Alaska's Skyboys

"Ringsmuth’s thoroughly engaging look at the development of this phenomenon is a fascinating peek at how uniquely American the Alaska bush pilot truly is."

"Ringsmuth’s book is as thrilling and brilliant as the skyboys she writes about. . . . Alaska's Skyboys lays scholarly groundwork to further explore aviation as an interpretive framework necessary for understanding Alaska’s multidimensional frontier history."

"Ringsmuth's book is something of a revelation."

"Ringsmuth provides a comprehensive history that follows the early days of flying through World War II, the Cold War, and the transition to commercial air travel. She artfully balances the tragedies and triumphs of flying and suggests provocatively that a flying culture emerged in the parts of Alaska that depended on bush planes. She also tactfully points out the contradiction between Alaskans who cherish their autonomy and living off the grid and the planes and technology required to do so. . . . Those interested in the personal stories of flying greats will appreciate this book."

"This is an important book that fills a vacuum in Alaska historiography, telling how early bush pilots transitioned from lone adventurers through the first consolidated air services to today’s modern airlines. Initially chafing under FAA scrutiny, they soon recognized the need for performance standards and the safety regulations that generated consumer confidence, a critical chapter in Alaska’s aviation history."

"This will be a ‘must read’ book for readers interested in the evolution of flight in Alaska. Ringsmuth presented this history magnificently and thoroughly documented it."

"The story of manned flight in the twentieth century is about rocketing into the future and going ever higher and faster. So why do Alaskans embrace a nostalgic past filled with daring bush pilots who stick their heads out the window to read the weather and terrain? Katherine Johnson Ringsmuth answers this important question in her fascinating and important book."