In the Cockpit!

Fighter Pilots! Images of "Maverick" from Top Gun, or elite aerobatic teams like the Red Arrows, Thunderbirds, or Frecce Tricolori instantly come to mind. Dozens of books have been written and breathtaking films produced all portraying the courage, composure, recklessness, and undeniable charm of these audacious "heroes" in their fighter jets. But there is another side to being a fighter pilot. Not every mission is a cinematic dogfight. In this collection of short stories, the author takes us beyond the glamour and into the often-overlooked daily life of a young pilot. From his first flight training in the United States to his years of service in various squadrons, he recounts the small, unvarnished moments that shaped his journey, as a Second Lieutenant, Lieutenant, and eventually a Captain. These anecdotes offer a rare glimpse into the routines, mishaps and quiet triumphs behind the spotlight; stories that have rarely, if ever, been told. Accompanied by eighty very personal photographs, this intimate book opens a window onto the life of a jet pilot during the 1970s and 1980s, behind the scenes, beyond the myths, and deeply human.