Synopsis "Still Here: A Life Between Workshop and Sky"
A Memoir of Craft, Crisis, and the Courage to Keep BuildingWhat does it take to rebuild a life when the blueprints are torn apart? Still Here is the deeply moving autobiography of Achim Engels-an internationally renowned aviation researcher, museum founder, and master craftsman whose life has been defined by an unyielding refusal to let go of dreams. Beginning with an unusually free and adventurous childhood, the book chronicles a journey born from a singular conviction: that visions are not meant to be admired from afar, but built with one's own hands. At just eighteen, he built his first full-scale replica of the legendary Fokker Dr. I triplane. What started as youthful obsession grew into a lifelong dedication to recreating historic aircraft, reviving forgotten manufacturing techniques, and collaborating on major international projects. Yet, beneath the wings and workshops lies a far more universal story. This is not merely a book about airplanes; it is a profound exploration of the human condition. With raw honesty, the author shares a deeply personal narrative of creativity and perseverance, but also of profound loss, severe illness, friendship, failure, and ultimate renewal. It is a testament to how the discipline of working with physical materials can mirror the emotional labor of piecing a broken life back together. Weaved seamlessly into the text are 154 authentic photographs taken by the author, his family, and close companions over decades. Rather than tucked away in a separate insert, these images live inside the narrative, documenting workshops, loved ones, pivotal moments, and the passage of time right where they unfold. Still Here is an intimate, unfiltered memoir for anyone who has ever faced staggering loss, questioned their path, or had to find the strength to pick up the tools and start over.
