I just read in the new issue of ALPA that Robert Buck passed on at 93. I don't know if any of you know or care who he is, but if you're interested you should learn a thing or two about this guy. He was an ALPA pioneer, an Aviation weather pioneer and a researcher during the early days of 2 man/glass cockpits. His book "A pilots burden" is a great read for anyone who doesn't appreciate the way it went from 1 and 2 man crews in the 30's... to 5 man crew's in the 40's and early 50's... then 3 then back two 2 man crews in the late 80's and forward.. A great case study in CRM and the glass cockpit. Starting out in a single cockpit and retiring a 747 CA with the venerable TWA, he remained involved in aviation research and training well into the end of the this century.

They just don't make pilots like that anymore, and sadly probably never will. RIP Captain Buck!

More info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Nietzel_Buck

 

His book "Flying Know How" was the book that got me really interested and excited about learning to fly. I was 11 when I checked it out from the library.

I wrote him a letter asking some general, goofy, kid-flying questions and he wrote back and answered them! I've been a fan ever since. I wish I could have one-half of the aviation weather knowledge he has.

RIP Captain Buck.

 

...Aviation has just lost an irreplaceable Icon...

He's the kind of Pilot you wish you could have just shook hands with. Condolences to all those who knew and Loved him!

 

I read his "North Star over my shoulder" book, and liked it very much! He gained an immeasurable wealth of knowledge, shared his stories, and even more importantly contributed very positively to the industry as a whole. There are not that many people around like him and others who have left this world "a bit better".

I believe his son is a captain at Delta. There was a picture of him with his son in the book.

I was lucky to come across and gain from having read his book.


Thank you Captain Buck!

 

he wrote one awesome weather book! God bless!

 

RIP to a man who has probably forgotten more about flying than any of us will ever actually know.

Fair skies and tail winds Capt Buck!

 

"North Star Over My Shoulder" is my favorite book. I haven't had a chance to read any of his other works but I plan on having one or two in my kit once I hit the line. He wrote some great words of wisdom disguised in stories that harken back to the romantic days of flying.

I especially liked his story of driving to the airport for a round-the-world trip and the "what if" scenarios going through his head.

 

I agree that "North Star over my shoulder" is just a terrific read. It pretty well tell's Bob's life story and I doubt there were very many if any others who had as diverse and full a career and life as Bob.

Rob Buck retired from Delta in 2005.

 

a complete Stallion. Too many of that generation pass, but few give the gift he did with his books and knowledge. In a way those things make him immortal.

 

Robert Buck's book on weather flying made me, and I'm sure many others, a better aviator. A truly great man. May he rest in peace.