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Flight of the Dragon Lady: Flying the Lockheed U-2
What is it like to wrestle with a Dragon or dance with a Lady? This is the challenge all U2 pilots must face when flying the Lockheed U2 Dragon Lady.
When first seeing the aircraft, you think this plane looks awkward, unsettling, and out of its league with the other pretty aircraft on the ramp. It resembles an albatross with its hundred and four feet of wing. It has only two wheels like a bicycle, one in the front and one in the back. How can it stay upright on the runway? Some may describe it as an ugly duckling on the ground, but she was a beautiful lady to me.
But in the air, the Dragon Lady has a whole new personality. It was born to climb to the heavens with no stops in between and no slowing down.
Only 1,000 pilots have soared the skies alone in the U2. At first, all pilots have to make a reckoning with that Dragon. Many flights later, they will get to dance with the lady.
This book tells the story of what it is like to fly the most challenging airplane in the United States Air Force’s inventory.
When first seeing the aircraft, you think this plane looks awkward, unsettling, and out of its league with the other pretty aircraft on the ramp. It resembles an albatross with its hundred and four feet of wing. It has only two wheels like a bicycle, one in the front and one in the back. How can it stay upright on the runway? Some may describe it as an ugly duckling on the ground, but she was a beautiful lady to me.
But in the air, the Dragon Lady has a whole new personality. It was born to climb to the heavens with no stops in between and no slowing down.
Only 1,000 pilots have soared the skies alone in the U2. At first, all pilots have to make a reckoning with that Dragon. Many flights later, they will get to dance with the lady.
This book tells the story of what it is like to fly the most challenging airplane in the United States Air Force’s inventory.
119 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 21, 2023
Great summary - from a fellow U-2 Pilot
I just happened across this Kindle version and was pleased to read it. Many fond memories of my time in the U-2 bubbled to the surface as I read. Well-written, accurate and very descriptive, it gives a true view of the famous Dragon Lady aircraft.
I just happened across this Kindle version and was pleased to read it. Many fond memories of my time in the U-2 bubbled to the surface as I read. Well-written, accurate and very descriptive, it gives a true view of the famous Dragon Lady aircraft.
July 17, 2024
Very enjoyable and a quick read. I slowed down because I didn’t want the book to end. I don’t remember the author but I was at Beale during his time. He named people I knew and locations I was at so I did enjoy the walk down memory lane. If you spent any time working the U2, even us maintainers, this book is worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews