Ernest K. Gann Quotes

Rule books are paper - they will not cushion a sudden meeting of stone and metal.

Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.

There are two kinds of airplanes - those you fly and those that fly you . . . You must have a distinct understanding at the very start as to who is the boss.

Nobody who gets too damned relaxed builds up much flying time.

There is no more alluring airspace in the world than the slit up a China girl's dress.

Electronics were rascals, and they lay awake nights trying to find some way to screw you during the day. You could not reason with them. They had a brain and intestines, but no heart.

The emergencies you train for almost never happen. It's the one you can't train for that kills you.

Flying is hypnotic and all pilots are willing victims to the spell.

MaCleod, since you've flown the SeaBee a lot you'll understand when I say it was the only airplane I ever owned that you could put in a dive, loose a cylinder and stall out!

I want a boat that drinks 6, eats 4, and sleeps 2.

It's remarkable how quickly a good and favorable wind can sweep away the maddening frustrations of shore living.