Hal Sundt’s fascination with airplanes began early, nurtured by shared moments with his father watching classic aviation movies like Top Gun. This early connection to the world of aviation led him to an interest in design, and his previous works focus on roller-coaster and human-centric design principles. Sundt combines his design expertise and passion for aviation history in WARPLANE: How the Military Reformers Birthed the A-10 Warthog.
Inspiration Behind the Ink:
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as “the Warthog,” emerged as the focal point of Sundt’s exploration. This rugged aircraft, nearly half a century old yet still flying with unwavering reliability, captured his imagination. What intrigued Sundt was not just the A-10’s longevity but the remarkable design that enabled it to endure decades of service, earning the adoration of pilots and ground troops alike.
This book is not only a technical study of aircraft design, but a narrative that weaves together pivotal moments in history. During his research process, Sundt had the opportunity to speak to A-10 pilots from the nearly five decades of the plane’s military use. His most cherished memory from the book’s creation was spending time with the late Pierre Sprey, the “larger than life” genius behind the A-10.
Connecting With Readers:
Sundt aimed to attract a broad readership.. His book transcends niche interests and is guided by central themes of the A-10 community, namely the “importance of conviction in the face of adversity and the enduring value of human-centered design.” The A-10’s longevity is an embodiment of the selflessness and humility shown by the countless people that are necessary to design, maintain, and fly it. He credits his mother with reading all of his drafts, and he knows that if his writing appeals to her eclectic literary taste, it will catch the interest of other readers as well.
Buckeye Book Fair Experience:
2024 was be Sundt’s inaugural year at the Buckeye Book Fair, and he is looking forward to engaging with passionate readers and writers. He admits that writing can be a lonely process and releasing the finished product can feel vulnerable, but the chance to connect with readers and aviation buffs is always exciting.
Books Save Lives:
While Sundt was pursuing his Master of Fine Arts in nonfiction writing, he asked his mentor for reading suggestions that would improve his writing skills. She suggested author Susan Orlean, and her book The Orchid Thief helped Sundt untangle his uncertainties about his career and future. On the surface, the story is about people who are obsessed with orchids, but the message revolves around finding a passion and how to articulate it in writing. Sundt soon discovered his passion in writing about human ingenuity.
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