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Fly Into the Wind
In the spirit of Can't Hurt Me and Grateful American, a decorated F-16 fighter pilot--who was awarded the Whitehouse Volunteer Service medal by President George W. Bush and was named one of ABC World News' Persons of the Year--shares his self-help and spiritual philosophy, guiding readers toward a life filled with faith, purpose, and essence.
As a United States Air Force fighter pilot, Lt Colonel Dan Rooney is among a select group of elite warriors. Yet for many years, this skilled fighter pilot who flew F-16s over the Persian Gulf measured his stature by others’ perceptions. Driven by a fear of failure, he sought external affirmation and material success. Like many in the military, he struggled with post combat anxiety and depression. But it was his belief in God and the powerful tenants of a self-created philosophy which made him eventually see life as a positive and dynamic force to be embraced. His code of living, CAVU, was forged by his Air Force experience and in his personal storm of life.
An aeronautical term, CAVU—Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited—describes the optimal flying skies are bright and blue, with no physical obstructions or dangers. But in daily life, most days are far from perfect. We all encounter struggle and the daily grind wears us down. We begin to course through life on autopilot, and before we know it, our aspirations, dreams, passion, and resolve are gone. CAVU is a code of living designed to help anyone reclaim that fire of self-determination, to see the benefit of weathering the storms of our life and turning them into new, clearly realized visions.
Fly Into the Wind introduces CAVU to everyone. Each chapter centers around a particular lesson (line of effort) and offers a positive vector toward a new code of living. Rooney helps us discover a renewed belief in ourselves and the art of the possible. Part spiritual guide and part call-to-action, it combines his stories as a pilot, philanthropist, and PGA golf professional with his discovery of faith and purpose. At a time when our divisions are growing, Rooney reminds us that we are connected more than we realize, and that the path to greatness begins with changing ourselves.
As a United States Air Force fighter pilot, Lt Colonel Dan Rooney is among a select group of elite warriors. Yet for many years, this skilled fighter pilot who flew F-16s over the Persian Gulf measured his stature by others’ perceptions. Driven by a fear of failure, he sought external affirmation and material success. Like many in the military, he struggled with post combat anxiety and depression. But it was his belief in God and the powerful tenants of a self-created philosophy which made him eventually see life as a positive and dynamic force to be embraced. His code of living, CAVU, was forged by his Air Force experience and in his personal storm of life.
An aeronautical term, CAVU—Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited—describes the optimal flying skies are bright and blue, with no physical obstructions or dangers. But in daily life, most days are far from perfect. We all encounter struggle and the daily grind wears us down. We begin to course through life on autopilot, and before we know it, our aspirations, dreams, passion, and resolve are gone. CAVU is a code of living designed to help anyone reclaim that fire of self-determination, to see the benefit of weathering the storms of our life and turning them into new, clearly realized visions.
Fly Into the Wind introduces CAVU to everyone. Each chapter centers around a particular lesson (line of effort) and offers a positive vector toward a new code of living. Rooney helps us discover a renewed belief in ourselves and the art of the possible. Part spiritual guide and part call-to-action, it combines his stories as a pilot, philanthropist, and PGA golf professional with his discovery of faith and purpose. At a time when our divisions are growing, Rooney reminds us that we are connected more than we realize, and that the path to greatness begins with changing ourselves.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2020
113 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Dan Rooney
3 books3 followersLieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney has flown his F-16 on three tours of duty in Iraq. He is a PGA golf professional, founder of The Patriot Golf Club, and the founder and president of Folds of Honor, which has raised millions of dollars and awarded over 7,000 educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled veterans. Rooney’s mission of healing and hope has been profiled by Fox News, CNN, NBC World News, Golf Digest, The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, USA Today, and ESPN.
Rooney has been awarded the Air National Guard’s Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Combat Medal, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and was presented the Whitehouse Volunteer Service award by President George W. Bush.
He lives in Tulsa, OK with his wife and five daughters.
(source: Amazon)
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Rooney has been awarded the Air National Guard’s Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Combat Medal, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and was presented the Whitehouse Volunteer Service award by President George W. Bush.
He lives in Tulsa, OK with his wife and five daughters.
(source: Amazon)
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 26, 2025
I picked up a hard copy of the book, not the Kindle version. The author tells of flying the F-16 in combat, playing golf as a card-carrying PGA member, and building a charity to help fund education for the sons and daughters of the men and women who were killed or wounded in combat. The author weaves quotes from the Bible and religious teachings, which helped him during the tough times. The book is very inspirational and Dan Rooney is both a national treasure and a war hero.
December 3, 2021
"1. There was no quick fix to my situation.
