The author
Meet D.A. Francis
Devon Ai Francis — a storyteller whose nearly five decades in aviation inform a distinctive perspective on courage, uncertainty, and survival.
Devon Ai Francis
A life in aviation. A return to writing.
Captain Francis studied journalism in college, but his love of flying led him to a lifelong career in aviation. He is type-rated in seven types of commercial airliners, including several widebodies. He has flown as second-in-command in many others. His flying career spanned nearly five decades worldwide.
He currently lives with his wife of over fifty-seven years in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western South Carolina, where he continues his writing.
The Water Lily Warriors is the first of a planned trilogy. The second novel, “A Rock and a Hard Place — The Return of the Warriors,” is upcoming.
Aviation record
Nearly five decades in aviation
International airline experience
Seven commercial-airliner type ratings
Dozens of civilian aircraft types
Air ambulance pilot experience
His experience as an air ambulance pilot is reflected in one chapter of the novel, bringing first-hand aviation knowledge to the world of the story.
From the archive