What others are saying

The Courage to Fly goes beyond being a well-written and engaging autobiography in which the author has the audacity to challenge what is perceived to be a man’s world. It is a lesson to all women and girls that not only must you make your dreams a reality but, once you embark on life’s journey, the sky is no limit. The book is a must read for all young women who have a dream. Let your life be a message to the world. Let it be inspiring.

Thirty years ago, I had the enormous privilege to recognize Captain Wendy’s talent and her courage to succeed. She was one of 80 successful women to be featured in my book "Why Not A Woman”, a pioneer lighting the way forward. Her book, The Courage to Fly, is a must have for every woman and girl. Her generosity in sharing her story, one of ups and downs, stick-to-itiveness, determination and motivation… will be an inspiration to all who are on the journey and who might need a little encouragement. And yes, men can read the book too!!

Engaging, enlightening and empowering this offering is an enthralling combination of professional insight and personal testimonial. Captain Wendy shares the highlights and pitfalls of an impressive career, going where few women ‘have gone before’. She is to be congratulated for this achievement delivered with characteristic strength of conviction, generosity and grace. This is a book to be shared with current and future generations!

Captain Wendy's journey is an absolute inspiration that can lead women and girls to a place of wonder and a life of curiosity blended with freedom. Courage looks like this!

“Riveting, powerful, inspirational, motivational, a must read for all. Captain Wendy Yawching shares her courageous, amazing and until now, enigmatic, guarded, almost controversial life.
The Courage to Fly tells the story of a fearless, legendary, adventurous, eco-warrior woman who finally reveals her life’s struggles and journey, in a time and period when girls should not dream of being in a boys’ world, when a small island Caribbean girl should not dare challenge the international realm. Yet she persevered, and conquered…achieving her dreams in a challenging and unforgiving era.
Captain Wendy emphatically says, and has proven : Yes, you can… any age, any gender, any nationality, any time.
Dreams Do Come True!”

“For all those who are in doubt or fear about their aspirations and dreams, who wonder Can I? Will I? May I? Wendy Yawching is here now with these pages to say with utmost assuredness, Yes you can, yes you may and YES YOU WILL. May her wings carry you forth to greatness.”

"This book is a MUST read for anyone who has ever had a dream that everyone else said was unattainable, for anyone who might be thinking that it's too late in life to switch gears and make a career change. Wendy Yawching successfully conquered both feats and guides the reader on how they too can achieve the same.
She is an amazing teacher, mentor, trailblazer, friend, confidant, but of the many hats worn by Wendy, "Captain" has been the one that she is most well known for in her native country of Trinidad and Tobago.
Now, she shares with the world at large what it took for her to live her dreams and create her best life in this curated, heartwarming, inspiring collection of personal stories each with a special life lesson.”

“ This book should serve as an inspiration to anyone who chooses a different path or who is told it can’t be done. Being a pioneer takes hard work and determination, but it is not out of reach for anyone who dares. Wendy’s story may seem fantastical in a time when women enjoy so many freedoms and choices, but it is on the shoulders of women like Wendy and many others that the “modern woman” stands, and we should never forget how far we have indeed come. I hope that Wendy’s story inspires other to dream their best selves and let nothing stand in their way”.

“Every opportunity I've had to learn from Wendy Yawching has opened my eyes to seeing so much in the typically unseen aspects of myself. She has helped me to achieve the life I truly envision and I am confident that her approach can help you thrive too!”

“The Courage to Fly isn’t one of those books that merely encourages girls to follow their dreams. Oh, no. Author Wendy Yawching doesn’t just talk the talk; she walks the walk, and her firsthand experience makes an electrifying difference. 

“Captain Wendy takes you on an incredible journey in "The Courage To Fly" that only a female pilot and legend in her field can, while lighting the fire in you to write your own rules and pursue the extraordinary. Her witty voice in the recounting of her life as a pilot is captivating, honest, inspiring and filled with never before heard stories from the cockpit, and the real life of one of the most important and inspiring women I have the honour of knowing.”

“Wendy Yawching has a wealth of knowledge and is a breath of fresh air. I would recommend her to anyone who is stuck, at a crossroad, experiencing transitions in life, needing deep reflections, or charting a new course.”

I love that The Courage to Fly shares personal life experiences in a way that inspires and motivates others to keep moving towards their dreams, despite challenges and naysayers. The symbolism is beautiful and very relatable. This is a book that I'd love to share with my daughter when she is setting off on her own.

“I received so much wisdom and inspiration from Wendy Yawching.

I was able to open my heart, dust off my soul and pay attention to the things that really matter in my life.”

"Once I started reading this book, I could not stop. This is a very emotive, written from the heart, inspiring story of a determined young woman. Determined to stand firm, to be true to herself, the follow the call of her spirit, to make her dreams happen. Wendy Yawching brings her experiences to us without fear; sharing the good, the not so good and the heartbreaking, so that girls and women who read this memoir will find their own courage to fly." 

"A well-written, inspiring book. When I started reading, I could not put it down. A must read for every young person, this is a true story of overcoming many challenges to achieve one’s dream. Wendy Yawching is living proof that “where there is a will there is a way”… and she provides the reader with inspiration to go for it.

“A book about achieving excellence and trailblazing, character, ambition, and finding Your way. It is sure to inspire anyone with a dream, especially one that defies cultural and/or family norms. Wendy Yawching is a true renaissance woman. I found her story thrilling, inspiring, and insightful. It’s highly generalizable as a recipe to overcoming barriers – internal and external – to attain your life’s calling.