Customer Reviews

Squawk 7700

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

This book was such a fascinating read, I couldn't put it down. As a private pilot, I often imagined the possibility of changing careers to become a professional pilot. Having read this book, I now know much more about the aviation industry from the perspective of someone who lived it. So many things he went through were just remarkable and unexpected for a system tasked with safeguarding the lives of millions every year. Pilots are talented, intellligent, hard working, love flying with a passion, and can do great things under extremely difficult conditions. Where else are you going to find such quality talent in the business world? But no telling how many potential "Sully" Sullenbergers and Jeff Skiles will not be in the cockpit tomorrow because they got burned out and left under such working conditions.

For anyone who loves aviation, the freedom of flying, the responsibilties of PIC, and the feeling of accomplishment from a sucessful flight; this book will rip your heart out.

For anyone who flies commercially, this book will make you look at flight crews differently.
I now look at flgiht crews with empathy, instead of envy.
The aviation industry needs to change. Amazingly, the aviation industry holds a high safety record. No doubt, due in part to the dedication and professionalism of those who work in it.

I have owned the first edition of this book for several years and was excited to see the 2nd edition come out recently. As an aviation enthusiast I read it with great interest. But like all who have read or will read Squawk 7700, Pete's story really opens your eyes to the fact that a career in aviation isn't always the glamorous lifestyle the general public might think it is. I think this book brings awareness to the fact that some things in the industry are in desperate need of attention.

In the words of Jeff Skiles, this book is a must read for anyone who flies or is considering a career in aviation.

This book has "Squawk" in the title, and a sweet cover, which makes it intrinsically boss and worth 5 stars by itself, but once I "read" it, that's when the magic happened. After checking to ensure that the book would properly install on my Kindle, I walked from my trailer to Wal-mart with my Kindle in view and was immediately approached by women. The women knew from the "Squawk" on my shirt and the gleam off my aviators that I, like a pilot, am a top gun jock who knows how to 'handle stick and rudder' from time to time (you know what I'm talkin' about). The women that approached me wanted to know if I would be their boyfriend and/or give them money for something they called mehth. I told them no, because they didn't have enough teeth, and frankly a man with a Squawk book shouldn't settle for the first thing that comes to him.

I arrived at Wal-mart, mounted my courtesy-scooter (closest thing to a jet I could find) sitting side saddle so that my Kindle would show. While I was trying to find their leather jacket aisle, I could hear aroused heavy breathing behind me. I turned around to see a slightly sweaty blonde dream in sweatpants and flip-flops standing there. She told me she liked the what I was packing (Squawk on my Kindle), I told her I wanted to make an instrument approach to her runway- lights out, that is. She offered me a swig from her mountain dew, and I drove my scooter, with her shuffling along side out the door and into the rest of our lives. Thank you Squawk book.

This book is a must read for anyone who is considering a career in aviation. Before you make any kind of decision regarding PFT (pay for training) in hopes of an airline career: read this book. I could not put this book down and kept asking myself "what's going to happen next?!?!" I've read a half dozen pilot autobiographies and this is the first one that actually talks about the realities of being a pilot. A career as a commercial pilot can be very rewarding, but be warned that to get to the layovers in London and Paris and making any kind of real money takes decades and most pilots don't start making decent money after making wages that put them barely above the poverty line for years on end. If you want a career as a commercial pilot be prepared to make $16,000 a year and get worked to the bone when you start. I can't recommend this book enough and it's the most important book I've ever read.

A good read - very well written. Flying is a great experience however the glamor can be easily tarnished when trying to take it to the professional level as Pete explains it very well.

Having minimal experience and knowlegde of the airline industry, I was captivated by the author's committment to reveal the truth. As the story unfolded you couldn't help but to brace yourself for an intimate and emotional ride. We all have a life story... this particular one needs to be shared... a must read to all who love an adventure and a bit of controversy over the fabric of industry.

This is a must read if you have had any interest in aviation! Pete Buffington's personalized touch brings the true feelings of what he experienced as a young pilot. I have always been fascinated by flying and this was a true eye opener for what it takes to become one. It has also opened my eyes to the not so savory side of the industry and what short cut's are taken at the risk of human lives. I hope this can be a beginning of much more change for the better for the pilots, crew, even down to the everyday passenger.

I found the book enjoyable on a couple of levels. It was fun to read the personal side of a pilot's experiences and learn how airlines select and train pilots. It was disheartening to think that airlines cared more about cash than safety. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys flying or likes to travel by air.

This book was a pleasure for me to read. Pete Buffington was a childhood friend of mine and I expected to enjoy the book just relating back his experiences and anecdotes to my memories.

In fact, there was much more than that to enjoy. Not being a pilot, the book gave me an introduction to the regional airline industry that was both educational and interesting.

I was also pleasantly surprised with the ability of his writing to bring me into the moment and experience the emotions that he experienced. Anger, fear and frustration filled me as I read Pete's account of his first day finally flying for the regional airline and through the following week. I truly felt the relief that came with the decision to make flying a hobby instead of a career.

Though the book will obviously be really valuable to people in aviation or for those considering it as a career, I'm strongly recommending it to those who haven't had an interest in aviation or aviation literature in the past. It will be an exciting and interesting read!