FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER

In this riveting story of naval aviators at war over Vietnam, veteran A-6 Intruder pilot Stephen Coonts captures as never before the full drama of modern aerial warfare.

With extraordinary realism he straps the reader into the cockpit of an A-6 to experience the fear and exhilaration of life at full throttle: thrilling cat shots off a carrier...treetop-level races against pursuing MIGs...treacherous night landings in crippled planes.

With unfailing honesty he puts the reader inside the hearts and minds of the pilots who "drive" these powerful, hi-tech machines to reveal a world unknown to those outside the naval aviators' fraternity. From the good-natured raillery of the ready room to the shared dangers in the air to the manic release from combat stress in the bars of the Philippines, the airmen's special brand of camaraderie--the one stabilizing force in their otherwise precarious lives--is described here as only an insider could.

More than an exciting adventure story, FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER probes beneath the glamorous surface to examine the psychological tolls of war. Through the memorable characters of Jake Grafton and his squadron buddies Tiger Cole, The Boxman, Sammy Lundeen, and New Guy, Coonts explores the ways in which naval aviators attempt to cope with the intense pressures of their profession.

For Jake, a once-innocent love of flying has given way to guilt and frustration--and an urgent need to give meaning to the deaths he feels responsible for. the consequences of his conduct lead up to a final, gut-wrenching scene that will leave readers thinking about this moving novel long after turning the last page.

Stephen Coonts makes an auspicious debut as a writer with lucid, authentic, and deeply reflective book.

A lifelong reader of true flying stories, I realized during the Vietnam War that the naval aviation combat adventure would make a hell of a story if it were properly written. I was too busy living it at the time to try to write it, but the seed was planted. After the war, when I was a flight instructor on A-6 Intruder aircraft at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, I began trying to write flying scenes, to capture the feeling of flying a carrier-based jet in combat. Writing in the evening on a portable typewriter on the dining room table after the kids were in bed, I created Jake Grafton and his squadron-mates, and worked out the basics of the flying scenes that I wanted to use. These scenes were not yet a novel because I didn't have a plot, but I pounded away diligently and wore out a typewriter trying to figure out how to put the reader into the cockpit and take him flying. In 1975 and 1976 when I was an assistant catapult officer aboard USS Nimitz, I bought another portable typewriter and kept writing.

During the spring and summer of 1977, after I was out of the Navy and driving a taxicab in Denver, I rewrote some more and looked into creative writing courses that would, I hoped, help me acquire the craft necessary to complete the novel. Alas, I had neither the time nor the money for writing classes.

Law school and life as a neophyte attorney further delayed the writing. About 1982 or '83 I dreamed up a plot for the novel, but I didn't have the spare time to devote to it. It wasn't until 1984, after I was divorced, that I finally had the time to work seriously on this novel. I never thought it would be published, but I wanted to write it, to complete it. At that time in my life I needed to fulfill a dream, and I needed something to keep my mind off my personal and legal troubles. My secretary at the oil company where I worked, Sandra Hyer, taught me to use the word processor, so in the evenings and on weekends and holidays, I sat at her desk and pounded the keys.

The story of the pilot who tried too hard, who flew an unauthorized mission and was caught at it, was simply a framework for the flying stories that had been percolating through my head for years. Most of the flying stories were true or based on missions that were flown by me or guys I knew. One, however, the best one, was pure fiction: the story of an A-l Skyraider pilot, shot down and trapped in the cockpit of his shattered plane, who asked his friend to kill him. I had carried that tale around in my head since 1974 and wanted to work it into this flying story somehow. An A-l would not have been used over North Vietnam this late in the war, so the action had to occur in Laos. I bent the plot of the tale around so that this story would fit. Shot up over Hanoi, Jake and his BN, Tiger Cole, go to Laos to eject instead of heading out to sea, which is what they logically should have done. Not a single reviewer or fan called me on this plot twist.

The A-l pilot's tale actually made the story stronger because this event could be Jake's catharsis. After listening to the pilot's pleas on the radio to his airborne wingman, Jake realizes the truth that all good soldiers know: the important thing is how you live, not whether you live or die. Jake overcomes his fear and goes to rescue Tiger Cole, or die with him.

