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Korry M Franke
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3 Feet to the Left: A New Captain's Journey from Pursuit to Perspective Kindle Edition

by Korry M Franke (Author), Brett Snyder (Foreword) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 622 ratings
What's it really like to be a new airline captain? How does it feel to be ultimately responsible for a jet, its crew, and the lives of its passengers? How does one remain calm while battling mechanical malfunctions in the flight simulator, thunderstorms in Mexico City, or blizzards in Chicago? Find out for yourself when you strap in to the extra flight deck jumpseat and fly along with 31-year-old Korry Franke in this vivid and fast-paced memoir about his eventful first year as a United Airlines 737 captain. Experience the challenges, insecurities, successes, and failures of a new leader stepping up and taking command in the high-stakes world of airline flying. Along the way, discover that while 3 FEET TO THE LEFT is a story about Korry, it's really a story about all of us. Because in one way or another, we are all on our own journeys...3 feet to the left.
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  1. Print length
    371 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    October 5, 2018
  5. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  6. File size
    23.6 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

In 2013, Korry Franke became the youngest captain then flying for United Airlines. Now, the pilot, author, and speaker merges his years of airline leadership experience with the creativity he's honed as an accomplished jazz pianist, the discipline he's developed as a two-time marathoner, and the real-world business acumen he's gained as a Penn State University MBA graduate to lead people and organizations on life-changing journeys toward success and fulfillment. When Korry isn't flying or focusing on inspiring others to embrace their own captain's mindset, he's usually hiking with his wife, reading books to his young daughter, or volunteering with charities such as United We Care, where he serves on the employee relief fund's Board of Directors. Learn more about Korry and his keynotes at www.KorryFranke.com.

Brett Snyder is the author of the award-winning airline industry blog, The Cranky Flier, and president and chief airline dork of the personalized air travel assistance service, Cranky Concierge. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, Conde Nast Traveler named him one of the Top Travel Specialists. Previously, he worked in a variety of management roles for America West Airlines and United Airlines.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07HVZBZQB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Korry Franke
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 5, 2018
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 23.6 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 371 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1732695412
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 622 ratings

About the author

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Korry M Franke

Korry M Franke

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Korry Franke is an airline captain, speaker, and author of 3 Feet to the Left: A New Captain's Journey from Pursuit to Perspective. When Korry isn't flying or focusing on inspiring others to embrace their own captain's mindset, he's usually hiking with his wife, reading books to his young daughter, or volunteering with charities such as United We Care, where he served on the employee relief fund's Board of Directors.

---

Note: United Airlines is not responsible for the content of 3 Feet to the Left or this page. It has not endorsed any of the events described in the book as being representative of current corporate policies or procedures. Importantly, Korry's perspective is his alone, completely independent of any United Airlines affiliation.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
622 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a compelling and easy read that provides great insights into the aviation business. Moreover, the writing style is well-crafted, and the stories are personable. Additionally, customers appreciate the book's leadership content and find it humorous.

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39 customers mention "Readability"39 positive0 negative

Customers find the book compelling and worth reading, particularly for aviation enthusiasts and frequent travelers.

"...of scenery, landscapes, scenarios, relationships, trials, accomplishments and most importantly Faith, Family and Friends were so vivid and came to..." Read more

"...I can heartily recommend it as one of the better books I have read about the challenges of leadership and age...." Read more

"...occupational requirements is something every reader will find both interesting and useful. Highly recommended. Capt...." Read more

"Educational, professional, and yet personal...." Read more

30 customers mention "Insight"30 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and inspiring, providing great insights into the aviation business and commercial pilot work.

"...in his career as a pilot to make the skies friendlier and safer for all the souls on board and thanks for challenging us readers to think about how..." Read more

"...requirements is something every reader will find both interesting and useful. Highly recommended. Capt. Jim Wright – SW Alaska Pilots Assn (ret)" Read more

"...Good tips on how to handle both mechanical and human factors that affect each of us are discussed with candor...." Read more

"...in or connection to the airline industry will find this book thought provoking and beautifully written." Read more

14 customers mention "Writing style"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style of the book very well written and easy to read, with one customer noting the author's descriptive style.

"...Very well written and at times so real that it put me right there in the cock pit...." Read more

"...Technically accurate and well written interweaving his personal life and doubts with the beauty of the view from the window seat and of the airline...." Read more

"...Korry is a skilled writer and does a masterful job of putting the reader in the cockpit especially with regard to details that remain hidden to..." Read more

"...the airline industry will find this book thought provoking and beautifully written." Read more

13 customers mention "Story quality"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the stories in the book, finding them personable and well told, with one customer highlighting the fascinating account of the journey.

