Customer Reviews

Broken Wings: A Flight Attendant's Journey

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Reading Broken Wings was an eye-opening experience. I was delighted to learn that a flight attendant had written a book, from a Globe and Mail review.

It's been a long time since "Cabin Pressure". But this is not as humorous. It deals with issues pertaining to our health and well being. Nattanya Andersen's (author) passion for flying reminded me about why I set out in pursuit of a flight attendant career. After nine years of flying, Nattanya has rejuvenated some of those long forgotten feelings I had within.

The issues of Air Rage, Aircraft Cabin Air Quality and other dangers involved in a flying career are all addressed in this "eye-opener" of a book. Until now, I hadn't thought of the long term effects of breathing recycled air in a confined environment 1200 hours per annum; now I know why I sometimes feel light headed while on duty. I also learned how reducing the intake of fresh outside air saves airlines mass amounts of money in fuel. A must-read for all flight attendants and for those considering a career in this field.

Except if purchased over the 'net, this book is not available in Australia. This is a definite shame, as Ms Andersen's story is one that needs to be told. I was lucky enough to be given a copy, and I found it absolutely gripping. If you're like me, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what this book is -not-....

This isn't just a book about the airline industry - don't make that mistake. It's much, much more. And it's not just dry facts and figures. Ms Andersen gives the reader a deep and clear glimpse into her soul as she chronicles her life leading up to the accident which changed her life, and her struggle with the union and her employers after the event.

It's also not a 'poor me' story. Throughout, the author is honest about her own mistakes and misjudgments, and her sincerity and honesty shine through clearly.

To me, this is a story about fear, betrayal and the phoenix-like rebirth of a soul. Ms Andersen emerges as a complete - albeit scarred - person from a situation which came close to breaking her. Even if you have no interest in the airline industry (although the statistics are quite amazing!) you will find Ms Andersen's story utterly compelling.

I would consider this to be a 'must read' book. Beware, though - once you get into this book, you won't rest until you've finished it!

Boy is this book informative or what? It's shedding light on the airline industry like never before.

Although I adored the author's humor, I didn't quite believe her at first - so I checked things out! And she's right - it's scary...

I feel this determined story is shared with us so that something positive comes out of the mess the airline industry is shoving down our throat. Let's hope more people read this book and demand clarifications to their favorite airline. Thank you for your courage, Mrs. Andersen.

Long duty hours, aircraft snags, delays, weather, generate pressure on aircrew. Compounded pressures can create a domino effect, resulting in an accident. And there are people who have been put into positions of pressure where they have to worry about such things. Clearly, clearly, profits are fine. Profits to the exclusion of all else are not. These aspects of flying are talked about in Broken Wings.

I found I could relate to much of the airline life and stories, since some have also happened me. It must have been a cleansing for the author to write her book and finally arrive to a happier stage of her life. Good luck with your future writing. Flight Attendant Vancouver B. C.

A fabulous book! No if's or but's about it, though the truth hurts.

Captain Jack(Brad) Waltrip, JR., United Airlines; Chairman, UAL Master Executive Council, Air Line Pilots Association, International.

Well, well, Ive just finished Broken Wings and I have to say its an amazing, well written and well appointed book.
I found it very difficult to put down after I started reading and it has been my overnight companion for over a week!

Nattanya's experience has been heartbreaking to read about, I agree that not enough recognition has been given to ptsd, but hopefully soon.I sincerely hope it wont affect me.

I have taken the liberty of passing on the book to our Company safety Pilot..

Captain A. Slattery

I've read Broken Wings twice already, and will do so again in the future.

I admire Nattanya's candor in explaining the details of
Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder. It truly is a very medical condidtion, and I wonder if one ever fully recovers from it.

My hijacking was horrendous and memories still haunt me after all these years. I never received any counselling, nor was it offered.

It amazes me that the airlines' upper echelon ignore the trauma/emotional side involved in all incidents. Wouldn't it be ideal if they developed insight into the facts of life and showed some sympathy, empathy, and understanding?

M.D., R.N., Flight-Attendant, Toronto

Excellent! I am so appalled at the airline described in this book, the flight attendant union involved, and the Canadian Worker's Compensation Board. I'm an American and if this had happened to me, I'd have gotten a lawyer to begin with.

My hat's off to Nattanya. What a wonderful person for sharing her story! It is so well researched and full of facts. It made me reconsider my dream job as a flight attendant.

I hope Tanya can and will go to work for another carrier someday -- prefarably not a Canadian one....And, to Adaria: As an emergency responder, I have suffered from PTSD and know all too well what it is like. Just pray it doesn't happen to you. Shame on you for passing judgment.

This had to be the worst book i have ever read. All the book was about was Nattanya's problems with workers compensation. There are thousands of people out there that have disputes with their X employers, but don't write a book about it. I was so looking forward to an exciting book about a flight attendants journeys and all I got was a very unstable women complaining about her employer. What a waste of hard earned money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Boring, Boring, Boring. I am so surprised a publisher would print a book like this.