TOPGUN DAYS - new book about my experiences as an F-14 RIO and Topgun instructor

[Mumbles]

flight station and external walkaround....looking through the tube takes < 20 minutes normally. FE's preflight and TOLD data may take a little longer. The marathon preflights are normally with a full crew compliment on board and are due to the miscellaneous mission gear going down.

 

[Recovering LSO]

WOW. I can't even comprehend that expenditure of time.

 

[Kycntryboy]

Looking forward to the book, did you make the book to the point where non-aviator types would understand or is your story above a good representation of your book?

 

[Pariel]

I hope Bio doesn't mind me linking this, but I found some amazing pictures he took posted in conjunction with an interview:

http://www.fencecheck.com/content/index.php?title=Photographer_Interview_-_Dave_Bio_Baranek

 

[highside7r]

Great article in this month's Combat Aircraft Magazine as well.

 

[Bio]

Looking forward to the book, did you make the book to the point where non-aviator types would understand or is your story above a good representation of your book?

Good question. The story about flying along the highway has LESS explaining than most stories in the book. Plus, I explained things as they come up, so the reader gets a little smarter as they read. I wrote it for the general audience, not the experienced aviator. Then I had several people (friends and professional editors) read it for clarity. IMHO, experienced aviators will zip through the explanations that they already know and still enjoy the flying stories.

 

[Bio]

Great article in this month's Combat Aircraft Magazine as well.

Thanks highside7r. One thing I noticed is how great the new digital photos look! I had a professional service scan my 35mm slides and remove dust, scratches, etc. As an F-14 guy, I guess I am happy I was born at the right time to fly Tomcats, instead of the right time to use digital cameras. There wasn't that much overlap!

 

[Alpha_Echo_606]

Nice photos Bio, I look forward to getting your book.

 

[Bio]

For those who are thinking about it but not quite sure, I'm finally uploading material for the "Inside this Book" feature on Amazon.com.

 

[Alpha_Echo_606]

I'm about 3/4 of the way through; it's been a good read so far. :thumbup_1

 

[Bio]

Thanks, AE606! There's nothing like word-of-mouth for a book like this.

 

[helolumpy]

P-3 Dudes, What does a 5 hour preflight entail!?! Do you literally walk around the airplane for five hours looking for discrepancies? Does that time include the brief, reading of ADB, aircraft preflight? 5 hours seems like a good way to piss through a chunk of your crew day pretty fast by doing nothing?. Help an ignorant tac-air guy understand

You have to figure in checking out of the hotel and turning in the rental car...

 

[Schnugg]

I explained things as they come up, so the reader gets a little smarter as they read.

Good..I need smarts.

 

[BDCP-UWP]

Just ordered your book online. Can't wait for it to arrive!

 

[Logtwo]

Actually went to Border's hoping to find one but alas, I will need to order it online. This will not bode well with my instant gratification personality!