"...The author’s descriptions of scenery, landscapes, scenarios, relationships, trials, accomplishments and most importantly Faith, Family and Friends..." Read more

"...And of course there are plenty of stories in airmanship too, keeping even an aviation geek like myself thoroughly engaged throughout." Read more

"...It was interesting to read many of the scenarios that the author was faced with, specifically where things went wrong including his own failures as..." Read more

"...Captain Korry Franke writes with such explanation and captivating detail that you get drawn into each experience like it’s your own...." Read more

10 customers mention "Leadership"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the leadership insights in the book, with one customer highlighting its personal journey and another noting its vivid portrayal of friends.

"...trials, accomplishments and most importantly Faith, Family and Friends were so vivid and came to life on the pages...." Read more

"Educational, professional, and yet personal...." Read more

"...enjoyed reading this book through such an experienced, yet humble leader who really strives to always be bettering himself for the sake of others." Read more

"...teach us that vision, values, mission, and goals are what define great leaders." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous and entertaining.

"...nut (geek) I found Korry’s book to be be both informative and entertaining...." Read more

"I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved this book! It makes you laugh, cry, stress, laugh again and more than anything, think!..." Read more

"...The book will make you laugh and cry. An absolute must read!" Read more

"Delightful - Entertaining - Informative..." Read more

A realistic look into the flight deck and challenging look into the mirror in front of me
5 out of 5 stars
A realistic look into the flight deck and challenging look into the mirror in front of me
I just finished up my first (but not last) read of “3 Feet To The Left” and am so grateful Captain Franke took the time to put pen to paper on the realities of life in the cockpit. Woven into his detailed recounting of the triumphs and trials along his path to become a young legacy airline Captain are life lessons in leadership and relationship that even non-aviation enthusiasts will find pertinent. And of course there are plenty of stories in airmanship too, keeping even an aviation geek like myself thoroughly engaged throughout.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Ginger
    5.0 out of 5 stars Leadership with grace, aplomb, and humility
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Not long ago, I worked on a couple projects that sent me all over the globe. I trusted my time and my safety to United Airlines to keep me moving, logging a ridiculous number of miles traveled between 2010 and 2015. I have a love of commercial aviation that many consider unnatural. So it was with great interest that I took note of Cranky Flier's recommendation of Captain Franke's book about being the youngest United Airlines captain. I can heartily recommend it as one of the better books I have read about the challenges of leadership and age. Though not dealing with life-and-death situations, I also found myself in a leadership role in my early 30's in an industry (offshore oil and gas) that values gray hair almost more than common sense. I dealt with similar challenges, and made some mistakes along the way. Our ages aren't all that different, and not only did the aviation geek in me love the "peek inside the flight deck" feel to the book, I could relate to much of what Korry went through on his journey.

