Author: Mark Rose
Located in: Albany, Oregon
Submitted: March 24, 2018
Tell us a little about yourself. I grew up in Alaska, hunting, fishing and outfitting air supported hunting trips in those early years. Worked for a helicopter operator as a pilot/mechanic for decades flying across the state. One notable accomplishment was working as fleet manager overseeing building the 28 mountain communication sit for the Alaska pipeline in the late 70's, working 24/7 for 3 years. I hold multiple FAA licenses, helicopter and fixed wing.
What was your motivation behind this project? Share my testimony where God met me as an unbeliever as an answer to a desperate prayer; out of fuel, in a blizzard, at night, flying in the mountains. That God is active and present weather you realize so or not. Ask for Him!
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? #1; a powerful testimonial set in the Alaskan wilderness and 2; a valuable guide to safe flying practices set in the most extreme conditions. Many, many flight crews have perished defying these procedures. This book can save your life in more ways than one! Includes a valuable appendix to that end. Every pilot should have a copy of this title and follow the advice given.
How were you personally impacted by working on this project? Some of it was very difficult reliving the situations; rescues, comradery and friends lost. I did my best to study the early aviation history of Alaska and the motivations to develop safe aviation operations in Alaska. Interviewed a number of witnesses to verify facts. Also how God impacted those early years from Bering's explorations forward.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? I read everything I could get my hands on relating to early exploits of the Alaska aviation pioneers, and in a small way contributed myself. I personally knew Noel Wein, Jack Wilson, Bob Reeve, Dean Godwin and others, all chronicled in this volume and sources referenced.
Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: God is an amazing guy. Trust his goodness and grace. As a subtitle states in the book; "There's someone watching us!" Includes some great images found nowhere else. Dedicated to our three dads.
Thank you!
Mark D. Rose
