Pilot in the Wild: Flights of conservation and survival

Published in 2013 by Jacana Media, Pilot in the Wild: Flights of Conservation and Survival by John Bassi is a vivid memoir that combines aviation adventure with wildlife conservation across Southern Africa. Drawing on the author’s experience as a pilot working in remote and often challenging environments, the book offers a firsthand account of low-altitude flying over wilderness areas, game reserves, and isolated landscapes where aircraft become essential tools for survival, research, and conservation management.

In Pilot in the Wild, Bassi recounts missions involving wildlife tracking, anti-poaching operations, animal relocations, and logistical support for conservation teams operating in difficult terrain. The narrative captures both the technical demands of bush flying and the unpredictability of working in environments where weather, wildlife, and terrain all present constant challenges. Through these experiences, the book highlights the crucial role aviation plays in modern conservation efforts across Africa.

John Bassi’s writing in Pilot in the Wild balances technical aviation detail with reflective storytelling. The book explores not only the mechanics of flying but also the emotional and ethical dimensions of working closely with endangered wildlife and conservation professionals. Episodes of danger, precision flying, and close encounters with animals are interwoven with broader reflections on environmental protection and the changing realities of African wilderness management.

Today, Pilot in the Wild is regarded as an engaging contribution to African aviation and conservation literature. Its combination of memoir, adventure, and environmental insight makes it a compelling title for readers interested in bush flying, wildlife conservation, and contemporary African fieldwork.

Condition: Very good – Light wear present.