Icarus Updated

About the Book

I have described how it has always been my dream to fly even as a young boy, and Charles A. Lindbergh was my hero for his flight over the Atlantic even when I was just 8 years old. Many, many years later I would duplicate his daring flight, but mine was not so daring because I had four engines and thousands of gallons of gasoline as well as much improved navigation facilities. Although there is always danger in flying, there is also much enjoyment and satisfaction as well, and this story has tried to point all the many aspects of my experiences.

My flying began as a crewmember in 1940 and continued until June 1960, when I retired. I look back fondly of those days and the many close friends I have made over the years, and I will never forget that time in my life.

This is my story of pursuing my dream of flying for over 30 years and the escapades and incidents arising during that time. I accumulated more than 9,000 hours in the air while living this dream and have qualified in more than 20 different types of aircraft, including single and multi engine land craft as well as multi engined seaplanes. Naturally, any incidents occurred during this time and more than a few will remain in my memory until I die. I hope my story will be more than entertaining, but also educational. This tale will take you over much of the world during peace time as well as during World War II.

Howard J. Spreeman

Book review
September 20, 2006

Hello Howie,

I just finished reading "ICARUS UPDATED." I became addicted from the first page. It is a book that I couldn´t put down. In fact, my wife, Jody, said "I never thought I´d see the day when you would read a book during Monday Night Football!"

Howie, thank you sharing your life experience by writing a marvelous legacy!

Sincerely,

Emory Lee Crews

About the Author

Howard J. Spreeman was born in Appleton, Wisconsin on March 19, 1921. His early years were coping with the “great depression” and in 1935 his parents bought a small farm a few miles from Appleton so the family would have something to eat if things got any worse. This farm was about a mile from the local airport, and provided impetus to the dream Howard already had to become an aviator. Unsuccessful at joining the Navy or Army Air Corps in 1939, he did enlist in the U.S. Navy in early 1940 and retired in 1960. After 5 years in various sales positions in Wisconsin. He relocated to Carson City, Nevada and worked in the State Prisons as Correctional Officer, and retired from that as Correctional Captain in 1976. He still makes his home in Carson City.