Tag Archives: Fighter Pilot

Fighter Pilot Speak: Saved by the Wedge

The Wedge principle is a time-honored military mantra; while it may be present in a wide variety of career fields in the military, the high-visibility nature of the fighter pilot profession has made the Wedge principle a strong and lasting tradition.

The Wedge principle has nothing to do with lever arms, inclined planes, or any other form of engineering.  It is also not to be confused with the callsign “Wedge,” which is given to those who resemble the “simplest tool” ever invented.  Instead, it is a time-honored, unwritten principle that basically says  Read more

USAFA Grads, Fighter Pilots, Christians Pilot Space Shuttle

The Air Force was proud to point out that Colonel Terry Virts Jr, a 1989 graduate of the US Air Force Academy, was the pilot for the Endeavor STS-130 shuttle mission (originally scheduled for February 7th, weather delayed to the 8th).  The announcement allowed the Air Force to highlight an awesome opportunity for Airmen that may motivate them to follow in Virts’ footsteps.  Embry Riddle did the same thing, as Virts is an alumnus, allowing Embry Riddle to highlight the success of its graduates and motivate others to attend its courses.  Notably, Virts was also a fighter pilot and test pilot.

He is also a Christian:  Read more

Book Review: Crash and Burn

Jack Edward Wright
Winepress Publishing, 2003.
Topic: Autobiographical

Mr. Wright’s book is advertised as a book about a pilot who has an accident that brings him to God. While it’s an interesting look at the Air Force of 20 years ago and dramatically conveys the details of Wright’s tragic accident, it says little of his life afterwards, and it says even less of substance about the potential spiritual impact on his life.

The book is interesting in its portrayal of Mrs. Wright’s response to many of the pilot activities. Of note, Winepress is a reputable self-publishing company.

Not recommended.

This book is available from Christian Book Distributors and Amazon. (This site is an Amazon Associate and may earn from qualifying purchases made through Amazon referrals.)

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Book Review: Battle Hymn

Dean Hess
Buckeye Aviation Book Company, Reynoldsburg, OH, 1987.
Topic: Christianity and War

Battle Hymn is the true story of a preacher who became a fighter pilot and fought in World War II and Korea. Col Dean Hess is largely credited with the forming the Republic of Korea (South Korea) Air Force and being the driving force behind Operation Kiddy Car, in which hundreds of orphans were flown out of Seoul to avoid the Communist invasion.

Though some sources question the bravado of Col Hess, the story presents an interesting look at a spiritual man in what sometimes seems an unholy profession. Apparently the book was also made into a movie by the same name (starring Rock Hudson) that strayed slightly from the true storyline.

Recommended. While not always complimentary of Hess’s actions (both as a Christian and an Air Force officer), it is a worthwhile read. It is a particularly interesting read for young fighter pilots who are looking to an assignment at Osan or Kunsan in Korea.

This book appears to be out of print, but the most recent (1987) and older versions are available through re-sellers at Amazon. (This site is an Amazon Associate and may earn from qualifying purchases made through Amazon referrals.)

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Book Review: Christian Fighter Pilot is not an Oxymoron

Jonathan Dowty
Published 2007
Topic: Military life, Christian living

Fighter pilots are known for their bravery, cunning, and skill in combat. They are also known for their expertise in worldly vices. Few people would think that Christian men and women could be a part of that military culture.

They not only can, but should.

Godly men and women can be both good Christians and good fighter pilots, Sailors, Soldiers, or Marines – something many people believe is a contradiction. From fighter pilot traditions to the controversy of military evangelism, Christian Fighter Pilot explains not only the popular fighter pilot culture, but also the sometimes secretive world of the men and women who fly and fight. Whether in training or combat, Christians are shown that they can live out their faith and still excel in the world’s best military.

This book briefly introduces the basics of how to become a fighter pilot and what a fighter pilot is and does. The bulk of the content focuses on how a Christian can live a life that is both honoring to God and to the military profession he has volunteered to serve. Spiritual questions are discussed and practical living suggestions are made. The book is aimed at Christians and is appropriate both for those who are thinking about becoming fighter pilot and those who already are. While some of the book is fighter pilot specific, much of it is applicable to Christians in the military in general.

No recommendation. This summary was written by the author.

This book is available wherever books are sold. It is also available from at Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers. Cadets and college or high school students who may be unable to afford the book may contact the author through this website for arrangements.

(This site is an Amazon Associate and may earn from qualifying purchases made through Amazon referrals.)

Book Review: Heroes at Home

Ellie Kay
Bethany House, Minnesota, 2002.
Topic: Military living

While written primarily from the perspective of (and by) a pilot’s wife, it contains good information even for fighter pilots. Chapter 3 contains good information from the perspective of a wife at home, regarding the uncertainty of moves and the potential for her husband to receive a remote assignment to Korea. Chapter 16 is devoted to military separations, and includes pre-TDY checklists, including a list of the “Top 12 Don’ts” regarding deployments (the list notably includes having a negative attitude, overdosing on TV, or spending time alone with other gender). Mrs. Kay has also written books on saving money, and some of her tips and ideas regarding money management are incorporated in the book as well.

Recommended for Christian fighter pilots (and their spouses) looking for insight into basic military family and relationship issues.

This book is available from Christian Book Distributors and Amazon. (This site is an Amazon Associate and may earn from qualifying purchases made through Amazon referrals.)

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Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Dowty

LtCol Jonathan C. Dowty is an Air Force veteran and highly experienced fighter pilot, test pilot, and flight instructor. Dowty is a distinguished graduate of the US Air Force Academy and flew the F-16 in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including night combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Dowty was subsequently selected to attend the US Air Force Test Pilot School where he graduated as the second ranked pilot in academics. He then flew flight test and test support missions for various Air Force, contract, and international test programs covering all aspects of developmental test, including structures, stability and control, avionics and systems integration, weapons, and other areas.

Among other acquisition program management and leadership positions, Dowty has served as the Chief F-16 instructor pilot and stability and control subject matter expert at the USAF Test Pilot School, where he also helped develop the school’s first-ever graduate-level accredited curriculum. He was later chosen to lead Flight Test Safety operations for the Air Force’s largest test range, overseeing the safe and efficient execution of nearly 100,000 air operations a year.

Dowty is an experienced instructor and author, having taught graduate level education and been published in both technical and non-technical fields. He holds a Masters of Science in Flight Test Engineering and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science.

LtCol Dowty is a command pilot with more than 2,000 flight hours in more than 35 different aircraft.

The views presented are those of the speaker or author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components.

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