Author James T. Hollin Jr. Unveils a Memoir that Illustrates the Unpredictable Nature of Mankind

“Spirituality, Culturism, and the Phantom” is an account by the author that explores the dual nature of human activities in the sky, from the extreme of destructive warfare to the beneficence of lifesaving missions. Since the Wright brothers’ first powered flight in 1903, the skies have been a theatre for both noble and nefarious endeavors, embodying the unpredictable essence of mankind.

The memoir interweaves personal experiences with documented historical events in aviation to highlight the complex interplay between spirituality, cultural customs, and frequently, mysterious phenomena encountered in flight. The author shares accounts of airborne joy, tension, and unexplained occurrences, reflecting on how cultural or nationalistic customs shape aviation experiences and generate personal conflicts. These conflicts were frequently resolved through the author’s spiritual understanding, giving him a unique perspective on the human condition.

Occasionally, the joy of flying is interrupted by circumstances which evoke feelings of apprehension, helplessness, or even terror. The memoir recounts instances where certain dilemmas are miraculously resolved by forces beyond scientific explanation or conventional religious understanding. The author highlights his belief in the intervention of unseen forces, providing a heart-warming aspect to his narratives.

For the author, flying transcends the physical act, becoming a mental and spiritual journey. Whether piloting a massive airliner or a delicate hang glider, the experience is a profound immersion in the medium of air. Pilots, especially when responsible for passengers, are seen as committed, principled leaders. This role of selfless leadership is emphasized as a crucial virtue needed in our world, demonstrating the author’s admiration for the courage and integrity required in the aviation career field.

Book copies are available at Simply Best Reads (https://simplybestreads.com/product/spirituality-culturism-and-the-phantom-the-mystique-of-the-skies-as-heaven-or-hell-paperback/), Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Spirituality-Culturism-Phantom-Mystique-Heaven/dp/B0CFWX3311/), and other online book retailers.

“Spirituality, Culturism, and the Phantom: The Mystique of the Skies, as Heaven or Hell”
Written by James T. Hollin Jr.
Published by Covenant Books
Published date: July 10, 2023
Paperback Price: $26.95
Kindle Price: $8.99

About the Author

James T. Hollin, Jr. was raised in Yuma, Arizona, where he attended and graduated from Yuma High School in 1962. He is also a graduate of the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering in January 1967. After completing the requirements of the Reserve Officer Training Corps, he enrolled in and graduated from US Air Force pilot training and flew as a USAF pilot for almost five years. This included two years as a co-pilot in the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom, a six-month TDY tour at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, and a year-long combat tour as a Forward Air Controller, flying over South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

He left the Air Force with the rank of Captain. Following his military service, he worked as a development engineer with the then AiResearch Manufacturing Company (a subsidiary of the Garrett Corporation) in Phoenix, Arizona. His engineering work experience included turbine blade design, fluidic control systems, and technical writing. Later in his career progression, he switched occupations to fly as a pilot for Delta Air Lines for thirty-one years, from 1972 to 2004. With Delta, he flew several aircraft types, including the DC-9, Convair-880, Boeing-727, -757, and -767. He also flew the Lockheed L-1011 and McDonnell-Douglas MD-11, retiring as a Boeing-777 international-qualified Captain.

While with the airline, he attended Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta and received the Juris Doctor degree. After his flying career, he applied for and passed the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) Patent Bar Exam in May 2007, becoming a registered patent attorney.

He has prepared and submitted over 200 patent applications and trademark applications with the USPTO, including utility patent and design patent applications. His clients predominantly consist of individual or family inventors and small business owners who have developed innovative concepts.

He is currently self-employed as a solo law practitioner in the Atlanta area. He is a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, and occasionally performs volunteer work with the Atlanta Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.

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