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Once A Fighter Pilot
Publisher's Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.CLIMB ABOARD A JET FIGHTER FOR THE MOST HAIR-RAISING RIDE OF YOUR LIFE! "Once a fighter pilot, always a fighter pilot." The old adage epitomizes Jerry Cook, who spent 28 years at the controls of Air Force jets, including some 400 hours flying F-4 Phantoms on combat missions over Vietnam. Here is an unflinching account of his experiences--alternately poignant and side-splitting, always extraordinarily honest and compelling. Cook gives you a rare insider's glimpse into the world of flying's elite, describing the rigorous training required to become an Air Force fighter pilot and revealing the true nature of men thought of as swaggering, larger-than-life top guns. You'll meet flesh-and-blood human beings who feel all the fears and misgivings you would expect of people facing death almost daily. Cook also whisks you along on heart-stopping combat missions. Fly with him in Air Force F-4 Phantoms over enemy territory dodging shrapnel, missiles, and other aircraft. Along the way, you'll get an eye-opening look at one of the most tumultous eras in U.S. history--as seen through the eyes of men who risked their lives for a cause that threatened to tear a nation apart.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 8, 2013
Jerry W. Cook's "Once a Fighter Pilot" intrigued me with realty of being a combats fighter pilot during the Korean War. I want to be a fighter pilot for the navy, so this was a huge eye opener for me. The author also happen to be the retired fighter pilot. I can totally relate to the pilot because he was inspired by a pilot that was flying in his backyard. I was also inspired, however by videos on YouTube. He also did ROTC in college which I decide to do as well.
This book is about a retired Brig. Gen. named Jerry Cook, and his expire in Vietnam as a combat fighter pilot. The book teaches you to be grateful for what you have and don't have. There were countless times were he had lost friend in combat and had to endure unlikely circumstances. He also gives you a sense of fate. At the end of the book he questions himself about why he survived out of three of his friends. The way he describes his friends and the people he meet wail in Korea are so vivid. You feel like u can see them right in front of you. He also describes his friends personality, and it makes you feel like you know them on a personal level. I like the writing style of the author because he always turns a serious or sad situation into a funny one with comedy in his writing. He doesn't sugar coat it for the reader he is straight forward on his opinions and thoughts. Since he is in Korea he talks about the super hot weather. He also tells about several missions that he had gone on. He goes in detail about them tells you what happens through out the mission start to finish. This book does connect to me on a personal level because as I said before I want to be a pilot for the Navy.
This is a great read for any aviation or fighter pilot enthusiast. With the great details he provides in his book. You can't go wrong with reading this book. However if you know little about aviation terminology and plane types it might be wise to have a way to find out what these planes or words are. The story will be more understandable and more enjoyable to read.
This book is about a retired Brig. Gen. named Jerry Cook, and his expire in Vietnam as a combat fighter pilot. The book teaches you to be grateful for what you have and don't have. There were countless times were he had lost friend in combat and had to endure unlikely circumstances. He also gives you a sense of fate. At the end of the book he questions himself about why he survived out of three of his friends. The way he describes his friends and the people he meet wail in Korea are so vivid. You feel like u can see them right in front of you. He also describes his friends personality, and it makes you feel like you know them on a personal level. I like the writing style of the author because he always turns a serious or sad situation into a funny one with comedy in his writing. He doesn't sugar coat it for the reader he is straight forward on his opinions and thoughts. Since he is in Korea he talks about the super hot weather. He also tells about several missions that he had gone on. He goes in detail about them tells you what happens through out the mission start to finish. This book does connect to me on a personal level because as I said before I want to be a pilot for the Navy.
This is a great read for any aviation or fighter pilot enthusiast. With the great details he provides in his book. You can't go wrong with reading this book. However if you know little about aviation terminology and plane types it might be wise to have a way to find out what these planes or words are. The story will be more understandable and more enjoyable to read.
December 3, 2018
A good book about a USAF pilot in late 50s till mid 60s, flying Sabres and Phantoms. Including a tour in Vietnam. Written long after the events and therefore likely not the most accurate memoir. It is down to earth, carefully omits all names where people could have been offended, full of interesting information. Not up there with Jack Broughton and Robin Olds, but it is nevertheless a good book for flying enthusiasts.
March 21, 2017
What a Ride
Fantastic and well written. I really enjoyed this book, a must read for all aviation enthusiasts. I have so much respect for all who fought during the Vietnam war. It was truly wild !.
Fantastic and well written. I really enjoyed this book, a must read for all aviation enthusiasts. I have so much respect for all who fought during the Vietnam war. It was truly wild !.
June 15, 2013
Not great.....written like a 13 year old. Many chapters and events repeat themselves throughout the book.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews