Controlled Crash: An Airline Odyssey, from Eels and Ethics to Blimps and Drunken Bears

Pilots like to say that every safe landing is really just a controlled crash. In his witty and entertaining memoir, Eldon Brown shares thoughtful recollections from his colorful and sometimes bumpy ride through a thirty-five year aviation career that spanned several airlines and countries.

Brown takes others up, up and away into a parade of humorous and challenging experiences as he relives his lively days working as a sales representative for Braniff Airways and later as a cargo manager for both Japan and Northwest Airlines. As Brown managed mundane daily responsibilities, he also dealt with many unusual duties such as making special flight arrangements for eels, tuna, ostriches, pro football players, and a drunken bear all while managing distracting passengers like a tipsy bigwig, a possible hijacker, and the kind of guest that bought a one-way ticket and never left the plane-cockroaches.

Through hilarious moments that included a Japanese striptease, mortician parties, and Dallas Cowboys aloft-Brown leaves no stone unturned as he provides a fascinating glimpse into what really goes on before, during, and after a plane ride in the friendly blue skies.