** I have often wondered why the non-flying public is willing to accept the risks of traveling in other forms of transportation, but holds aviation to such a high level of safety . . .

** I have always considered this behavior to be somewhat irrational, as mishaps involving autos, buses, trains, and others, occur frequently, and are often very gruesome and difficult to observe . . .

** I have concluded that this irrational fear of flying may be the result of the unfamiliarity of the non-flying public with the mysteries of aviation, and the natural tendency of people to be wary of the unknown . . .

** "Catch the Wind - True Flying Stories" contains very detailed descriptions of airplanes and their systems, the aviation environment, and the personal lives of the people who live in the world of aviation . . .

** This book also describes some unusual events which occurred during the early stages of a long flying career . . .

** Some of these unusual events were near-catastrophic . . .

** One might think that, after reading these stories, the non-pilot might be even more reluctant to travel by air in general . . . and with me, in particular . . .

** I have been very pleasantly surprised to discover that this has not been the case . . .

** In fact, the opposite has happened . . .

** After finishing "Catch the Wind", many readers have enthusiastically asked that I take them for a ride in an airplane, and / or teach them to fly . . .

** Therefore, I am pleased to conclude that the detailed information concerning flying, pilots, and the world of aviation, contained in "Catch the Wind", seems to have removed some of this fear of the unknown that has developed in the minds of the non-flying public to the point where many are now anxious to become involved in this exciting world of aviation . . .

** This has been a very gratifying and unexpected result of this book . . .