Pilot aims to inspire toddlers with new picture book 'Why Fly?'

For pilots and fans of flying out there looking to start the next generation off early with getting bitten by the aviation bug, a newly published book might be something to add to your holiday shopping lists. Longtime pilot and business aviation expert Mike McCracken recently published Why Fly?, a picture book that takes young readers soaring into the air. Illustrated by Lisa Bohart, the book is about planes and birds "and how great it must be to be as free as a bird," McCracken told GlobalAir.com. An airline transport pilot who has flown more than 7,000 hours in a variety of cockpits, McCracken has also bought and sold many business jets over his 40-year aviation career. He founded Hawkeye Acquisitions, where he serves as president and as a senior aircraft appraiser. "After going to several conferences and seeing the pilot and mechanic shortage in the day-to-day business of buying and selling aircraft I thought back to when I got the bug to fly," McCracken told us about his new book. "I remember my father getting his private pilot license when I was around 5. We went to flight breakfasts, airshows and cookouts at the local FBO. Typical of a young kid, I had many other influences along the way and career thoughts. My sophomore year of college, that original dream about flying became my career goal." Also inspiring him were his three grandchildren, including twin granddaughters.RELATED: GlobalAir.com business aviation news articles by Mike McCracken "Young kids have great imaginations, and you never know which dream might take flight," he said. "One thing for sure, most young people without being exposed to the dream of flying will not just get there on their own. Thus, I wrote a whimsical book to expose toddlers to the dream of flying. With great illustrations and vivid colors to hold their attention and just maybe, that dream might come to fruition later when they are thinking of a career." Why Fly? Is available now for purchase from the following websites:Buy Why Fly? on Amazon.comBuy Why Fly? from Barnes andamp; Noble