A Lifetime in Longhaul

Bill Anderson

Qantas Pilot Flying Stories

“The pilots with the 747 have carried Australians to the world... These are their fascinating stories of passion and commitment. Essential reading for anyone in love with flying” - Geoffrey Thomas, Chief Editor, Air Transport World

This book is an opportunity to uncover the fascinating world of longhaul aviation.

In 1965, Qantas Airways commenced the Qantas Cadet Pilot Training Scheme. Thirteen courses were completed over a period of seven years, with the last course graduating in 1972.

Bill Anderson was a member of 5 Course. He and twelve colleagues from that course recall their challenges both on the ground and in the air after A Lifetime in Longhaul.

These men have some amazing tales to tell, from their early days as young men learning to fly, their entry into Qantas and on to the present day.

These stories contain humour and excitement, with some close calls and some very funny situations that arose during the course of those years. There are celebrities that find their way onto the flight deck and tales of cities that many will remember the way they used to be.

 

About the Author

Captain Bill Anderson was educated at Wesley College, Perth, Western Australia, finishing his Leaving Certificate there in 1964. During that time, he was a Cadet Under Officer in the Air Training Corp and a very keen sailor, in which role he represented W.A. in two Australian Championships. He completed his Private Pilot’s Licence at the Royal Aero Club of W.A. and in 1967 was selected to join the Qantas Cadet Pilot Training Scheme.

Bill remained with Qantas for his entire career, retiring in 2007.  During that period he flew numerous aircraft in the Qantas fleet...the DC-3, HS-125, DC-4, B707, B767 and the B747.

With several years as a Check and Training Captain on the B767, Bill's last fifteen years were as a Captain on the B747- 400. His fascinating story, along with those of his fellow cadets, is told in this book.

Bill and his wife Sherrin live at Kurmond, near the Blue Mountains in N.S.W. They have two children, Honi and Bill, daughter-in-law Jackie and grandson Will.