In the Shadow of Eagles: From Barnstormer to Alaska Bush Pilot: A Flyer's Story

A celebration of the great age of aviation with pioneer flyer Rudy Billberg, whose experiences included air show stunt pilot, bush pilot, and fighting forest fires from the air.

In the Shadow of Eagles is a uniquely American saga. Rudy Billberg's story takes you through the great age of aviation, from his first airplane ride in 1927 to his bush flying career in Alaska beginning in 1941. One of the authentic aviation pioneers, Billberg writes of his countless adventures and close calls through the decades: stunt flying at mid- western air shows, flying out of Nome into the frozen Arctic, hauling for the Northway project in World War II, and fighting forest fires in B-25 bombers. 

Filled with history and insight, Billberg's narrative chronicles the lives

of many of his fellow Alaskan pilots, including the great pioneer airmen Joe Crosson, Harold Gillam, Noel Wien, and 

Sam White, and tells of the early flying machines they all flew—Travel Airs, Pilgrims, Fairchilds, Curtiss Robins, Bellancas. Rudy Billberg has given us a great story of his time.