Turbulence: Fifty Years on the Leading Edge of the Airline Industry

A behind-the-scenes view of the commercial airline industry from the “Airline Doctor.”"[An] easy-to-read yet informative in-depth analysis of the aviation industry. For those who are fascinated by the dynamics of airline travel and are intrigued by how so many different disciplines come together to make flying what it is today, this is a must read.”—Gordon Bethune, chairman and CEO, Continental Airlines (retired)David A. Banmiller’s career as an executive has put him in the middle of some of the airline industry’s defining moments over the last fifty years, from its 1960s jet-age heyday, to an era of hijackings in the 70s, through the aftermath of the Pan Am Lockerbie disaster in 1988 and the September 11th tragedy. Are you fascinated with aviation or ever wondered why prices change and legroom is limited? Turbulence is a fascinating journey through the industry—its people, its economics, and the logistics of continually “moving the iron” in times of ongoing upheaval. Challenging myths that flying is unsafe and expensive, the food is awful, and the personnel grouchy, this unique business memoir delves into the history of air travel, how it evolved into what it is today, and what the future holds. Infused with wisdom gleaned from hard lessons learned on the front lines, Turbulence is an engrossing peek behind the scenes of a memorable career in a tumultuous—but indestructible—American industry.