Not Flying Alone

About the Book

Come fly with Captain Ray Lemmon, United Airlines (retired), as he shares the fascinating story of his life and career as an airline pilot and airplane hobbyist. Starting with his Depression-era childhood, Lemmon tells of growing up during World War II, serving in the Army during the Korean Conflict, and finally achieving his dream of becoming an airline pilot with Capital and United Airlines during the emergence of the Jet Age, the mid-century years of growth and turbulence for the airline industry. Lemmon also writes about owning, restoring and flying vintage airplanes and his adventures with collectible cars, vintage boats, trailers and motor homes. His wife Margaret, his partner in life and adventure, is a prominent part of the story. (She had a pilot’s license, too.) You’ll feel as if you’re right beside him in the cockpit as he tells stories of cross-country flights in small planes and big ones—of the pranks airline pilots play—of a terror-filled near-disaster over the Pocono Mountains in Tannersville, Pa.—and, after Margaret’s passing, of a series of surprising events that defy explanation but that lead to unexpected revelation and personal enlightenment. Not Flying Alone is the story of a life and an era, vividly and memorably told.

About the Author

Ray Lemmon was born in Erie, Pa., during the Great Depression and grew up during World War II and the postwar era. While working as a lab technician, Lemmon learned to fly and decided to be an airline pilot. After serving in an Army hospital in Japan during the Korean Conflict, his flying career was made possible by the G.I. Bill. Lemmon met and married Margaret Taylor, a co-worker at the lab, who became his partner in his flying career and his off-duty adventures. After beginning his flying career with Capital Airlines, twelve years later he was promoted to Captain for United Airlines. His career spanned over thirty years during a time of major change and expansion for the airline industry. Lemmon’s hobbies have included restoring and flying vintage aircraft; owning antique and collectible automobiles; boating; and touring in trailers and motor homes. He lives in Bethlehem, Pa.