Flying the Archipelago

A career in aviation is intriguing to many, but what is it really like? In his memoir, Flying the Archipelago, Ewart Franklin Hinkson peels back the mysterious layers of air traffic control, aeroplane maintenance, and life as a commercial pilot. Hinkson was born and raised on the beautiful island nation of St. Lucia. There, he was introduced to aviation, and a life-long career in the field began. After migrating to Canada and furthering his studies, Hinkson returned to the Caribbean to acquire a commercial pilot’s license. For thirteen years, he owned and managed a small air-taxi service that allowed him to constantly travel above the magical Caribbean Sea. Intertwined with Hinkson’s own tales is the true story of the political interference that is stifling the growth of aviation in St. Lucia. Hinkson details how irresponsible government decisions retard the growth of the tourist industry on the island and the region in general-causing the individual islands and the region to lose millions of dollars and repressing economic development. Flying the Archipelago is an exciting mix of pilot stories, political intrigue, and one man’s journey toward the big, blue skies.