Jim Blackburn, out-of-work journalist, meets a prickly old woman at an airport overlook, the start of an unlikely friendship. Over several months she spins a tale of her amazing life’s journey. Jim discovers that Billie Hardwicke is a veteran World War II Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP), an adventurous, sometimes foolhardy soul who bravely takes on the Army’s most challenging bombers, transports and pursuit aircraft. Jim realizes he must tell the world her story.
Beginning in her teens, Billie questions her place in the world, her talents, even her own sexuality. Then she finds her true calling…in the air. She fights to gain a foothold in the male dominated skies, while breaking the law, breaking more than one heart, even killing. Billie crisscrosses America, leaps the North Atlantic and dives deep into the treacherous South American jungle, always pushing the envelope and the limits of her abilities.
As Billie’s story makes its final approach, Jim will discover secrets she has carried for decades. And he will find his life closely tied to hers while learning to confront his own fear of flying.
