Read any good books lately?
MWGO Suggests Finding Myself in Aviation by Mary S. Build
Mary Build wanted to be a seaplane pilot, and in her new book Finding Myself in Aviation she describes her story from childhood to adulthood, and how she achieved her goal. Not only did she become a seaplane pilot, she opened a seaplane charter business in Naples Maine, became a seaplane instructor, flew to Alaska several times, and attended the International Seaplane Fly-In in Greenville Maine before “hanging up her wings”.
With about 6000 lakes and ponds and plenty of rivers in Maine, seaplanes are a popular mode of transportation, especially when trying to reach a remote camp to relax, fish, or hunt. It’s not too late to attend the 2023 International Seaplane Fly-In, which takes place September 7-10th in Greenville Maine. Thousands of people attend the spectacular aviation event each year on Moosehead Lake, visit unique shops, and celebrate fall in Maine.
Mary Build grew up in New England, but not in an aviation family. When Mary was about 30 years old, she started exploring the possibility of becoming a seaplane pilot. When she heard “You have to become a land pilot first,” she put the idea out of her mind. In her mid-40s she reignited her dream of becoming a seaplane pilot. In her book Mary describes the steps and hurdles she faced as she pursued her aviation dreams. It is an inspiring story.
Mary is a splendid storyteller. Here is an abbreviated excerpt from her Alaskan journeys.
In flying, I finally found something that gave me great satisfaction. It also encouraged me, proving that I was capable of accomplishing something greater than I ever had before.
When I first started flying, I wanted to go somewhere. It didn’t matter where. I just wanted to get out of the practice area around the Fryeburg airport. As beautiful as the area is with the snow-capped White Mountains to the west, the Atlantic Ocean clearly reflecting the rising sun to the east, and lush green farmland below, I had to move on. … Maybe I could fly to the Bahamas or Alaska?
When I wasn’t busy with navigating and communicating on the radio, I enjoyed the peaceful joy of flying. I was above all the chaos of traffic on the ground. Troubles were out of my mind as I was concentrating on the surrounding beauty. I relaxed in the mesmerizing hum of the engine and beautiful scenery of farms, winding roads, and snow-capped mountains. Every time I fly, I silently express my gratitude that I can fly and think about how it has improved my self-confidence and self-worth. I have a lot to be grateful for.
And an excerpt about the International Seaplane Fly-in:
But there was another event called the Poker Run that sounded adventurous enough for me. This was a 175-nautical mile route around northern Maine to four sporting camps to pick up the cards. We flew the same route for 14 years and never had a good hand until 2019 when we won with a pair of 8s…
Our choice was to fly north to The Birches on the west shore of Moosehead Lake, then on to Penobscot Lake in western Maine on the Canadian border, Chesuncook Lake House in the central northern part of the State, Bradford Camps on Munsungan Lake, further east and on the north side of Mount Katahdin, then circumventing east of Katahdin to the Millinocket seaplane base. After picking up our last card and fueling there, we would head back to Greenville. There wasn’t a better way to spend the day, as far as I was concerned.
After landing and picking up our card, we met some other pilots at The Birches who were lingering over cups of coffee in the pine-paneled dining room as they enjoyed the warmth of the roaring fire in the enormous fieldstone fireplace. … at the Penobscot cabins, Francine, a French-Canadian cook served us wonderful warm, chewy chocolate chip cookies that were perfect with a cup of hot cocoa. Cookies are fine any time of the day. … Next we were off to the Chesuncook Lake House, which has since tragically burned to the ground. I loved the atmosphere there. The loggers had marked their history with their cleated boots. Creating pock-marked floors. … (At Bradford Camps on Munsungan Lake) we enjoyed Karen and Igor Sikorsky’s hospitality. Igor, the grandson of the inventor of the Sikorsky helicopter, always had a project to work on, whether it was repairing a porch on one of their log cabins or tending the storage in the icehouse. He was patient with all the pilots coming in asking him questions, even though he was busy. … On our way to Millinocket Lake, I always marveled at the majestic formation of Katahdin, towering to sharp narrow ridges with deep valleys along the side. I couldn’t imagine hiking along that ridge as I, like many pilots, have a fear of heights.
Awards were given out at the Saturday night banquet. In 2019, I was thrilled to walk up to the front of the crowded hangar to pick up my blue ribbon. After sitting down, a tall young woman approached me.
“I’ve been thinking about learning to fly and wasn’t sure it was a good idea because I’ve only seen male pilots. … You’ve inspired me so much that I will start lessons when I get home,” she said.
I was astonished and pleased that a simple act of enjoying myself had encouraged another woman to fly. I never would have expected that would affect someone like that, but it made my day. This young woman demonstrated to me that showing was better than telling.
The inspiring book is available through Mary Build’s website, Maine Authors Publishing, local bookstores, and libraries.
Enjoy Mary’s story!
A Reader in Maine
P.S. The 2023 International Seaplane Fly-In takes place September 7-10th in Greenville Maine.