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Through the Yellow Visor: The Life and (Mis)Adventures of a US Navy Fighter Pilot
Ride Along with a Real Top Gun and Get His View from the Cockpit
You’ve heard him as host of the Fighter Pilot Podcast. Now ride along.
From the cockpit of a Navy jet circling overhead, an aircraft carrier—1,000 feet long and displacing 98,000 tons—looks no bigger than a child’s toy. No wonder the fighter pilots call it a boat. Try landing on one of these bucking broncos without boltering.
TOPGUN instructor and seasoned naval aviator, E. Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello takes readers on an exhilarating flight from being a wide-eyed eight-year-old peering into a jet’s cockpit at the Point Mugu Airshow to flying one. Not the Hollywood version by any means, Vincent explains his tough, terrifying, and trusted path to flying America’s war planes.
With heart (spoiler alert), Vincent recounts theChallenges of flight school,Terror of his first carrier landing (and many after),Importance of family back home for those serving our country, andHard-earned lessons about life when viewed from the cockpit.
From flying F/A-18 Hornets on missions worldwide, to serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, to teaching the art of air combat at TOPGUN, Jell-O brings you into the adrenaline-fueled world of naval aviation while proving that persistence is a pilot’s most valuable skill.
After retiring from the Navy with more than 3,800 flight hours and 700 carrier landings, Vincent, now an airline pilot, hosts the popular Fighter Pilot Podcast, where he explores the fascinating world of air combat with stimulating revelations about—The complex, multi-million-dollar aircraft,The lethal weapons systems they employ, andThe fearless people who protect our country every single day.This is the personal story of a boy with big dreams who became the man behind the yellow visor.
Grab your copy today! And then, "Strap in," as Rear Admiral Mike “Nasty” Manazir, TOPGUN fighter pilot and former commander of the USS Nimitz, says, because this is an "adrenaline rush from the first page.”
You’ve heard him as host of the Fighter Pilot Podcast. Now ride along.
From the cockpit of a Navy jet circling overhead, an aircraft carrier—1,000 feet long and displacing 98,000 tons—looks no bigger than a child’s toy. No wonder the fighter pilots call it a boat. Try landing on one of these bucking broncos without boltering.
TOPGUN instructor and seasoned naval aviator, E. Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello takes readers on an exhilarating flight from being a wide-eyed eight-year-old peering into a jet’s cockpit at the Point Mugu Airshow to flying one. Not the Hollywood version by any means, Vincent explains his tough, terrifying, and trusted path to flying America’s war planes.
With heart (spoiler alert), Vincent recounts theChallenges of flight school,Terror of his first carrier landing (and many after),Importance of family back home for those serving our country, andHard-earned lessons about life when viewed from the cockpit.
From flying F/A-18 Hornets on missions worldwide, to serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, to teaching the art of air combat at TOPGUN, Jell-O brings you into the adrenaline-fueled world of naval aviation while proving that persistence is a pilot’s most valuable skill.
After retiring from the Navy with more than 3,800 flight hours and 700 carrier landings, Vincent, now an airline pilot, hosts the popular Fighter Pilot Podcast, where he explores the fascinating world of air combat with stimulating revelations about—The complex, multi-million-dollar aircraft,The lethal weapons systems they employ, andThe fearless people who protect our country every single day.This is the personal story of a boy with big dreams who became the man behind the yellow visor.
Grab your copy today! And then, "Strap in," as Rear Admiral Mike “Nasty” Manazir, TOPGUN fighter pilot and former commander of the USS Nimitz, says, because this is an "adrenaline rush from the first page.”
- GenresNonfictionAviation
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2025
312 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 26, 2025
it's really good
September 29, 2025
workmanlike account of a naval career
This is a straightforward autobiography of a naval aviator’s career in the post Cold-War era. It would be of interest to anyone interested in naval aviation. There are many acronyms and a lot of jargon used— example: “…missing TOTs, attacking the wrong target, and cardinal sin in CAS—dropping without clearance from the FAC(A).” This could have been written without jargon in simple terms and would have been more compelling. The career itself is not particularly interesting, there is lots of detail about military politics and assignments that can be skimmed with no loss. Training and training commands occupy the first half of the book, the author does not hit the Fleet until page 159. Towards the end there are large excerpts of emails that seem to be filler and can be skipped with no loss. The most compelling parts are at the very end and buried in the epilogue, recounting the author’s heart surgery during which he lost flying status and at the very end, his brother’s death, which was the most moving part of the book. The story was like many similar autobiographies by senior officers— this Navy does not have enlisted sailors apparently, the narrative consists solely of what happens between the officers . I was surprised at the many laudatory reviews this book has on Amazon; I think part of the reason is the author has a significant listener base with a related podcast. In sum it was a readable account of a career in Naval aviation.
