Frequently Asked Questions

Earl Heron is the author of One Desert Jet Turner, a military aviation memoir published by Jets Press

Where can I buy One Desert Jet Turner?

You can buy One Desert Jet Turner through Jets Press and selected online retailers. Paperback and eBook editions are available through online book platforms.

Can I find One Desert Jet Turner in a library?

Yes, some public, high school, and university libraries may carry One Desert Jet Turner or may be able to request it through interlibrary loan.

Can bookstores, museums, or libraries order the book?

Yes, bookstores, museums, and libraries can request the book through Jets Press. If a buyer wants to place an order, they can send a purchase order or contact Jets Press directly.

If you are the customer of a bookstore, museum, or library that should offer One Desert Jet Turner, please have their buyer send us a purchase order or contact us at patricerichardson@jjetspress.com or phone (718) 740-2079.

What formats is One Desert Jet Turner available in?

One Desert Jet Turner is available in paperback and in multiple eBook formats. Readers can order the paperback online and choose from eBook editions available through Amazon, Google Play, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble

Where can I read part of the book before buying?

You may be able to read portions of the book through Google Books. The current FAQ describes this as an online-library-style option for previewing parts of the title.

What is One Desert Jet Turner about?

One Desert Jet Turner is a military aviation memoir by Earl Heron. It shares his firsthand experience as an Air Force fighter mechanic and later as a C-130 flight engineer, with a focus on flight line work, fighter culture, and the people behind military aviation.

What inspired Earl to write One Desert Jet Turner?

Quoting Earl:

"One Desert Jet Turner grew from a realization that our fighter history is so tied to what we do on the ramp, but what we do on the ramp is so superficially presented in most media. I wrote it because I love jets and found the USAF fighter jet experience rich, touching, and worthy of sharing."

"More important than One Desert Jet Turner (ODJT) is Jets Press. Jets Press will publish first-hand, jet-turner accounts that have a highly-human dimension on top of the technical nuggets that fighter enthusiasts enjoy. ODJT is only the first mechanic (crew chief) to throw his hat in the ring at Jets Press."

What is the photograph on the home page?

The home page photograph shows a fighter-aircraft mechanic on the flight line at Nellis Air Force Base in December 1981. The moment includes the launch of an F-4D and the recovery of an F-16A during the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing’s transition from the F-4D to the F-16A.

Who is Earl Heron?

Earl Heron is the author of One Desert Jet Turner and a former U.S. Air Force mechanic and flight engineer. He served as an F-4 and F-16 mechanic at Nellis Air Force Base and later logged more than 900 flying hours as a C-130 flight engineer at Pope AFB.

Why is Earl Heron qualified to write this memoir?

Earl Heron is qualified to write this memoir because it is based on his own firsthand military aviation experience. His service background gives the book its perspective, detail, and credibility.

Will Jets Press consider my manuscript for publication?

Answer: Jets Press will accept proposals and manuscripts from veterans (who have retired from the military; or have separated from the military and are no longer in active or inactive reserve status) in the future. However we are currently focused on marketing One Desert Jet Turner. We would be happy to send you a "now accepting proposals" Announcement email as soon as we are prepared to consider additional work for publication if you would write us a brief message. However, staffing and space limitations will require us to discard proposals and manuscripts received before this formal announcement.

Who may be considered for future publishing opportunities?

Veterans from other branches may also be considered when Jets Press begins reviewing additional work. That includes veteran Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen.

Should I send a manuscript now?

No, please do not send a manuscript yet. Because of staffing and space limitations, proposals and manuscripts received before a formal announcement may be discarded.