Could you fly a plane? Patrick Chovanec never imagined he could, until the COVID-19 pandemic pushed him in an unexpected direction. Climb into the cockpit with him and find out what it's like to go, step by step, from passenger to pilot. Peppered with interesting bits of history, personal insights, and moments of high tension, Cleared for the Option is a fun and relatable introduction to the often intimidating world of aviation. Cleared for the Option explores, in detail, the knowledge that every pilot must learn: aerodynamics, handling the controls, reading the instruments, regulations, medical standards, weather, navigation, and mechanics. It describes, in candid and personal terms, the practical challenges—landing an airplane, talking to air traffic control, mastering precise maneuvers, passing the final checkride—that anyone must overcome during flight training to become a pilot. If you're interested in aviation, or ever considered learning to fly, this book is for you. For aspiring pilots, Cleared for the Option is a roadmap to the adventure that lies ahead. For the curious, it's an invitation to sit in the co-pilot's seat and learn the answers to questions you never thought you had. For all of us, it's a story about the vital importance of taking on new life challenges—and never letting a year go to waste. About the author: Patrick Chovanec is an economic advisor and former chief strategist for Silvercrest Asset Management, based in New York City. He has spent much of his life in China and has traveled widely to a variety of unusual destinations, including North Korea. He taught as an Associate Professor of Practice at Tsinghua University's School of Economics and Management (SEM) in Beijing and as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Patrick's insights into the global economy and US-China relations have been featured in major media outlets, including CNBC, Bloomberg, CNN, Fox Business, NPR, BBC, and print media such as the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Washington Post, Business Week, and Foreign Policy. Specifications: Pages: 602 Dimensions: 9”x6”x1.5” Binding: Paperback