This is a straightforward autobiography of a naval aviator’s career in the post Cold-War era. It would be of interest to anyone interested in naval aviation. There are many acronyms and a lot of jargon used— example: “…missing TOTs, attacking the wrong target, and cardinal sin in CAS—dropping without clearance from the FAC(A).” This could have been written without jargon in simple terms and would have been more compelling. The career itself is not particularly interesting, there is lots of detail about military politics and assignments that can be skimmed with no loss. Training and training commands occupy the first half of the book, the author does not hit the Fleet until page 159. Towards the end there are large excerpts of emails that seem to be filler and can be skipped with no loss. The most compelling parts are at the very end and buried in the epilogue, recounting the author’s heart surgery during which he lost flying status and at the very end, his brother’s death, which was the most moving part of the book. The story was like many similar autobiographies by senior officers— this Navy does not have enlisted sailors apparently, the narrative consists solely of what happens between the officers . I was surprised at the many laudatory reviews this book has on Amazon; I think part of the reason is the author has a significant listener base with a related podcast. In sum it was a readable account of a career in Naval aviation.
May 14, 2025
I thought this would be a run of the mill 'and I was there' book. Boy, was I wrong. It's a story of dogged determination. Overcoming financial challenges, flight school, carrier qualifications, heart surgery to achieve a goal. This autobiography will inspire, not only prospective pilots, but anybody with lofty goals.
April 17, 2025
Having listened to the Fighter Pilot Podcast for years I bought this book as soon as I heard the promo on the show. I was a little bit worried that the book wouldn’t contain anything new and would just rehash info from the show but I needn’t have worried.
It’s a very personal and detailed autobiography. If I had one complaint it would be that the last 75 pages be expanded to be as detailed as the rest of the book, however, Jello does make it clear he was a bit disillusioned at this point in his career and maybe that’s why this part lacks some of the enthusiasm of the rest.
It’s a very personal and detailed autobiography. If I had one complaint it would be that the last 75 pages be expanded to be as detailed as the rest of the book, however, Jello does make it clear he was a bit disillusioned at this point in his career and maybe that’s why this part lacks some of the enthusiasm of the rest.
May 21, 2025
This is one of the best autobiographies that I've read. I've been an off-and-on listener of the Fighter Pilot Podcast for years, ever since learning about it when the first episode released. While I haven't been as studious with listening to the episodes, one thing has rung true - I've always been fascinated with the details that I've learned on the podcast.
When I saw that there was now a book by the very same guy, it was an instant buy. I was expecting to read stories of exciting missions and other escapades - I was not prepared for the start-to-finish ride that this book ended up being, but I absolutely appreciate the way this was written. From the very first pages you can tell the excitement that Jell-O still has for the fighter pilot community. When it became the thing he wanted, he did what he could to push through with the resilience needed to get there. This book pulled no punches - we followed him with the ups and the downs. Some of the downs are quite tragic, the ups are conversely thrilling.
The cadence and the pace of the book is incredibly well done. I found myself multiple times through the last few days (did I mention I read this in less than a week?) staying up way too late reading another page, and then another, and then just one more (and that turns into five more).
This book is about as close as you can get to going along for the ride with someone through their whole Naval career without actually doing it yourself. Definitely give this one a read, it's worth every turn of the page.
When I saw that there was now a book by the very same guy, it was an instant buy. I was expecting to read stories of exciting missions and other escapades - I was not prepared for the start-to-finish ride that this book ended up being, but I absolutely appreciate the way this was written. From the very first pages you can tell the excitement that Jell-O still has for the fighter pilot community. When it became the thing he wanted, he did what he could to push through with the resilience needed to get there. This book pulled no punches - we followed him with the ups and the downs. Some of the downs are quite tragic, the ups are conversely thrilling.
The cadence and the pace of the book is incredibly well done. I found myself multiple times through the last few days (did I mention I read this in less than a week?) staying up way too late reading another page, and then another, and then just one more (and that turns into five more).
This book is about as close as you can get to going along for the ride with someone through their whole Naval career without actually doing it yourself. Definitely give this one a read, it's worth every turn of the page.
