of an airline pilot is different. Kids go to flight colleges, apply for programs to obtain jobs on contracts that will propel them into the flight deck, sometimes without any experience at all. Many of these pilots become captains their first year of employment. Many never know what those who have gone before experienced.

This story is not about one of those pilots, this is the true story of a pilot who achieved her dream through conquering the impossible. Someone who is beyond courageous, but had the ability to navigate with stars, wind, direction, and guidance from above in the form of airline crews, all the while sitting beside a tank of fuel.

Captain Heidi Porch, Retired, shares the most extraordinary story of building flight hours that I have ever heard. She took her dedication to build those hours in the most challenging way one could ever imagine. I knew ferrying was ongoing, but until I read how they did this and the danger involved, I had no idea. You’ll be equally amazed.

I never imagined pilots ferried airplanes 560 miles without navigation, or how they did it. There were no bathrooms, no crew meals, no place or to rest. Just a dot in the sky and a fleck above the ocean. Many pilots have not survived such a journey. But Heidi did, even when her plane decided it had enough. This is when she and her Cessna took a swim.

While experts gave advice, she used her brain and decision making. I’m believe this is the very reason she survived this ordeal, and is alive to share her story. With helping hands along the way, in the middle of the Cold War, she found herself on a Soviet Union ship, communicating in the most unusual way. These are the stories that we don’t hear often of our female pilots who conquer the sky and achieve an incredible career. This is a story that everyone will enjoy.

Written in the synopsis, these words say it all.

“Her story is not only one of survival, but of aspirations realized, love found, and then lost, and how childhood trauma became of source of strength to be called upon. It is a harrowing tale of courage, resilience, and the enduring human spirit.”

I highly recommend Heidi’s memoir. It’s a fascinating and fun read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and shaking your head thinking, would I ever have the courage or ability to do what she did to become an airline pilot? The book is replete with photos of her adventure, too.

Get your book today on Amazon!