The world uses fighters as a tool to defend its air space. Feel what it's like to prepare fighter jets, "smell" the jet fuel, and taste the fighter environment. One Desert Jet Turner is an aviation book introduction to USAF fighter jet culture written by an F-4/F-16 fighter mechanic (maintainer) who shares the nature of his relationship with fighter jets and their pilots, as well as his maturation in this defense field. This aviation career book provides information from the same perspective about the USAF Thunderbirds, and accident investigation as observed by the author at Nellis AFB, near Las Vegas, NV and Area 51.
Earl also describes the transition from F-16 mechanic [crew chief] to C-130 flight engineer. Preview this cross training and life experience! This book is available in paperback and several eBook formats. The eBooks work on most computers and smartphones if you don't have an eReader. Please ORDER the paperback delivered to your door with this link, or choose a high-resolution color zoomable-image eBook alternative offered by NOOKbook, the Apple iBookstore/iTunes, Kindle edition or Android Google Play.
Air Force units described in this memoir include 3703 BMTS, 3700 TTW, FTD 516, FTD 523, 474 TFW/429 AMU, USAF ADS, 3614TH CCTS, 3612TH CCTS, 443 MAW, 34 TATG, & 317 TAW/41 TAS.
Military-Aviation Biography
ISBN 0970418906
Specifications: 8.5 X 11", trade paperback, 231 pp.
$26.95 (paperback)
Alternatively, see eBook sources above for eBook features and prices
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One Desert Jet Turner is about the aviation portion of my career. I’m the son of an Oldsmobile dealership mechanic. In late elementary and early high school, I spent weekends working with dad, in a shop he operated with two other Auto techs.
However, I was a good student in high school. The potential of college as well as career reality shared by all of them, pointed me towards a professional field, and I chose Aeronautical engineering.
After two years though I stopped out of college to reevaluate. I decided to join the Air Force and try maintenance, or possibly operations since my calculations, testing , and design studies had seemed a misfit for me.
So I entered the Air Force with an obvious head start as a student fighter jet mechanic.
After three years of Fighter jet experience I went on to become a short takeoff and landing cockpit crew member. I flew three years accumulating over 900 flying hours in the Hercules.
When I ultimately left the service to resume college, conversations I had with others often lead to a discussion of my time in the Air Force. As I heard myself speak, it dawned on me that these personal, touching, aviation experiences could fill a book.
I hope you enjoy what I’ve shared.
Featured Publication
Book Title is an aviation history title by Earl Heron that draws from firsthand military experience and detailed research. It focuses on aircraft operations, mission realities, and the people who worked on the flight line and in the air.
This publication covers military aviation operations, aircraft roles and mission context, and real-world experiences from service-connected aviation work. The goal is to provide an accurate, readable account that aviation enthusiasts and history readers can trust.
This book is written for readers who enjoy military aviation history, aircraft operations, and firsthand accounts from those who worked directly with military aircraft. It is also a strong fit for aviation libraries, museums, and organizations seeking credible aviation reference titles.
This title is available in standard retail formats. Availability may vary by retailer and edition.
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Earl Heron is a former United States Air Force flight engineer and aircraft mechanic whose aviation experience informs the accuracy and detail found in Jets Press publications.