“Flying asses through Africa” by Jack Mitchell

ISBN 9781-5201-19014

What do you expect when the author himself apologizes his summary of short stories as “funny, sad, politically incorrect, rude, racist, hysterical, ridiculous, opinionated, sardonic, sarcastic, condescending, vulgar and occasionally philosophic!” Well, exactly that: a relaxed read which makes you laughing out loud on every single page. And this is exactly what you get with this one.

The book tracks along on all issues of charter flying and tourist industry in Africa and you can not imagine what stories arise under titles like airstrips, integrity, religion, celebrities or officialdom. But it is not only about the tourist who might drive private charter pilots crazy now and then when arriving for their 2 weeks sunshine holidays thinking they know how bush life works, a plane is ought to be flown or that lodge owners and staff owe them for their gratitude to visit their places (which actually they quite often do, spoiling their guest without end to make their holiday a life time experience which I know form own accounts). It is also about pilot mistakes, air crews and their management as well as a a general look at charter aviation and its rules. Most of all, it is about people and there sometimes somehow stupid and thus ridiculpous behaviour which makes “Flying asses through Africa” not just an enjoyable read for pilots, but for anybody who likes to laugh about human beings, life and the wicked routes fortune takes sometimes. So what are you waiting for? Go get the read started and I promise you more than just a little giggle!
I am already loooking forward to volume 2 for sure.