SAVORY Vocational Training Center

If your child dreams of soaring through the skies as a fighter jet pilot, then reading books about aviation and fighter jets can be a great way to fuel their passion and provide them with valuable knowledge. Here are the top 10 books your 10-year-old children should read if they want to become fighter jet pilots.

1. “The Right Stuff” by Tom Wolfe
   This book follows the early days of America’s space program, including the selection and training of the first astronauts. Although it’s not specifically about fighter jets, it provides insight into the training and selection processes for elite pilots.
2. “Top Gun: An American Story” by Dan Pedersen
   Written by the founder of the Navy’s legendary Top Gun school, this book is a memoir of Pedersen’s experiences as a Navy pilot and his role in creating the elite fighter pilot training program.
3. “Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds” by Robin Olds and Christina Olds
   This book is a first-hand account of Robin Olds, a World War II and Vietnam War fighter pilot who became a triple ace. Olds shares his experiences and insights on dogfighting, leadership, and the challenges of being a fighter pilot.
4. “The Hunter Killers: The Extraordinary Story of the First Wild Weasels, the Band of Maverick Aviators Who Flew the Most Dangerous Missions of the Vietnam War” by Dan Hampton
   This book tells the story of the first Wild Weasels, a group of fighter pilots whose mission was to hunt and destroy enemy surface-to-air missile sites during the Vietnam War. It’s a thrilling and informative read about one of the most dangerous jobs in the Air Force.
5. “Red Eagles: America’s Secret MiGs” by Steve Davies
   This book tells the story of the top-secret program in which the United States purchased Soviet MiG fighter jets during the Cold War and used them to train American pilots. It’s a fascinating account of the lengths the U.S. went to in order to gain an edge in aerial combat.
6. “Viper Pilot: A Memoir of Air Combat” by Dan Hampton
   This book is a memoir by another former fighter pilot, Dan Hampton, who flew F-16s in the first Gulf War. It’s a thrilling account of the intense air combat and provides insights into the mentality and skillset required to be a successful fighter pilot.
7. “Skyfaring: A Journey with a Pilot” by Mark Vanhoenacker
   While not specifically about fighter jets, this book is a beautifully written exploration of the experience of flying, from the perspective of a commercial airline pilot. It’s a poetic and inspiring tribute to the beauty and wonder of flight.
8. “Fighter Wing: A Guided Tour of an Air Force Combat Wing” by Tom Clancy
   This book takes readers on a tour of an Air Force fighter wing, providing detailed information on the planes, pilots, and support personnel. It’s a fascinating and informative look at the organization and operation of a fighter wing.
9. “The First and the Last” by Adolf Galland
   This book is a memoir by one of Germany’s most famous fighter pilots, Adolf Galland, who flew in World War II. It’s an interesting and enlightening account of the other side of aerial combat, with insights into the strategies and tactics used by the Germans.
10. “The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany” by Stephen E. Ambrose
    While not specifically about fighter jets, this book is a moving and inspiring account of the bravery and sacrifice of the men who flew bombing.

Each of these books offers a unique perspective on the world of fighter jets and the people who fly them. Some are thrilling accounts of aerial combat, while others delve into the history and science of flight. Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of what it takes to become a fighter jet pilot and the challenges that come with it.

Encourage your child to read these books to expand their knowledge and imagination, and who knows, they may even develop the passion and determination needed to pursue a career as a fighter jet pilot in the future.