    This is absolutely a book I'll recommend to every young engineer I meet and deal with in my line of work, because eventually, they'll find themselves in charge of a department or a PO or a contract and will have to tread similar waters. I hope they are able to swim them with as much grace, humility, and aplomb as Captain Franke does. He is a credit to both United and to Embry Riddle. I hope to have the honor of flying with him someday. Kudos.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and Thought Provoking
    Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I just finished the book and was really captured by it. Couldn’t put it down today, even between and while watching football playoffs. The author’s descriptions of scenery, landscapes, scenarios, relationships, trials, accomplishments and most importantly Faith, Family and Friends were so vivid and came to life on the pages. Thanks to Captain Franke for reflecting each day on what is important in his career as a pilot to make the skies friendlier and safer for all the souls on board and thanks for challenging us readers to think about how we navigate our own journey and contemplate what is most important in our life. Very well written and at times so real that it put me right there in the cock pit. The scenarios had me living them through the eyes of my Son, who also attends Embry Riddle and is studying to be a Captain someday. For sure he will be facing these same challenges in his career some day soon and I know this book will serve as a wonderful resource for him. Hoping CJ and other young pilots starting out, as well as veterans in the industry struggling to make sense of the challenges, can meet them as gracefully as Captain Franke has navigated the experiences of a pilot following his dream. The sky is the limit. Congratulations and Thank you, Captain Franke!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Larry D'Oench
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good story teller
    Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    An autobiographical story of an airline captain’s first year in the left seat told by one who’s been there. Technically accurate and well written interweaving his personal life and doubts with the beauty of the view from the window seat and of the airline. To his great credit he shares some of his less than stellar moments which makes the story personal. If there’s a shortfall, and minor at that, the author could give a bit more credit to the vast army of support people that make U.S. airline flying as safe as it is. When I was a captain for American Airlines the belief was if the captain ever has to make a decision, someone’s not doing their job. The book is a good escorted tour down memory lane.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • alberl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and description of becoming a new Airline Captain in todays world
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. As a B-777 Captain of 45 years in aviation, 36 as a pilot at an airline, and 28 as an Airline Captain. The stories brought me back to when I moved over to the left seat a long time ago. The author does a good job of writing about the trials and tribulations of technical, social, and leadership issues one faces when becoming a Captain at an airline for the first time. This book is also a good read for those not in the airline business to provide a glimpse behind the door and the decision making, planning and preparation that airline crews confront on every flight. Kerry's style of telling these stories from his perspective, while his stories, are not that much different from what all Airline Captains experience when we sign for the jet for the first time.
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  • margaret walton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought from Louisville, KY
    Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Totally enjoyed this story as one who travels by air but has been always very curious about the uniformed people I see going to and fro in airports. Actually I live in Louisville, KY and UPS is a huge and good presence in the city.......what I hear from UPS fits into your narrative of the constant problem of furloughs and I think the promise of a consistent career path for UPS pilots has been well-received. Is it possible that freight doesn't have the same 'romance' as passenger trade....they do fly, however, the most ginormous planes! All in all, what attracted me to your story was the humor and your willingness to share stories of your family, wife, marriage and even your dog. Should I ever fly with United I hope you might be the captain.
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  • Jim Wright
    5.0 out of 5 stars Where Sky and Sea Meet
    Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This 5-star recommendation might be rather unique by coming from a pilot of ships instead of airplanes. Having spent 50+ years in the maritime industry, the last 30 as a harbor pilot in Alaska, you could say that other than altitude and speed, the job descriptions of airline and harbor pilots are quite similar.

    Korry is a skilled writer and does a masterful job of putting the reader in the cockpit especially with regard to details that remain hidden to most airline travelers. Additionally, Korry’s ability to blend his life experiences with occupational requirements is something every reader will find both interesting and useful. Highly recommended.
    Capt. Jim Wright – SW Alaska Pilots Assn (ret)
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Tony Harrison
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read - couldn't put it down
    Reviewed in Australia on October 15, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Really enjoyed this great read from Korry (with a K). Being a pilot I enjoyed the technical aspects of the book, and this book could be read easily by someone with an interested in aviation.

    Really enjoyed the way Korry crafted the story involving both his professional life at United Airlines and his personal life (and the very personal issues that came up).

    Great read - wish the book was twice as long!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Bruno P
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Journey
    Reviewed in Brazil on August 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Really identified with Korry’s story, because just like him, I was also a young captain on my first year after upgrade. It’s really nice to know that things in aviation happen for everybody with a high degree of resemblance no matter where you are or work in the world. I would recommend this book for every pilot that aims to get their command upgrade one day. And also for long time Captains, just as a reminder of wonderful our job is, and that we have all been trough the same steps once.
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  • Anibal E. Baranek
    5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book
    Reviewed in Canada on May 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Some books can sometimes touch you in special ways. As an airline pilot myself, I felt this book tried to do several different things and, strangely enough, it succeeded.
    For pilots like myself it gives a great idea of the challenges of an upgrade. In going through his mistakes and accomplishments of his first year commanding an airliner it gives us the chance to learn from his experience.
    But Captain Korry keeps the book purposefully non technical, avoiding acronyms and technical terms (when possible) that would make the book harder to read. It is thus a great read for somebody interested in the Airline industry. Even without a technical background.
    And finally I found the book beautiful because of the emphasis on relations and people. Spending hours locked in with a stranger is one of the best perks, and sometimes worst things, of flying. Reading the book gave me more appreciation of my job.
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  • J3R
    5.0 out of 5 stars VERY GOOD AVIATION BOOK
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    i am not a pilot but enjoy aviation stories.
    Having read many biographies they can, sometimes, be quite bland, if only because they are including many separate aspects of their lives which you may wish, or not, to skip.
    This book really is from the sharp end of a pilot's aspect and his progress through his career as he copes with all aspects of management. After all, that is what they do once the cockpit turns on its autopilot. But it does not just stop there.
    I found it fascinating, scary and looked forward to my nightly reads.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
    Reviewed in India on January 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Such a good read.Being a pilot myself,I can relate almost everything written in the book. Thank you for this incredible book,Captain Korry.
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