Flying Freestyle
An RAF Fast Jet Pilot's Story
Squadron Leader Jerry Pook MBE DFC
ISBN: 978 184415 824 9
Format: Hardback
Extent: 294 pages
Dimensions: 243 x 168mm
During a 28-year flying career in the RAF, Jerry Pook flew Hunter Fighter/Ground Attack aircraft in the Gulf; Harriers in West Germany, Belize, Central America and the Falklands War; the Starfighter with the Dutch Air Force; and the Tornado GR1 at the Tri-National Tornado Training Establishment.
After a brief introduction recounting the sortie in which he was shot down in the Falklands War, 'Flying Freestyle' begins with his formative years in post-war Plymouth from where he joined the RAF in 1963. There then follows a detailed account of his officer, basic and advanced flying training, before he was 'creamed off' to become an instructor on the Jet Provost and ultimately a member of the Gemini Display Team. Association members may be most interested in Chapters 8 and 9 which follow, in which he begins his love affair with the Hunter, firstly during the Hunter Day Fighter / Ground Attack Course at RAF Chivenor, then with his posting to, as he puts it, 'the famous 208 Squadron'. In this Chapter, entitled 'Operational Flying in the Gulf,' he describes in detail life as a Squadron 'shag' and his many exploits in the air. Veterans of the Hunter Chapter will remember the absolutely fantastic flying in the FGA9 as part of the Muharraq Hunter Wing; and features such as Jebel Dhana, the Liwa Hollows, the Oasis of Buraimi, Jebel Hafit, the Al Fatah Gap, the Ruus al Jibal, dust devils and the 'lone palm tree'.
The book then moves on to the remainder of the Author's flying career as a Harrier pilot in Cold War field operations and in Belize, as a Harrier Instructor and ultimately Flight Commander, with a fantastic interlude flying the Starfighter on exchange with the RNLAF, before concluding as an instructor on the Tornado GR1. His exploits in the Falklands War are covered in detail in Jerry's other book: 'RAF Harrier Ground Attack Falklands,' which he wrote immediately after the event. Written in the first person, 'Flying Freestyle' (as its title might suggest) flies freely and easily to the reader. It is a fascinating, enthralling and engaging personal account of RAF fast jet operations, and is very highly recommended.
Pen & Sword Books Ltd
47 Church Street
Barnsley
South Yorkshire
S70 2AS
First Published: 2009
