Born to Fly

by Shane Osborn and Malcolm McConnell

Book Overview

From the age of three, Shane Osborn dreamed of being a pilot. He began learning the skills he would need to fly as a member of the Civil Air Patrol, a branch of the U.S. Air Force, when he was just... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440237963
• ISBN13: 9780440237969
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Yearling Books
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

Born to Fly

I found this to be an extremely readable book. As a former Naval Aviator myself, I thought the description of life on board the aircraft was particularly good, especially in light of the fact that a lot of people who do not understand the environment would be reading this book.Some people will be put off by the heavy emphasis on his personal experience but must realise that he was not with his crew a large portion of the time.His description of conditions during the crew's captivity are well done without being either condescending or accusatory. Sometimes the writing is as if you were viewing this as a movie.I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in current events.

An Inspiring Story

This book is an inspiring true story of how a Navy pilot and his crew safely landed a crippled plane after a mid-air collision with a Chinese fighter jet and the 11 days of captivity they endured together. The true meaning of honor, courage, strength and a bond between the mission commander and his crew that was unbreakable under pressure; is shown throughout the book. Easy to read and not loaded down with military jargon that no one understands. Highly recommended for those interested in a story that shows the best in the military when under pressure. True Americans!

"A REAL TOP GUN"

Lt. Shane Osborn, is a real Top Gun, a Navy Pilot with all the right stuff!He has shown us the view from the other side with his eyes in this well written book, a biography and memoir, of the situation that he and his crew lived through, that many of us never imagined could happen inside an EP-3 plane. Then to carry on tremendous courage while held against their wills. Lt Osborn and the crew kept up their determination to stick together through it all.Plus, his early training and background helped him to overcome so many hurdles, obstacles and closed doors in which he has proven, that by working hard, you can succeed in whatever you put your mind to. This will become a classic Naval Aviator book. The book is enlightening rich with a historic look into the situation firsthand. I rate this a five star general!Fly Navy!

Honor, Character and Courage

Lt. Osborn describes his experience when his navy reconnaissance plane is struck by a Chinese fighter aircraft forcing Osborn to land his crippled plane in China. For eleven days the world watched as the Chinese asked the U.S. for an apology. This is the story from Lt. Osborn's view as he describes those eleven days in Chinese "captivity" with his crew of 23 officers and airmen. It's a fascinating story of the making of a naval aviator who is ultimately awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage and leadership during the ordeal. This is a story about the people who usually don't get a lot of publicity which makes you realize there is more to naval aviation than fighter pilots and aircraft carriers. In the end it's a timely story of standing up to adversity with honor, character and courage. Highly recommended.

A New Classic!

Born to Fly is destined to become a new aviation classic, in the same league as "The High and the Mighty" and "Island in the Sky." Lt. Shane Osborn is a true American hero, an inspiration to us all in these difficult times. Through his incredible flying skill and sheer gut-courage, Osborn saved his crew and his country's honor after a Chinese fighter collided with his EP-3 recon plane. We can all be proud of these fine young Americans. Read this book.