This book is a collection of true incidents and bizarre stories of aircraft and people encountered while trying to develop a small airline business in Newfoundland and Labrador during the sixties and seventies. Bush flying in Newfoundland and Labrador is very much the equivalent of the Canadian North with treacherous weather thrown in for good measure and author Gene Manion places you right in the cockpit with him. In his account of trying to start a bushplane and helicopter charter service he shares with the reader both the triumphs and difficulties of that journey.
The Honourable John Crosbie PC, OC, ONL, QC, in his foreword to the book stated “I am pleased to extol high merit to Gene Manion’s book “Flying on the Edge.” This book provides a vivid description of the Newfoundland people, politicians and sealing industry during the period from 1960 – 2000. It is the best account I have ever read of bush flying in this province or anywhere, and the best descriptions of coastal and inland Newfoundland and of our rivers and wildlife.”
“Manion’s book is an excellent account of the dedication and perseverance of his team of pilots and staff who would not give up, of how they dealt with inadequate funding and countless difficult situations. These are dramatic exploits that never made the news, although they are still remembered around the kitchen tables and bush camps by those who were aware.”