My Sunday Book Review is a little different read today for me. My friend and author – and retired pilot, Doris Heilmann of 111 Publishing had another life before she became an author and publisher – she was a pilot. Doris flew planes, taught flying, wrote for aviation magazines and more, and if it weren’t for her eventual two eye surgeries, hindering her from continuing to fly, I have no doubts she’d still be spending half her time up in the air!. Doris wrote this book as ‘Doris Daily’, her pen name for her aviation collection of books and instructionals she’s written. To Live is to Fly is Doris’ newest memoir on her aviation days, and as a memoir writer and a friend of Doris’, I jumped at the chance to read her newest book. Note, various other books published by Doris Heilmann on marketing for self-published authors, I also highly recommend!
Blurb:
Dreaming of Learning to Fly? And maybe becoming a Commercial Pilot?
Have a seat in the airplane’s cockpit and be entertained by these memoirs of an enthusiast pilot!
.
Observe fascinating flight experiences, technology, and the beauty and forces of nature.
.
Become captivated by the flying world of a professional aviator during the ’80s and early ’90s in Europe.
.
And maybe gain also a few pieces of advice along the way for your own flying career…
.
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
My 5 Star Review:
Memoirs of a pilot
This book was an easy read, written in conversational style writing, as though I was sitting down with the author (pilot) fixed on her knowledge of flying as an executive pilot and flight instructor, and wowed by some of the experiences she encountered – both good and bad.
Daily engages us with the beginnings of her desire to learn to fly airplanes, through sharing her experiences on learning to fly, the grueling hours needed to move up the ladder to private and executive airliners, and new technologies and breakthroughs in the airline industry. The author gives us an inside look into the cockpit, and a step-by-step take about what’s involved to learn how to fly, the importance of protocol, possible things that can go wrong, and going from a novice to a trained commercial/executive pilot. We’ll also learn the difference between ‘autopilot’ and flying using the instrument panel. She also shares some personal stories about some of the beautiful and scenic places she’s flown to or from North America to Germany Italy, and Austria, to name a few, adding tidbits about what pilots do while they wait for the planes or ‘private’ clients for their return flights, and the perks and sightseeing notes in between – things the average person never really thinks about.
If you love to fly and are curious to learn about what goes on behind the working scenes of the life of a pilot, you will definitely enjoy these memoirs from Daily, easily explained for those of us who have no concept about what it takes to become a pilot.
DGKayewriter.com 
This sounds most interesting, Debby. I dated a pilot for a number of years and had a few interesting experiences in small planes.
LikeLike
Wow Robbie, maybe you need to write about this? Lol. Thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
Sounds really interesting, Debby. I think I may have to check this one out!
LikeLike
Oh that’s lovely Stevie. I’m happy to introduce to Doris 🙂 x
LikeLike
A woman who is both aviator and author: Both endeavors take courage and risk-taking. This is the sort of book I can imagine settling down to enjoy after my launch this month. Thank you for introducing me to Doris Daily, Debby!
LikeLike
Thanks Marian. Doris is just one of those warrior women who has also lived an intriguing life. I’m thrilled to be sharing her latest. 🙂
LikeLike
What a find! I have never read anything by an executive pilot. I’m intrigued.
LikeLike
Neither had I, but I’m glad I did. It was an informative read. 🙂
LikeLike
Sounds like a fascinating read!
LikeLike
Thanks Damyanti. 🙂
LikeLike
Doris sounds to be a very interesting lady whose adventurous spirit took her to follow her Dreams and Fly high.. 🙂
She seems to have Spirit and determination.
Many thanks for sharing Doris’s book.. Seems to me there are many such Authors who share true grit!.. And you dear Debby rank among them..
Sending MUCH love your way dear friend.. 💗💕
LikeLike
Oh, my kind and wonderful friend. Thank you for your always uplifting kudos. But really, Doris is definitely a warrior woman.
I hope you’re sitting in peace and light my friend. Love and hugs back ❤ xxx
LikeLike
Thank you Debby, yes in peace and light.. Had my acupuncture treatment this morning and floated the rest of the day away 🙂 lol…
Much love right back.. ❤
There are many 'Warriors' needed right now.. and we are finding each other… ❤
LikeLike
So true Sue, I see the warriors popping up every day! And so glad to hear you’re floating and not in pain. Stay afloat my friend. Hugs back to you. ❤ xx
LikeLike
I must recommend this book to my cousin, who got his pilot license a few years back and loves to fly but has found it difficult to progress further (he got into it a bit late in life). I’ve only gone flying in a small plane with him once and loved it. I can see what the attraction is, for sure. A great recommendation and review, as usual, Debby. Have a lovely week.
LikeLike
Oh wonderful Olga. I think this book would definitely be a good read for your cousin, as it’s not a technical read, but full of flying experiences. 🙂 x
LikeLike
Fabulous Debby and wonderful Doris… what an amazing career, pioneering and inspiring. Great review
LikeLike
Thank you Sal. Emilia Earhart would be proud. 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
As someone who once had 1 lesson in a Cessna and loved it, I look forward to reading this. While what aviation has done to the environment is dangerous and needs serious rethinking, it’s such a thrill to be s passenger, let alone to pilot the plane.
LikeLike
Wow Jessica that’s exciting! I have no doubts you will appreciate reading this. 🙂
LikeLike
That sounds like an interesting read, Debby, one that I wouldn’t naturally pick up. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully “the bad” didn’t make you nervous about flying. Ha ha. Thanks for sharing your review. 🙂
LikeLike
Lol, thanks Diana. 🙂
LikeLike
Sounds interesting, Debby. I’d want to know all about the layovers and what pilots do in their off time abroad. Or, read funny experiences that happened with passengers, like the ones carrying over-sized luggage. 🙂
LikeLike
Lol Liesbet, I resemble that remark! LOLOL 🙂
LikeLike
That’s why I wrote it!!! 🙂
LikeLike
🙂 🙂
LikeLike
I can see how someone could be passionate about flying airplanes, and I love that the book was written by a woman! What a life she must lead. I’m so glad she shared her story. Thanks for sharing it with us!
LikeLike
Thank you Amy. Doris is quite the dynamo for sure! ❤
LikeLike
Wow, this sounds like an interesting memoir! Thanks for sharing your review, Deb. I won’t be taking up flying anytime soon lol, but for anyone who is this sounds like a must-read.
LikeLike
So true Lis. I too have no interest in flying a plane, but it was a real eye opener to read about this author friend, once a pilot. 🙂
LikeLike
Excellent review, Debby. Congratulations to Doris. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Rob 🙂
LikeLike