If you're looking for a thrilling and action-packed read that provides a unique perspective on the Vietnam War, this book might be a great choice for you. As a mercenary pilot, the book protagonist faces a wide range of challenges and dangers as he navigates the front lines of the war. Whether you're interested in aviation, military history, or simply want to escape into a captivating story, this book could be just what you're looking for. Plus, with the added bonus of being based on the author's real-life experiences, you can be sure that the events and details depicted in the book are grounded in reality and provide valuable insight into this period of history.

The author of this book has a long and varied background in aviation. He started flying as a B-17 pilot during World War II, and then served as a transport pilot for the Department of Immigration. He later accepted a post as a police advisor in Thailand for the Department of State, but after one year, he left to join Continental Air Services in Vientiane. This book is based on his experiences in Laos.

During the Vietnam War, the CIA had a significant presence in Southeast Asia. They were providing services that were illegal for the US military. Beginning in the late fifties, with its secret budget and covert operations, the CIA funded and built an army mostly of indigenous people of rural Laos. Two Airlines operating out of Vientiane, Laos, provided logistical support for this CIA effort. "Anything, Anywhere, Anytime, Professionally" was the creed for Air America. The other airline was Continental Air Services Incorporated, also known as CASI.

The pilots for these operations were primarily ex-military. They were all mercenaries. Today it is hard for us to imagine what kind of lives they led. The government paid them well. They had few rules to control them. As long as the "Customer (CIA)" was happy, few cared what they did.

The manuscript for this novel was written in 1978 by one such pilot. It is as true to life as it can be. These men lived hard. They lived like today may be their last.

This is a novel of five years in the life of a pilot flying for CONTRACT AIR, INC, a fictional airline (much like the real Air America), providing support to the CIA during the Vietnam War era. This was a very different time - when World War 2 and Korean War pilots still abound. These men relished in their long-gone glory days and were excited at the opportunity to join the war effort as mercenary pilots. Our government pushed them into a world with few rules and one mission – to serve the needs of the CIA. These people came from all stations of life - not just the pilots involved.

More than that, the book is a first-hand view of the insanity that existed throughout Southeast Asia. A commentary from somebody who knew of the inner workings of our government and how it was using the people of Laos as pawns to play its' political games while sheltering the American taxpayer from the waste. It may have looked like a righteous endeavor from the outside, but the truth was closely guarded.

The book is written from a pilot's point of view. The aircraft they flew were exciting to fly. The text is full of situations detailing these machines' performance and their operators' craft. The years of experience taught these men much about the country, the machines, and each other.

These men don't exist anywhere - anymore.