Subject
Parachuting -- Fiction Books
Best books
Laurence Donovan
Fire of retribution
"Fire of Retribution" by Laurence Donovan is a thrilling novel likely written in the late 1920s, during the early 20th century. The book deals with themes of survival and courage set against the harrowing backdrop of a raging forest fire threatening a logging crew. It captures the intense experience of characters risking their lives to save others, embroiled in a story of betrayal and vengeance. The narrative follows old Beth, a seasoned logger, who must make a daring jump from a plane to save his trapped crew from a catastrophic fire. Alongside him is Jack Singer, a mechanic and pilot, who disregards his own safety to help Beth in this dangerous rescue mission. As they descend, they face harrowing obstacles, from mechanical failures to flames threatening their escape route. Throughout the story, themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the consequences of vengeance unfold as the logging crew fights for their lives, with the climax revealing a shocking twist of fate regarding the antagonist behind the fire. The camaraderie among the characters and their relentless battle against nature's fury drive the suspenseful plot to its gripping conclusion.
Richard Howells Watkins
Nerve enough
"Nerve Enough" by Richard Howells Watkins is a thrilling short story set in the early 20th century that showcases the daring exploits of early aviation. The narrative focuses on the T. M. O. Transportation Co., formed by three ambitious pilots—Jim Tyler, Burt Minster, and Delevan O’Connell—who aspire to rise in the burgeoning industry of aerial passenger transport. The story revolves around themes of courage, camaraderie, and the high stakes of stunting and stunt-flying amid the risks associated with this nascent form of travel. In the story, the partners face a series of unfortunate events that lead them from a respectable aerial transportation business to becoming struggling "gipsy fliers." As they attempt to revive their fortunes at a local fair, they concoct a risky plan to jump simultaneously from their plane with parachutes in a race to the ground, testing their nerve and resolve. When an accident occurs, Del finds himself precariously dangling from the plane, prompting Burt to jump after him. The tale culminates in a tense moment where camaraderie triumphs over adversity, as the duo manages a successful parachute landing, reigniting their hopes for a brighter future and newfound success in their aviation venture.
Richard Howells Watkins
His to fly
"His to Fly" by Richard Howells Watkins is a short story published in the late 1920s, where the characters navigate the challenges of early aviation. The narrative revolves around two pilots, Beak Becket and Jerry Tabor, as they grapple with their complicated partnership while flying a biplane. Central to the story is the theme of ambition and the tension between experience and inexperience in pursuit of flight. The plot unfolds as Jerry and Beak prepare for a flight, highlighting their contentious relationship. Beak, a seasoned pilot, often belittles Jerry, who is eager to prove himself. Tensions rise during their journey, particularly when the realities of aerial navigation become perilous amid fog and dwindling fuel. As the story climaxes with a malfunction and impending disaster, Jerry's decisive moment comes when he must choose between saving himself by jumping with a parachute or taking control of the plane that he partly owns. In a courageous act of determination, Jerry takes over the cockpit, demonstrating growth and asserting his newfound identity as a pilot, ultimately leading to their precarious landing.
Leland Jamieson
Altitude
"Altitude by Leland Jamieson" is an aviation adventure short story written in the early 20th century. The story centers on a free-balloon expert’s bid for an altitude record, highlighting the dangers of high-altitude flight, the necessity of precise equipment, and the thin line between mastery and catastrophe. Captain Conway prepares the giant hydrogen balloon Marie IV for a record-breaking ascent, aided by his sober, loyal crewman Kisner and the talkative, unreliable Welkfurn. A critical delay keeps a de-oiled, cold-proof clock from reaching the field in time, and Conway launches with a standard clock that soon freezes. As he climbs into the stratosphere, oxygen dwindles, paralysis creeps over his body, and the stopped clock robs him of his timing. At the peak, near death, he manages to trigger the rip-cord, causing a disastrous deflation; the balloon fails to parachute properly and plummets. Regaining just enough awareness near the ground, he bails out under his own parachute and survives. Rescued by Kisner and a chastened Welkfurn, he later reflects on the razor’s edge of his success—both the new record and his life saved by a last-moment escape.
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