November 28, 2025
Fighter pilot’s career
I have read a number of military autobiographies of both naval and aviation service members. What stood out in this book was that Aiello writes about his entire career and experiences, good and bad. He does not breeze through some of the requirements of naval aviation, but his persistence eventually pays off. He is very honest about his struggles in mastering some early flight training challenges and later, the difficulty of carrier landings, as well as night carrier landings.
He overcame several obstacles and life challenges (including a scary cardiac event) to continue to do what he loved-flying. Also, having read probably a dozen or more of these types of books, Aiello stands out as a very good writer. Unfortunately this is not necessarily the norm for these sorts of books, and his writing style and pacing is easy to follow. There is a lot of jargon (comes with the territory) and he warns against this in the preface. But he makes an effort to at least spell out the acronyms throughout, and provides a helpful glossary in the back.
Aiello also makes crystal clear the very significant roles of his wife and family in supporting him throughout his naval career. Anyone interested in a well told personal story on naval aviation, I would recommend this book as a very worthwhile read.
I have read a number of military autobiographies of both naval and aviation service members. What stood out in this book was that Aiello writes about his entire career and experiences, good and bad. He does not breeze through some of the requirements of naval aviation, but his persistence eventually pays off. He is very honest about his struggles in mastering some early flight training challenges and later, the difficulty of carrier landings, as well as night carrier landings.
He overcame several obstacles and life challenges (including a scary cardiac event) to continue to do what he loved-flying. Also, having read probably a dozen or more of these types of books, Aiello stands out as a very good writer. Unfortunately this is not necessarily the norm for these sorts of books, and his writing style and pacing is easy to follow. There is a lot of jargon (comes with the territory) and he warns against this in the preface. But he makes an effort to at least spell out the acronyms throughout, and provides a helpful glossary in the back.
Aiello also makes crystal clear the very significant roles of his wife and family in supporting him throughout his naval career. Anyone interested in a well told personal story on naval aviation, I would recommend this book as a very worthwhile read.
October 4, 2025
Very interesting.
While reading this book my curiosity led me from page to page without gaps. Some of the more military accounts were confusing but that encouraged me to read them more than once until I understood his descriptions.
Personally I've had an interesting life but beware of reading this book if you haven't . You might get to the end of it and think you've missed the bus!
While reading this book my curiosity led me from page to page without gaps. Some of the more military accounts were confusing but that encouraged me to read them more than once until I understood his descriptions.
Personally I've had an interesting life but beware of reading this book if you haven't . You might get to the end of it and think you've missed the bus!
October 21, 2025
Excellent narrative of the journey the author took to achieve his goal. A real page turner, well written, real-life bio. The title is appropriate, and this book is a must read for anyone, airplane/military interests are not necessary to enjoy this book. It is a true life, down to earth, as it happened narrative from the beginning. This is how a autobiography should be written. Highly recommend.
October 30, 2025
Outstanding book about Naval Aviation
As a non-aviator who served in the "Brown Shoe" Navy, all of the stories about life on a "bird farm" rang true. I served as a member of Air Wing 19 aboard USS Oriskany, CVA- 34 from 1971 to 1973. I had the honor to be assigned as a Debriefer/Escort for three POW returnees.
As a non-aviator who served in the "Brown Shoe" Navy, all of the stories about life on a "bird farm" rang true. I served as a member of Air Wing 19 aboard USS Oriskany, CVA- 34 from 1971 to 1973. I had the honor to be assigned as a Debriefer/Escort for three POW returnees.
December 26, 2025
A fantastic autobiography of a Navy fighter pilot.
From a flicker of interest from a young man to a accomplished Navy who overtakes many barriers in attaining the most coveted flight assignments in the most advanced fighter jet, the FA-18, operating from the most aircraft carriers.
He does it all in spite of many set backs and completes his 20 year career in the Navy.
From a flicker of interest from a young man to a accomplished Navy who overtakes many barriers in attaining the most coveted flight assignments in the most advanced fighter jet, the FA-18, operating from the most aircraft carriers.
He does it all in spite of many set backs and completes his 20 year career in the Navy.
April 9, 2025
Wonderfully enjoyable read.
Jell-o is a true American patriot and this book is an amazing profile of his life. While his exploits in F/A 18s was thrilling his humble character and gumption was uplifting.
Jell-o is a true American patriot and this book is an amazing profile of his life. While his exploits in F/A 18s was thrilling his humble character and gumption was uplifting.
May 8, 2025
A worthy life lived
Well written, engaging, and honest (no fault). Nothing worth doing well is easy. Jell-o’s story will hopefully spur someone on to greater heights!