2. Life is about much more than than being happy.
3. If I live the life that God calls me to, I will find fulfillment.
4. I was being prepared for something bigger on the other side of my storm."
"No storm lasts forever. Eventually the downpour becomes a light mist, and dark skies crack open to reveal the smallest hint of light. CAVU emerges, a sky sparkling in a brilliant shade the sharpest blue. I stand stronger after facing my personal challenges head on and now understand that I have been blessed with a true gift."
"But similar to how a fighter jet takes off takes off into the wind because the resistance is essential for liftoff, our lives should be no different. The challenges in our lives are not there to keep us down, but rather to help us ascend."
"It's hard to notice what's happening in your immediate environment if you are constantly looking at your phone. Give yourself permission to disconnect from the distractions and devices for a certain period of time each day and see if it makes a difference."
"Recognizing his own failure, Peter demonstrates great humility and resilience by having the courage to right his wrong."
"Determine: Is this a real problem that needs to be solved, or are you assuming it's a problem with no facts to back that up?"
"Our lives are defined by what we do when things don't go our way."
2. Life is about much more than than being happy.
3. If I live the life that God calls me to, I will find fulfillment.
4. I was being prepared for something bigger on the other side of my storm."
"No storm lasts forever. Eventually the downpour becomes a light mist, and dark skies crack open to reveal the smallest hint of light. CAVU emerges, a sky sparkling in a brilliant shade the sharpest blue. I stand stronger after facing my personal challenges head on and now understand that I have been blessed with a true gift."
"But similar to how a fighter jet takes off takes off into the wind because the resistance is essential for liftoff, our lives should be no different. The challenges in our lives are not there to keep us down, but rather to help us ascend."
"It's hard to notice what's happening in your immediate environment if you are constantly looking at your phone. Give yourself permission to disconnect from the distractions and devices for a certain period of time each day and see if it makes a difference."
"Recognizing his own failure, Peter demonstrates great humility and resilience by having the courage to right his wrong."
"Determine: Is this a real problem that needs to be solved, or are you assuming it's a problem with no facts to back that up?"
"Our lives are defined by what we do when things don't go our way."
June 25, 2023
Not bad - but some hero choices aren’t really heroes. Rooney’s message is fine, he just culled a few historical and contemporary figures that posterity is sure to view in a different light.
I could do without the FAUX News references. One can be a believer - even Catholic without being a bigoted, sexist racist who hasn’t drunk the kooky FOX Kool-Aid and rah-rah flag-waving baloney.
Rooney has so much integrity. I don’t understand why he would name-drop peddlers of half-truths, mistruths and deceit like Sean Hannity.
Such scoundrels only hurt Rooney’s universal appeal because he gives a nod to hypocrites who push exclusionary religiosity and preach a faith in democracy while actively undermining it with dog-whistles and hyperbole. Their evil has nothing to do with promoting his call for care, compassion, and love.
Oh well, it’s a decent read, and I enjoyed it anyway. My high school students could benefit from Rooney’s pointers. But I’ll be hard-pressed to reccomended it knowing that a book rooted in morality is tainted by a reality that history will not smile upon.
I could do without the FAUX News references. One can be a believer - even Catholic without being a bigoted, sexist racist who hasn’t drunk the kooky FOX Kool-Aid and rah-rah flag-waving baloney.
Rooney has so much integrity. I don’t understand why he would name-drop peddlers of half-truths, mistruths and deceit like Sean Hannity.
Such scoundrels only hurt Rooney’s universal appeal because he gives a nod to hypocrites who push exclusionary religiosity and preach a faith in democracy while actively undermining it with dog-whistles and hyperbole. Their evil has nothing to do with promoting his call for care, compassion, and love.
Oh well, it’s a decent read, and I enjoyed it anyway. My high school students could benefit from Rooney’s pointers. But I’ll be hard-pressed to reccomended it knowing that a book rooted in morality is tainted by a reality that history will not smile upon.
July 5, 2021
I heard an interview on the Sports Spectrum podcast so I got this book at the library. It was very motivational and it was well written and easy to read.
July 3, 2025
Loved this gem
June 20, 2021
Great and challenging read. He makes great points about his 10 LOE's. I liked several of them and will listen again. I also have a hard copy so I can mark it up, but I just finished the audio version. The chapter on Volition is worth the cost. When we realize the key is choosing to make a difference instead of simply getting in the "Victim" line, everything changes. I liked the way he explained the principles in that chapter right at the start. The other 9 are just as good, too.
There is much good in this book that will help the reader be a better leader and a person of character. Highly recommended!
There is much good in this book that will help the reader be a better leader and a person of character. Highly recommended!
