Bruce Landsberg

What a privilege to read this! After spending 25 years in U.S. Army Aviation and 12 years with the Federal Aviation Administration overseeing General Aviation, this truly resonates.
As the former President and CEO of the Vertical Aviation International Association, and with over 8,000 flight hours across 100 different aircraft, I’m very familiar with many of the incidents highlighted. Yet, this book goes far beyond simply retelling accidents. It offers real insights that I hope both new and seasoned pilots take to heart.
I appreciated the humor and the directness — some of the commentary felt like a real poke in the chest (in the best way). Why do we keep having the same accidents over and over again? Well done, Mr. Safety!

Learning from Icarus is an essential read that captures why safety is the foundation of aviation’s future. By weaving together decades of investigative research, including historical crashes and personal experiences, Bruce delivers a compelling vision for making the skies safer for all. As someone who personally shares this vision and founded a company exclusively focused on flight safety, I can’t recommend this book enough.

My takeaway from this ambitious and important read is threefold: 1. Bruce has a lot of wisdom regarding human behavior and about enhancing flight safety; 2. His writing is reader-friendly, self-effacing, and authoritative [check out his aviation credentials on the back cover]; 3. Defying gravity has been demonstrated again and again and again to contain risk, which, when mishandled, can deliver tragic outcomes. So, while the fundamental message presented herein is oft repeated through numerous and often riveting real-life examples, I came away thinking that’s absolutely appropriate to ensure it penetrates.

As a long time follower of Bruce and lucky to have worked and flown with him for a number of years, I appreciate his ability to communicate in a manner that I believe saves lives... Thanks, Bruce.

“Mr. Safety” pens his book Learning from Icarus ….In the book just released on Amazon and available from Barnes and Noble, the former AOPA Air Safety Institute president and NTSB vice chairman has complied aviation safety lessons from his years of instructing, analyzing, and investigating aviation. Readers will gain insight from a comprehensive review of aviation safety crashes including airline, corporate, and GA featuring more than 200 color illustrations, and 40 case studies. In several events, detailed cockpit voice recorder transcripts help the reader understand the accident pilots’ mindset….

Amazon Review, Desmond Connally ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-- INSPIRATIONAL !! Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2026 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase Just finished reading this book- OUTSTANDING! Really enjoyed it! Earmarked a number of sections. I particularly liked, and will repeat, many of the quotes and sayings Bruce included. The NTSB findings, Probable Cause, and Commentary, for each of the accidents, are incredibly valuable. I have the highest regard for the people of the FAA and NTSB who investigate these accidents. The careful and scientific analysis is refreshing. It is so common to hear opinions and speculation on root causes for these tragedies WITHOUT the facts. The preliminary information provided on the loss of Richard McSpadden was especially moving, and painful, to read. I will do as Bruce does, " He is beside me..." Thank you, Bruce, for all your contributions to aviation. I will be gifting this book to many of my fellow aviators!

Amazon Review, Matt Johnson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-- Must have aviation book! Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2025 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase Wow! I had a feeling this would be good, but I seriously couldn’t put the book down! Bruce brings a wealth of knowledge that is priceless and has an engaging way of explaining things.

Amazon Review, Desmd ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-- Required Reading for every pilot and anyone involved with or interested in aviation or flight safety Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2025 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase The author has devoted his life to improving aviation safety; he teaches by example, using real - life (and sadly real -death) crash and near miss scenarios to make salient points about every aspect of flight and the larger field of aviation. This book should be required reading for every pilot - from ab initio student to the most seasoned turbine pilot - as well as mechanics, dispatchers, ramp crew and even FAA administrators. As the author points out, risk can never be eliminated but can certainly be reduced; this book and the author's lifetime of efforts will help achieve that goal.

Amazon Customer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Good information, easily readable, hard to put down! Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2026. Format: Kindle Bruce has compiled a comprehensive detailed collection of aeronautical incidents, drawing from both recent events and historical cases. This thoughtfully and thoroughly curated selection serves as an invaluable resource for aviators, offering a wealth of situations and experiences from which pilots—whether new to flying or seasoned professionals—can gain significant insight. One of Bruce's strengths lies in his approachable writing style. The material is presented in a way that is both accessible and engaging, making complex situations easy to understand and remember. The accounts are enlivened with well-chosen quotes, frequently laced with humor, which not only entertain but also reinforce the lessons being conveyed. This collection stands out as both informative and enjoyable. The blend of practical knowledge and memorable storytelling ensures that all pilots, whether flying privately or commercially, will find these accounts both entertaining and highly useful in their ongoing learning and professional development.

Patrick Hupp ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-- Must read for pilots of all levels Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2025 Format: Paperback If you are a pilot at any level this is a must read. Learning lessons from the past can help you think twice before making the same ones. Bruce does a great job of presenting the information in a way that is easily digestible and commentary to help clarify.