Wager with the Wind: The Don Sheldon Story

The man character in this book is a amazing person and pilot. I could not believe the true live experiences this person lived through. A great book for any one who likes non fiction.

To Aviators, this story portrays the outstanding performance of a pilot, who understood the limits of himself, and his airplane. This story was often about the upper limits of both, man and, machine, in terrain, ever changing weather, and landing sites, on and around a mountain where most of us would fear to tread. To non-aviators, it is a picture into the understanding of a pilot, whose passion for flying went beyond the boundless freedom of going anywhere, at most anytime, but to a commitment, of using, and improving, his talents, often at risk to his life, in the quest to save the lives of others. What piece of mind to the Adventurers in that territory of Alaska, to know if help was needed, Don Sheldon would put forth his best to come to their aid.

I must have stumbled into this book 20 years ago, and loved it, recommended it and gave it as gifts. I had a in-active pilots license then. I purchased a plane and started flying again, 10 years ago. I re-read it, loved it , recommended it and gave it as gifts. Because of this "bush" flying, I changed planes and started doing this type of "off-airport" flying. My wife ( flying is not her bag) read it this spring and suggested that we fly our little two seater to Talkeena from Ohio, and make a three week vacation there. We just got back, and I've ordered 6 more books for gifts. We got to meet Don's wife and grand daughter, and landed and camped beside his old Aeronca sedan that he used in the famous river canyon rescue. Read this book, it might change your life.

My one regret is that I didn't read this book before my wife and I visited Talkeetna last September. I spent 13 months, in the late 50's, stationed at a U.S. Air Force AC & W installation out of Fairbanks, and I have faint memories of the harsh Alaska elements which Don Sheldon had to pit his skills against on a routine basis. The author, James Greiner does a magnificant job of packing one illustrious episode after another of the exploits and accomplishments of what surely is one of of the most remarkable aviators this country has known. Don Sheldon epitomized the skills and dedication of a bush pilot and a humanitarian. His uncanny ability to "cheat death" repeatedly, illustrates total mastery and understanding of the limits of his aircraft, and his intimate familiarity with the terrain over which he flew. Utter disregard for his own safety in a number of instances where he placed the well being or survival of complete strangers, above his own, is vivid testimony to both his piloting skills and his humanitarian heart. Reviewing pictures that we'd taken in Talkeetna (A beautiful little town of friendly residents off the "beaten path.") revealed glimpses of the main street runway and the Talkeetna Air Service hangers that Mr Sheldon built and used. Had I read the book prior to our visit in Talkeetna, I would have made a special effort to learn more from local residents about this fascinating man.This is truly a "must read" book for aviators or anyone who has an interest in one of the more intriquing occupations in Alaska. My wife and I will return to Talkeetna for a visit next year and I hope to learn more about this man and his exploits. Don Sheldon is a legend, and James Greiner does an exceptional job of making that point!!