October 6, 2023
This book was a gift from my uncle, and I quickly came to love opening the pages. My large interest in military aviation brought me the motivation to read this book despite how challenging reading is for me. I began to love the book and its life lessons that have helped me discover how to properly manage my life especially through difficult times. this book I can best describe as a show with two plot lines at once; there are several interesting stories about the life of a fighter pilot, PGA golf player, Father, Husband, and Human. these stories are very interesting and I love every one of them, the stories connect to the LOE's which are the "self help" parts of this book. As a 16 year old boy, self help is not a very appealing genre; but to me planes were, and that brought me to open the pages. A little bit of self help in this review of a self help book, whether you're buying a self help book for yourself or others make sure it appeals to the interest of the reader, because the bits that appeal to your interest are like a reward that can keep you reading. my mom has bought me self help books in the past ,but they lay gathering dust, because I have no interest in reading them partially because I am a very slow reader. There needs to be a "why" in order to read a book, you wouldn't read a fiction book that you had no interest in so why treat self help books differently.
This book gives very good and actually used by the author (with examples, that's what the author story segments are.) advice that has helped me a lot by reflecting upon moments that I have done something similar to the information given and moments where I could have used it; as well as actually using it. The advice has helped me be more of a leader on the football field, and look upon my life in a different and more mature manor.
This book is difficult to summarize because there is no overarching plot rather small plots in each and every author story and self help in between; rather how you can apply the advice to your life.
But trying my best to summarize it it starts off with a tragedy and a pivotal moment in his life when he makes a mistake in his career as a military pilot this mistake overcomes him a simple mistake that could have turned deadly. After the mistake, his life as he knows it falls apart he quits his job as a fighter pilot and his Charity and golf course fall to a low. And in an unexpected moment he gains advice that changes his life and inspires him to start again, he rejoins the air force and brings his Charity and golf course back to glory. Then makes a list of rules to live by called LOE's these are the pieces of advice he gives. along side the author stories which are both how he uses the LOE and how he came up with it.
This book gives very good and actually used by the author (with examples, that's what the author story segments are.) advice that has helped me a lot by reflecting upon moments that I have done something similar to the information given and moments where I could have used it; as well as actually using it. The advice has helped me be more of a leader on the football field, and look upon my life in a different and more mature manor.
This book is difficult to summarize because there is no overarching plot rather small plots in each and every author story and self help in between; rather how you can apply the advice to your life.
But trying my best to summarize it it starts off with a tragedy and a pivotal moment in his life when he makes a mistake in his career as a military pilot this mistake overcomes him a simple mistake that could have turned deadly. After the mistake, his life as he knows it falls apart he quits his job as a fighter pilot and his Charity and golf course fall to a low. And in an unexpected moment he gains advice that changes his life and inspires him to start again, he rejoins the air force and brings his Charity and golf course back to glory. Then makes a list of rules to live by called LOE's these are the pieces of advice he gives. along side the author stories which are both how he uses the LOE and how he came up with it.
August 31, 2021
Book Review: Fly into the Wind by Lt Colonel Dan Rooney
When you can laugh at the foreward of a book and gain a tinge of understanding from the author about living on the edge, one wants to read more!
Fly into the Wind is a book of inspiration and faith. Lt Col Dan Rooney brings to life how to achieve faith to become the best person you can be through “Top Gun” analogies. He will challenge you to go the extra mile for greatness! Buckle your seat belt and get ready for an extraordinary adventure of how an F-16 fighter pilot lives each day to the fullest at mach 1.1 and still has time for family and friends.
This is a book that should be on everyone’s reading list.
When you can laugh at the foreward of a book and gain a tinge of understanding from the author about living on the edge, one wants to read more!
Fly into the Wind is a book of inspiration and faith. Lt Col Dan Rooney brings to life how to achieve faith to become the best person you can be through “Top Gun” analogies. He will challenge you to go the extra mile for greatness! Buckle your seat belt and get ready for an extraordinary adventure of how an F-16 fighter pilot lives each day to the fullest at mach 1.1 and still has time for family and friends.
This is a book that should be on everyone’s reading list.
November 27, 2020
Awesome. A must read. Will change your heart only for the good.
A true man of God. An American hero. One I'm sure will hear these words when he gets to heaven. "Well done my good and faithful servant". Thank you for your service, and the service you are doing for Vets now. Oh and yes, thanks to your wife for supporting you and for allowing you to help the people you serve. I would also like to express my gratitude to all current and former servicemen/women and their families.
A true man of God. An American hero. One I'm sure will hear these words when he gets to heaven. "Well done my good and faithful servant". Thank you for your service, and the service you are doing for Vets now. Oh and yes, thanks to your wife for supporting you and for allowing you to help the people you serve. I would also like to express my gratitude to all current and former servicemen/women and their families.
January 26, 2021
As a kid I wanted to be a fighter pilot but, due to health reasons, that dream never materialized. So, perhaps I am a little more biased in my 5-star rating for Fly Into the Wind. However, if you're looking for a book that inspires you to face adversity with confidence, embrace God's calling for your life, and challenges you to push past your fears, doubts, and imperfections, then Fly Into the Wind is a great read!
