Review: Flight to Heaven by Capt. Dale Black

Title: Flight to Heaven: A Plane Crash… A Lone Survivor… A Journey to Heaven–and Back
Author: Captain Dale Black
Released: May 1, 2010
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages/Format: 187 (Trade Paperback)
Genre: Nonfiction, Christian Memoir
Source: Bethany House Book Reviewers

Captain Dale Black has flown as a commercial pilot all over the world, but one flight changed his life forever–an amazing journey to heaven and back.

The only survivor of a horrific plane crash, Dale was hovering between life and death when he had a wondrous experience of heaven. What he saw, what he heard, and what he learned there continues to ripple through his life and touch others.

Against all odds, Dale miraculously recovered from his injuries and learned to fly again. Now, with his life as a testament, he shares his inspiring story–offering hope and encouragement for those dealing with serious injuries or the loss of a loved one, and those looking for assurance about this life and the next.

One Sentence Review:

In-Depth Review

I was a little apprehensive about this book when I first started reading, as I always am with books about near-death experiences involving trips to or visions of heaven, hell, and everywhere in between. I had previously read 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper, which I wasn’t thrilled with. In addition to the weak writing, I was disappointed to read Tim Challies’ review at Discerning Reader which denounced the book as theologically incorrect. (I’m no theologian, but I think it’s important to exercise extreme caution when determining whether a near-death–or after-death experience as in Piper’s case–is credible or not.)

As I progressed through the book, I grew steadily more certain of the author’s sincerity. Co-authored with Ken Gire, Flight to Heaven is well-written and entertaining. I was caught up in the story just as much as I would be with any fictional work. I also enjoyed the multiple black-and-white photos depicting the crash site and Captain Black, among others. I found Black’s narrative deeply touching and his distinct change of heart after the crash moving and inspiring.

Organization: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The book starts out with the first part of a harrowing tale involving a missionary flight Captain Black piloted over Zambia in the eighties. The reader is then whisked back in time seventeen years to 1969 when the crash which is the primary focus of the story took place. At the end of the book the Zambia flight story is wrapped up. I really like how this was set up and I think it adds more intrigue and depth to the book.

Usefulness: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

If the purpose of this book is to inspire people to cling to Christ no matter what and trust Him to take care of them, then it is very useful. It ranks among some of the most encouraging memoirs I’ve read.

Accuracy: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

I can’t judge for certain whether or not Dale Black is phony or legit, but it would appear that his story is authentic and his experience real. Unlike Don Piper, Black does not claim to have died and gone to heaven. Whether his experience was an actual trip to heaven or a vision of things to come, he does not specify or claim to know. His descriptions of heaven seem to line up with the Bible (check on this for yourself). He claims to have waited forty years before sharing his story with anyone–when he felt God finally gave him the okay to do so in a way that would bring glory to Him and not just fame to Black.

Writing: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Flight to Heaven is well-written. It doesn’t feel forced and the authors avoided using the ridiculously corny dialogue which seems to be the staple of most inspirational memoirs. It read like a good novel and the writing style did not distract from the story itself.

Format: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The cover fits the book perfectly and the type face is attractive and easy to read. I like the chapter headers and how the chapter number is replaced with a little airplane graphic for the acknowledgments, prologue, and afterward.

Other Reviews:

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About Dale Black:

Capt. Dale Black is a retired airline pilot who has dedicated his career to professional pilot training and aviation safety. He holds a BA in Spanish, an MA in Theology, and a PhD in Business. Capt. Black is the founder of Eagle International Ministries where he has led scores of teams on missionary projects to over 50 countries since 1981. He and his wife are the parents of two grown children and live in Southern California.