Shadow of a Burning Star — R.B. Banfield

In this first of a nine-book series covering the early days of space exploration, Johnny “TC” Beggs, famous and heroic star pilot, is a washed-up figure whose only work is in offering to illegally ferry passengers to the new world Ancia. The passengers are keen to start a new life and maybe strike it rich, and are prepared to take a chance and ignore the danger signs. TC has little interest for them, and instead uses his latest flight to try to get some sense into his angry son Jupe.