January 17, 2021
A great inspirational book
very fast moving book. I could not put it down until I finished it. A wonderful story and a very inspirational reading. I loved it and recommend this book for any one and every one.
very fast moving book. I could not put it down until I finished it. A wonderful story and a very inspirational reading. I loved it and recommend this book for any one and every one.
June 11, 2021
Such an inspiring book! It was interesting learning about what life is like for an Air Force fighter pilot. It was even better to learn how those attributes and lessons can inspire us all to lead a better life. A very positive & uplifting book!
January 29, 2023
Loved this book! As I am trying to bring a chapter of Folds of Honor to Iowa, I wanted to know more about the founder. This is an excellent book that is both inspirational and informative. Very cool when someone heeds the calling of God!
March 18, 2023
Decent quick read. Favorite part were the F-16 war stories and hearing about his pilot journey and experience. Wouldn’t recommend it as a motivational read as he tries to portray it. His attempt at providing steps for a successful life were surface level and at points cliché.
June 18, 2023
one of the best books I’ve read!
Inspirational! So many thoughts bombarded me as I read this book. What an example to his family, peers, and congregation as he fought his personal battles that we all fight as we discover who we are as in God’s eyes and live up to our potential.
Inspirational! So many thoughts bombarded me as I read this book. What an example to his family, peers, and congregation as he fought his personal battles that we all fight as we discover who we are as in God’s eyes and live up to our potential.
March 3, 2024
It has some great references and ideas, quick read. I didn’t think it had a great storyline more like a long essay. I didn’t like the name dropping or the overload of quotes from other people. I wish it was longer to squeeze more stories and personality.
March 11, 2025
Looking forward to seeing Dan Rooney speak so decided to read his book and thought it was really good and motivational - life is meant to have purpose, what’s yours? Couple of references to entertainment figures I was not impressed by but overall a great book
January 7, 2021
As a Christian, veteran, husband, and father, I found this book to be both inspiring and encouraging. Starting my journey to CAVU.
February 28, 2021
A interesting and very different way to lookout transition and purpose in life. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed it
January 6, 2022
Super motivational dude. My grandpa liked it.
August 8, 2022
Not my favorite. I respect the author a lot, but he uses a lot of jargon even for a pilot and doesn’t have a great storytelling narrative.
September 26, 2022
Wonderful advice, uplifting, spiritual, patriotic and inspiring. Great gift given to my son by our cousin. I will be gifting this book to others. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
November 18, 2022
Loved what he wrote about synchronicity and inspiring to read how strong he lives out his Christian faith.
December 26, 2022
Great book written by an American hero in my estimation. How you become a Pro Golfer and a Top Gun fighter pilot is beyond me... Very inspiring guy.
June 21, 2023
This book is so motivational, and makes you take a step back and reevaluate the way you look at life and react to life. Definitely going to have my son read this.
September 17, 2023
Very inspirational and enjoyed the sharing of life lessons. Very impressed with the author's drive and accomplishments!
January 12, 2024
Could not get into this book at all. Read up until page 133 when I decided to stop. Rooney's biography is probably better than this attempt at a self help book.
December 28, 2021
I was interested in this book because Col Rooney owns a local (to my hometown) golf course (American Dunes). Not to mention he's a F-16 driver and golf pro. I happen to work with F-16 pilots and enjoy the game of golf myself, so this book was a no brainer. Dan explores his personal adventures through the lens of his faith and the virtues that drive his goals. I really enjoyed paging through Dan's journey and his strong family ties as he fantasized about airplanes and hitting fairways. Fun read!
November 21, 2020
What a pleasure to write the first review of an incredible effort by Lt Colonel Dan Rooney.
These 13 ways to lead your life are emotional, insightful, and presented in a way that makes you want to follow the path.
His humble stories and honest look at his life makes it easy to relate.
The book reads just like if you were sitting with him, sharing a few Budweiser’s and asking him about what makes him as special as he is.
Highly recommended to read and to share.
These 13 ways to lead your life are emotional, insightful, and presented in a way that makes you want to follow the path.
His humble stories and honest look at his life makes it easy to relate.
The book reads just like if you were sitting with him, sharing a few Budweiser’s and asking him about what makes him as special as he is.
Highly recommended to read and to share.
December 13, 2020
I have no idea who sent me this book in the mail, but I read it today and it was awesome. Encouraging, inspiring, and all together practical/applicable, I found this book to be a great read. Based on his experiences in life and as a fighter pilot, LT Colonel Dan Rooney shares key points and mindsets to help you soar in life by helping you to “Fly Into the Wind.” Great book overall, so encouraging, and highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews