Doing it the Wright Way to be the Theme of Thanksgiving Weekend at the Cradle of Aviation

One Desert Jet Turner Takes You Backstage in the World of Fighter Aircraft

Earl Heron will appear at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, for a Book Signing and Discussion on February 16, and 17, 2004, from 12:00 noon until 4:00 PM--both days. Copies of Earl's fighter mechanic diary, "One Desert Jet Turner," will be available in the Museum Store for purchase and signing. Please join us for this entertaining event!

Most of the excitement that surrounds the word "jet" stems from the fact that this powerplant was first used on high-performance military aircraft. One Desert Jet Turner captures the experiences of a real "jet turner," one of the valuable maintenance crew that keeps these incredible birds flying. One Desert Jet Turner is illustrated, but unlike many books about fighters that are primarily pictorial, this work concentrates on the realities behind the images.

A grounded fighter threatens no one. It follows that the expertise and dedication of fighter mechanics ensure these weapons remain potent. In One Desert Jet Turner, using the fighter as a central theme, author Earl Heron describes settings, feelings, and technology associated with providing this airborne weapon for use in Cold war.

Heron details the temperament of fighter aircraft, fighter pilots and fighter mechanics. He tells his story as a sensitive observer of science, character and society. Many days in the life of a fighter mechanic are detailed, including the first days, the rewarding days and the unfortunate day when several aircraft from the same formation crashed. This incident and subsequent crash investigation form the climax of the book. The perspectives shared provide the technical and emotional background for the reader to appreciate the impact this crash had on the aviation community. The book also shares the challenges faced by a young man who discovers that while there was a learnable science to maintaining jets, there are no clear instructions for a young man coming of age.

Author Earl Heron enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in the spring of 1980. He served three years as an F-4 and F-16 mechanic at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada, before accumulating more than 900 flying hours as a flight engineer on the C-130 at Pope AFB, Fayetteville, North Carolina. After six years in the Air Force, he left the military to complete a baccalaureate degree in technology and management. He has earned the FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificate.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum’s IMAX® Dome Experience is showing the following films hourly: Magic of Flight, Straight Up and Shackleton’s Antarctic Adventure. For schedule and prices call 516-572-4111. Museum Hours: 9:30am-2pm on Tuesday. 9:30am-5pm Wednesday- Sunday. Closed Monday (Open Monday & Tuesday 2/16–2/17 9:30–5:00 for the President's Week break and book signing). The museum is located on Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, adjacent to Nassau Community College.

Back