Born to Fly: The Heroic Story of Downed U.S. Navy Pilot Lt. Shane Osborn - Hardcover

Osborn, Shane; McConnell, Malcolm

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0385729995 ISBN 13: 9780385729994

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2001

Synopsis

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 twelve years old. But it wasn’t until he graduated from the naval ROTC program at the University of Nebraska and joined the navy that his dream became a reality. For five years, Osborn practiced rigorous training exercises, working tirelessly day in and day out until he advanced from navy pilot to mission commander.

All Lt. Osborn’s flying skills were put to the test when a Chinese F-8 II fighter jet collided with his EP-3E ARIES II plane during a U.S. surveillance mission through international airspace. The impact severely damaged Osborn’s aircraft, sending it plummeting toward the ocean. With almost certain disaster looming, Osborn managed to gain control of the crippled plane and land it safely on the Chinese island of Hainan–saving the lives of his twenty-three crewmates.

In Born to Fly, Shane Osborn describes these terrifying events in vivid detail, along with the years of dedicated training that made the emergency landing possible. This is the inspirational story of a boy with a dream, and of the extraordinary discipline and courage that made him a hero.

About this title

About the Author

Lieutenant Shane Osborn was born in South Dakota in 1974 and was raised in Nebraska, where he attended the University of Nebraska on a Naval ROTC scholarship. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in flight. He lives in Anacortes, Washington.

Malcolm McConnell has written extensively on military aviation.

Michael French is the author of several books for young adults.

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-A fascinating story of endurance, courage, and patriotism. French has adapted Osborn's adult book for young people. He tells the story of a boy's dream to become a pilot, his formal flight training in the Navy, and how his skill and stamina were tested as commander of an EP-3E reconnaissance aircraft. In April, 2001, an inflight collision with a Chinese fighter over China during a routine surveillance mission turned into an international incident. Osborn managed to land the damaged aircraft, save his crew, and survive interrogation and imprisonment by the Chinese. He inspired his crew to get through their ordeal and came out a hero to all. The book reads like fiction, with lots of dialogue. The brief glossary of aviation terms is useful and the photos and map enhance the readable text. Black-and-white photos appear in an eight-page center section. A good choice for anyone considering a career in the military and for fans of true-adventure survival stories.

David M. Alperstein, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0385729995
• ISBN 13: 9780385729994
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 192