In this episode of the James Spearman Show, host James Spearman interviews Eileen Bjorkman with a particular passion for military and homebuilt aircraft. She is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with 700+ hours of flying time as a flight test engineer in 25 different types of military aircraft, primarily the F-4, F-16, C-130, and C-141. As a civilian pilot, she holds an Airline Transport Pilot rating and is a Certificated Flight Instructor with more than 2,000 hours of flying time. She owns an aerobatic airplane, a Super Decathlon, and is building an RV-8.
She discusses the challenges faced by women in aviation, her transition to civilian life, and her passion for writing, including her recent books. The conversation also touches on the future of military aviation and the importance of technological advancements. In this conversation, Eileen Bjorkman shares her journey of writing about homebuilt aircraft, weaving in her father's story with the rich history of aviation. Eileen emphasizes the evolution of aviation enthusiasm, particularly among those who discover their passion later in life, and highlights the significance of organizations that support women in aviation.
Takeaways
Eileen grew up around airplanes, influenced by her father's career.
She initially pursued a career in computer science before joining the Air Force.
Eileen's realization of the importance of flying in the Air Force shaped her career path.
Her first flight in the F-4 was a memorable experience filled with awe.
Eileen served in the Air Force for almost 30 years, witnessing significant changes.
The dynamics of military aviation careers have evolved over the years.
Transitioning to civilian life involved exploring new opportunities and writing.
Eileen's writing journey began with a personal story about her father's aircraft.
She has seen the development of many aircraft, including the C-17 and B-2.
She gained credibility by writing articles for Air and Space magazine.
Creative nonfiction classes helped her learn storytelling techniques.
The publishing process can take years, even for experienced writers.
Research often leads to unexpected discoveries and rabbit holes.
Homebuilding in aviation has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century.
EAA played a crucial role in the homebuilding movement.
Many aviation enthusiasts start their journey later in life.
Community support is vital for success in aviation endeavors.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Eileen Bjorkman
03:03 - Eileen's Journey into Aviation
05:50 - Experiences in the F-4 and Other Aircraft
08:58 - Career Progression in the Air Force
11:48 - Challenges and Changes in Military Aviation
14:57 - Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
17:48 - Writing and Publishing Books
21:09 - Reflections on Aircraft Testing and Development
24:04 - Future of Military Aviation and Technology
32:13 - The Journey to Writing a Book
37:06 - Exploring Homebuilt Aircraft History
41:55 - The Evolution of Aviation Enthusiasm
46:30 - Researching Homebuilt Aircraft Stories
53:02 - Community and Support in Aviation
Special thanks to Eileen Bjorkman for sharing her story on the show!
To learn more about her incredible work, visit her website: https://eileenbjorkman.com
You can also check out her books:
The Fly Girls Revolt – A powerful look at the women military aviators who fought for their right to serve in combat.
The Propeller Under the Bed – A personal journey through aviation history and the homebuilt aircraft movement.
Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin – A gripping account of the U.S. military’s commitment to leaving no one behind.
Be sure to connect with Eileen and explore her work!
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