Fly-Off

by Bob Norris

It's an event like no an exclusive winner-takes-all fly-off competition pitting six state-of-the-art jets from the world's leading aircraft makers flown by the boldest fighter pilots. In five nerve-wracking events--including a search and destroy mission and vicious dogfights over the scorching sands of the Great Arabian Desert--each of these veteran topguns will use their expertise and guts to win billions of dollars in exclusive government contracts. Award-winning reporter Jack Warner is there covering the events, but now he's on the inside, directing the media coverage. From the moment the pilots and VIP guests arrive at the Saudi royal family's fabulously luxurious, remote desert compound, the competition takes a sinister twist. First an American fighter pilot--the renowned Randi Coles, who shattered stereotypes with her legendary MiG kill over Lybia--is suddenly grounded. Then this friendly "war" turns lethal--two pilots are killed in action. Searching for answers, Jack and Randi soon discover the competition is as dangerous on the ground as it is in the air. Caught in a labyrinth of conspiracy and intrigue, they must fight for their lives and uncover a serpentine plot with as many twists as an airshow maneuver--all under the watchful eyes of the most powerful people in the world.  

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 4, 1999

Reviews

[Randy Grossman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting enough to read through....I certainly wanted to see how the competition finished and was ok with the way it concluded. It was a little hard to read at times. Yes, Mr Norris takes the reader into the pilot's seat, but unless you ARE a professional pilot it is difficult to visualize. But that didn't take away form a reasonable good story.

[Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an excellent read and one of the best I have read for some time. There are some excellent female pilots (some of the best) that I have seen at air shows etc. so the lady pilot was in keeping with the ones I have seen. The military types are typical of the ones I have known and a different breed. I am not a pilot but been around them most of my life. Looking forward to some more of Norris' books.

[Bob Stenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was dated a bir but still a great and timely story line.