Broken Wings: A Flight Attendant's Journey

By Nattanya Andersen

Book Overview

Following an in-flight engine explosion, senior flight attendant Nattanya Andersen was diagnosed by the airline's medical team with a lasting condition of post-traumatic stress disorder. Previously story-free, Nattanya's resulting health problems started to emerge and her career had to come to a halt. The corporate denial of Nattanya's problems led her to fight back. "Broken Wings" is the gripping account of the struggle with her employer, as well as the net of entangled difficulties woven by the entire airline industry with the help and obstacles of multi-government bureaucracies and so-called unions, all shamelessly manouvering to maximize profits (which are, most times, a minuscule financial gain per passenger, but since airlines have nearly five billion clients per year...).

The book grows to reveal the true and troubling general health issues afflicting professionals in the air. The airline industry is hoping that these rarely adressed insider's revelations injuring employees will not circulate among its paying customers (mainly frequent flying passengers ), as they are equally affected: the damaging consequences of insufficient air quantity and rarified oxygen, polluted (some times neuro-toxic) air quality, radiation exposure and other high-altitude consequences, turbulence effects, ensuing air rage, alcoholism, ... a host of other dangers, problems and symptoms all affecting long-term and short-term health. This is a comprehensive account of health hazards from flying in the 21st century.

As pages turn, one dicovers the compelling drama, but - refreshingly - this courageous tale is not told from a powerless victim's position but with the use of ballance and humor for truth and justice. The passionate and caring soul of the author brings us to hope that, at some point, corporations will switch from a context of denial to a desire of monitoring and improving their employees' and customers' health and well-being. Finally available in the digital format, "Broken Wings" is a unique, fascinating, eye-opening must-read that will deeply touch all travel professionals and passengers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0968497608
• ISBN13: 9780968497609
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: Avia Publishing
• Length: 326 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Something for Everyone

Except if purchased over the 'net, this book is not available in Australia. This is a definite shame, as Ms Andersen's story is one that needs to be told. I was lucky enough to be given a copy, and I found it absolutely gripping. If you're like me, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what this book is -not-....This isn't just a book about the airline industry - don't make that mistake. It's much, much more. And it's not just dry facts and figures. Ms Andersen gives the reader a deep and clear glimpse into her soul as she chronicles her life leading up to the accident which changed her life, and her struggle with the union and her employers after the event.It's also not a 'poor me' story. Throughout, the author is honest about her own mistakes and misjudgments, and her sincerity and honesty shine through clearly. To me, this is a story about fear, betrayal and the phoenix-like rebirth of a soul. Ms Andersen emerges as a complete - albeit scarred - person from a situation which came close to breaking her. Even if you have no interest in the airline industry (although the statistics are quite amazing!) you will find Ms Andersen's story utterly compelling.I would consider this to be a 'must read' book. Beware, though - once you get into this book, you won't rest until you've finished it!

We are no longer in the dark !

Boy is this book informative or what? It's shedding light on the airline industry like never before.Although I adored the author's humor, I didn't quite believe her at first - so I checked things out! And she's right - it's scary...I feel this determined story is shared with us so that something positive comes out of the mess the airline industry is shoving down our throat. Let's hope more people read this book and demand clarifications to their favorite airline. Thank you for your courage, Mrs. Andersen.

The Globe reviewed it, I read it. So must you!

Reading Broken Wings was an eye-opening experience. I was delighted to learn that a flight attendant had written a book, from a Globe and Mail review. It's been a long time since "Cabin Pressure". But this is not as humorous. It deals with issues pertaining to our health and well being. Nattanya Andersen's (author) passion for flying reminded me about why I set out in pursuit of a flight attendant career. After nine years of flying, Nattanya has rejuvenated some of those long forgotten feelings I had within.The issues of Air Rage, Aircraft Cabin Air Quality and other dangers involved in a flying career are all addressed in this "eye-opener" of a book. Until now, I hadn't thought of the long term effects of breathing recycled air in a confined environment 1200 hours per annum; now I know why I sometimes feel light headed while on duty. I also learned how reducing the intake of fresh outside air saves airlines mass amounts of money in fuel. A must-read for all flight attendants and for those considering a career in this field.

Riviting story and filling the need for life as a Flight Att

I found I could relate to much of the airline life and stories, since some have also happened me. It must have been a cleansing for the author to write her book and finally arrive to a happier stage of her life. Good luck with your future writing. Flight Attendant Vancouver B. C.

Incredible

Long duty hours, aircraft snags, delays, weather, generate pressure on aircrew. Compounded pressures can create a domino effect, resulting in an accident. And there are people who have been put into positions of pressure where they have to worry about such things. Clearly, clearly, profits are fine. Profits to the exclusion of all else are not. These aspects of flying are talked about in Broken Wings.