Earl Heron

After an unsuccessful 1977 run at an aeronautical engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 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 (Dedicated crew chief) at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada, before accumulating more than 900 domestic and international hours as a C-130 flight engineer, flying from Pope AFB, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Earl holds the FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificate, and is a member of the Air Force Association (AFA), and the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA). He calls road bike cycling and hypermiling his Hybrid Avalon Limited his primary hobbies and is now enjoying family life residing near his New York City hometown.