RIP Rocky
Well written, engaging, and honest (no fault). Nothing worth doing well is easy. Jell-o’s story will hopefully spur someone on to greater heights!
RIP Rocky
June 7, 2025
Great read
I really got into this book and feel like I know Jello personally. Sometimes a little had to follow due to the extensive use of acronyms so prevalent in the military but it is well worth pushing on the read. Well written!
I really got into this book and feel like I know Jello personally. Sometimes a little had to follow due to the extensive use of acronyms so prevalent in the military but it is well worth pushing on the read. Well written!
June 21, 2025
First introduced to Jell-O on the “Fighter Pilot Podcast” and absolutely loved this book. A glimpse into what could be my future career and all the trials, tribulations, thrills, and adventures was just a joy to read.
July 4, 2025
If you want an honest look at what it is like to work and fly in a flying squadron in the US military, look no further! As a USAF pilot I saw myself in a lot of JELL-O’s stories and I hope that I can capture my memories as well as he has someday.
July 19, 2025
This is not just a run of the mill military or aviation biography book. Yes it’s written by a real Top Gun Naval Aviator, but it’s also a book about persevering through many challenges in life. It was a very enjoyable read from beginning to end, 100% recommend!
July 23, 2025
incredibly personal…right to the end
The first response to this life story is NO WAY! But, it’s all true. The author has a life story of family and career that must have been both stressful and exhilarating to have lived. Well written and hard to put down.
The first response to this life story is NO WAY! But, it’s all true. The author has a life story of family and career that must have been both stressful and exhilarating to have lived. Well written and hard to put down.
August 4, 2025
A wonderful journey! Thanks for the ride….
What a wonderful book on the trails and tribulations as a Naval Aviator. Then “Jello” fighting to get his medical back to continue flying……I loved the book (another flying geek)
What a wonderful book on the trails and tribulations as a Naval Aviator. Then “Jello” fighting to get his medical back to continue flying……I loved the book (another flying geek)
September 3, 2025
The life of a fighter pilot
This was engagingly written and really interesting. He went through a lot of ups and downs, and the whole story is very relatable, while sharing some of the life of a career Navy pilot through the chaos of the last 25 years.
This was engagingly written and really interesting. He went through a lot of ups and downs, and the whole story is very relatable, while sharing some of the life of a career Navy pilot through the chaos of the last 25 years.
October 12, 2025
As an aspiring aviator, this was a perfect mix of story, showing the real life balance of family life and work life, and made me wanna fly even more. It wasn’t too technical and wasn’t too vague either, couldn’t recommend this book enough!
December 18, 2025
A fantastic read of an incredible ambitious man.
A telling informative book on an incredible career shouting determination and loyalty to his family and country. Thank you. An example to other youngsters.
A telling informative book on an incredible career shouting determination and loyalty to his family and country. Thank you. An example to other youngsters.
January 26, 2026
Great
An interesting read about modern military aviation. Shows that with effort and dedication you can achieve your goals. Bit heavy at times on the acronyms “twerps” etc, but a minor criticism.
An interesting read about modern military aviation. Shows that with effort and dedication you can achieve your goals. Bit heavy at times on the acronyms “twerps” etc, but a minor criticism.
April 13, 2025
This was a book that I was truly sad when I realized I was almost finished with it. I almost wish I had read slower to savor it more. Incredible and inspiring journey and an amazing read.
June 10, 2025
Tears. Laughter. Learned so much about Naval aviation. Best biography I’ve ever read.
August 16, 2025
Great read. Very interesting following the life of Fighter Pilot (Pod Cast host) Jell-O.
Easy to read.
Easy to read.
October 13, 2025
Good read
I enjoyed this - well written and interesting. It’s a solid insight into how the US navy aviation system works
I enjoyed this - well written and interesting. It’s a solid insight into how the US navy aviation system works
November 29, 2025
Enjoyable read.
December 28, 2025
written from the Cockpit
First hand aviation experiences and real Navy life. A fine read, well worth the time and is entirely authentic history.
First hand aviation experiences and real Navy life. A fine read, well worth the time and is entirely authentic history.
January 18, 2026
Inspirational
January 30, 2026
Thru the yellow visor
Best ever! Well written and what an adventure he leads the reader on. Loved it! Thank you for sharing this with us. I couldn’t put it down.
Best ever! Well written and what an adventure he leads the reader on. Loved it! Thank you for sharing this with us. I couldn’t put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews