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by Dan Bryan #313
I had the pleasure of reading Dan Bryan’s new soaring book REAL MEN LAND OUT this past week. He sent me a copy and I told him I would read it and write a short review for the newsletter. There are probably two really good books out about flying the 1-26. One is of course the AFTER SOLO. collection of stories that I have read at least 10 times and the other is Real Men Land Out. Dan has captured a type of pilot that many of the 1-26 group is made up of. His adventures and mis-adventures are humorous and although I have never met him I feel like I know his soaring life history now. Dan hasn’t set any records or won any contests but you can tell from reading his book that he is a die hard 1-26 pilot. From cracking the canopy with his head to buying and rebuilding 1-26s and dealing with the problems of getting a crew you can really relate to his dilemmas. He is a very meticulous pilot in that he studies everything before actually trying it. I was really cracking up about every time he starts a new project or goal he studies every written word on it before actually doing it. His flights are entertaining and you find yourself rooting for him on his silver badge attempts. This book is a good start up for a new adult soaring pilot and will answer many questions and give a great explanation of the badges and even has pictures of all of them. Many names of our famous 1-26 pilots are included and a sort of special history is kept for the Association to always have now. Thanks go to Dan for his time and efforts in creating a soaring epic that doesn’t just talk about flying but also all the other things that go along with Soaring. Dan, are we going to see you at the Championships this year? Sounds like you are ready. By the way Dan won the Sweeps Silver Division this year.
Norm Miller
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