Review: Fly into the jet age with this author
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 28, 2013
Don't let the bland cover or title fool you.  This book is packed to the gills with an amazing history of a naval aviator who literally flies into the jet age.  What makes it amazing?  The author being there as the U.S. Navy was figuring out how to fly, manage, and support jets -- how they transitioned from prop jobs to jets -- how they managed their aviators -- and so on.  You get to ride along side the pilot as he learns how to fly prop jobs then masters several jets, as he flies all over the U.S. learning new skills, as he does a tour in Korea, a tour in Vietnam, trains new pilots and more.  (I'm not through with the book yet)Oh, and Mr. Bryans was flying planes before he was 21 years old!  I couldn't imagine such a thing happening today.What really stands out is the author's down-to-earth attitude and writing style.  He isn't flashy.  He doesn't seem like the Type A personality usually found in a cockpit.  Mr. Bryans is careful to tell a story without coloring it with too many opinions -- though when they do appear, he wraps them in a parenthesis.  He's just a good guy working his way through the U.S. Navy.  His book, as a result, is easy to pickup and a joy to read.Some of the pictures are rare.  The shots of the early angled-deck carriers, for example, were interesting to see.  They look so tiny compared to the aircraft carriers of today.Finally, I'm embarrassed to admit I got this book on sale.  It feels like a steal.  This book is worth twice the price.PS:  If someone figures out the mystery of the bedspread in Korea -- like where it came from -- please share!