“In over 50 years of flying, accruing over 10,000 hours, four times did I have to declare an emergency and this was one of them. Three other times while having an in-flight emergency, I did not have a radio to declare the emergence. Then there was a Mayday Call I made from the ground after the emergency. I share these stories along with other interesting events that took place over a span of many years, most taking place while living in the former “Panama Canal Zone”.
– An excerpt from the book
ARPress proudly presents “Unusual Attitudes” by Edwin D. Armbruster, now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress Bookstore.
This book is more than just a collection of flight stories. “Unusual Attitudes” is a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled memoir packed with real-life aviation adventures, close calls, and lessons learned in the cockpit. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good survival story, this book pulls you in and keeps you strapped in for the ride.
Edwin D. Armbruster isn’t just telling stories, he’s reliving moments that could have ended differently. Through vivid storytelling, he takes readers through some of the most intense moments of his flying career, from emergency landings to life-or-death decisions thousands of feet in the air. His years as a flight instructor and pilot give him a perspective that’s both thrilling and deeply insightful.
One of the key takeaways from “Unusual Attitudes” is the power of staying calm under pressure. Flying is unpredictable. No matter how much experience you have, things can go wrong in an instant. The difference between life and death often comes down to quick thinking, training, and the ability to keep a level head. The book takes you inside those split-second decisions—when there’s no time to hesitate, and every move matters.
Another powerful lesson is the sheer unpredictability of life in the skies. One moment, everything is routine. The next, an engine quits mid-flight, and you have seconds to figure out your next move. The book details these heart-stopping moments, not just from a technical standpoint but from the raw human experience of being in the pilot’s seat when everything goes south.
The book also explores the evolution of aviation over the decades. Armbruster’s career spans a time when flying was changing rapidly—advancements in technology, shifting safety protocols, and new ways of thinking about air travel. Through his stories, you get a firsthand look at how aviation has transformed and how pilots adapted to an ever-changing industry.
Beyond the action-packed stories, “Unusual Attitudes” is also about mentorship and teaching. As a flight instructor, Armbruster has trained over 700 pilots and aviation students. The book reflects on the responsibilities of guiding others through the world of flying, the challenges of teaching, and the moments when students face their own fears and doubts.
If you’re looking for a book that’s thrilling, educational, and filled with real-life adventure, “Unusual Attitudes” is it. It’s not just about flying, it’s about surviving, adapting, and embracing the unexpected.
“Unusual Attitudes” by Edwin D. Armbruster is now available via the ARPress Bookstore.