Warbird Recovery: The Hunt for a Rare World War II Plane in Siberia, Russia (Paperback)

~ Gordon Page (Author) "Until the time my folks had told me that we would move from Missouri to Boulder, Colorado, the summer had been great; but the thought..." (more)
Key Phrases: warbird recovery, World War, United States, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

April Fool’s Day, 1992. Author Gordon R. Page receives a call from a business associate offering him the chance to travel to Russia in hopes of acquiring a rare World War II fighter plane. He’s waited for this call for years—and it’s not a joke. Packed with action, intrigue, and danger, Warbird Recovery delivers Page’s gripping true story of his journey to Russia to recover the aircraft and fulfill a lifelong dream.

In bitter winter conditions, Page journeys to St. Petersburg, Russia, in an attempt to recover a rare German Bf 109 fighter plane. But everything about traveling in the former Soviet Union only reinforces the vast differences between cultures. Placing a call, buying lunch, and even riding in a taxi—to say nothing of buying an aircraft—prove to be strange and dangerous.

Putting his life at risk, Page discovers that he must learn to negotiate and have plenty of cash on hand to ensure both his safety and his return to the United States. Yet nothing can compare to the excitement he experiences upon finding lost aircraft. Unfortunately, chasing a childhood dream just might cost him his life.

About the Author

Gordon R. Page is past president of the Colorado Aviation Historical Society and opened the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame in Denver. He lives with his family in Louisville, Colorado, where he owns and operates an aircraft sales and charter business.
Follow the efforts of Warbird Recovery at www.warbirdrecovery.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse Star (April 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583484876
• ISBN-13: 978-1583484876
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #641,945 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Warbird Recovery....Buy it!, June 15, 2008

By	Steven M. Dennis - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When Gordon sent me the book, I was excited to dig into it, but life is busy, and I didn't get a chance to read it right away. I am sorry I delayed reading it as it is an excellent story. I couldn't put it down once started. Gordon's undying passion and perseverance in the recovery of these WWII relics is impressive. I thought that I have had some pretty crazy adventures moving aircraft around here in the United States, but they are nothing compared to the situations that Gordon and his group had to endure. It makes me very thankful to live in America. Warbird Recovery is a well written story that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone, even if you are not an aviation fanatic like me. Thanks Gordon!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real adventure story with a surprise ending!!, February 24, 2008

By	Rel Hoida - See all my reviews

This book is a narrative of tenacity, grit, adventure and very real danger. This book is for anyone that enjoys a concise and quality read, as it is informative on a variety of topics. Gordon Page crafts an intense tale of his quest for a WWII aircraft as an "Americanski" in various settings throughout Russia in the early 90's. The story is exceptionally well-written and fast-paced. No fluff here, and great descriptions of the horrid accomodations, delectible menu items and treacherous, exploitative and sinister characters Mother Russia offers up for Gordon and his companions to navigate throughout this quest. Gordon was one of the pioneers in military relic treasure-hunting in Russia. Lots of guys have done it since, but Gordon is very lucky to alive as he ran into all of the initial life-threatening obstacles, before the Russians realized the profit opportunities, and became receptive to Westerners looking to buy the remnants of war. Reads like a spy novel, meets travel guide. Excellent. Read this book!!

5.0 out of 5 stars A dream of warbirds, an adventure with the KGB and the Russian Mafia., July 25, 2009

By	Paul Gordon (Littleton, Colorado United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I started reading this book because I am a warbird fan.
The author was from my State, and I wanted to see what he discovered. I had no idea that you could risk your life just looking around. What a great book! Everyone wanted their fair share of money. Problem was, would the author have enough or would he pay the price? Would he find the rare aircraft? An adventure of Warbird relics, Cod liver oil and the shady characters of the underworld with the KGB always watching.
Once I started reading this book I had a difficult time putting it down.
I would recommend this book to anyone.