After I finished the first draft of the manuscript working nights and weekends, I was ready to try to find a publisher. The book was rejected by thirty-four publishers before the Naval Institute Press, which was looking for another novel after publishing Tom Clancy's The Hunt For Red October, accepted it. I was amazed. After all those years thinking about it and writing at it, I never really believed my little flying story would see the light of day. The Press insisted I re-write the thing one more time, then we edited the hell out of it. Eventually they decided to send it to the printer. I was so sick of the tale by that time I would have willingly trashed it and returned their advance, $5,000, if I hadn't already spent the money.

FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER struck just the right note with the American public when it was published in September, 1986; it spent 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list in hardcover. Thirteen years after the Vietnam War ended, eleven years after the fall of Saigon, the reading public was ready for a tale of that war that did not rehash the politics of the era. I had carefully stayed as far away from politics as I could, wanting instead to focus on the combat experience of the Naval Aviators I knew.

I am often asked if I am Jake Grafton. No, of course I am not. I never flew an unauthorized mission--the idea didn't occur to me during the war--and I was never shot down. (I was shot up, not down.) Jake is Everyman, every small-town young man who went to Vietnam because his country or his family or his draft board expected it of him. He is not wise, witty, or handsome, and he has no insight into the geopolitical realities of the Vietnam War. The other characters in the book have these qualities and define Jake by their contrast with them. Jake Grafton's strength is his fierce determination to always do the right thing. He will do what he believes to be right regardless of the consequences. This quality separates him from his comrades and makes him a hero for our time.

A friend of mine, a psychologist, suggested that if I was not Jake Grafton, perhaps Jake was the man I wanted to be. That observation seemed painfully close to the truth when he said it.

FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER still sells over 10,000 copies a year in paperback. The Naval Institute Press, the hardcover publisher, also has copies available for sale.

An amazing number of youngsters read this book as one of their first adult novels. I have stacks of fan letters from children who tell me they are 13 years old or in the 8th grade. Thirteen seems a good age for above-average readers to begin to explore the adult world through fiction. Although the language in FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER is realistically rough in places, it seems to shock mothers more than it does children.

If you have never before read one of my tales, FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER is a good place to start, even if you are a good bit over 13 and haven't seen the inside of a schoolhouse in years. To appeal to as wide an audience as possible, I led the reader into the world of attack aviation in stages, with little explanations salted in unobtrusively. Even people whose only experience with aviation is a window seat on an airliner will be hanging onto their chair as Jake Grafton and Tiger Cole dodge flak and SAMs at 400 feet and 500 knots on a night mission to hammer Hanoi. You owe it to yourself to take this ride.

Dear Mr.Coonts;
I bought a paperback copy of "Flight of the Intruder" in December 1987 in LaGrange,Texas and I've loved your work since then!!  In February 1991, I hitchiked 12 miles on a cold Saturday evening to go see the movie version of "Flight of the Intruder", which I thoroughly enjoyed!! I'd rank it as one of the best Vietnam War Movies!!  And I also loved "The Cannibal Queen" as well!!
Keep up the great work!!
Sincerely,
John T.Patterson, Mansfield,Texas August 14, 2008
 

Hi Steve,
Just wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed your books. I have read almost all of them except the "Deep Black" series (just one of those.) I really like your style. You have a nice way of inserting a little bit of humor here and there. I also admire your diplomacy, good taste, and cleverness in describing the situations with Callie and Rita, that is really smooth. You really have good characters in your stories.  I think the book I have enjoyed the most is "Flight of the Intruders." I have always wanted to fly and that story provides lots of hands on descriptions of Jake's flying skills, plus lots of action. I almost felt like I was right in the cockpit with him.
And last but not least. Thank you, sir, for your service to our country!
Ron Braid April 9, 2008
 

Sir,
I am an OIF vet who read Flight of the Intruder while overseas. It was an enjoyable read with some very interesting parallels.  The part that stands out is when Jake is talking to his girlfriend about the war. She is asking him how he does it. I know I am paraphrasing, but he says "I did what I had to do and kept the faith".  If there is one sentence that sums up my time in Iraq, it would be that.  Through the controlled insanity that is war, that one sentence speaks volumes.
Thanks for understanding. I kept the faith......
Guy H. Tinnirello CPT, FA USAR February 18, 2008

Hi Steve,
Just a quick (and belated) message to tell you how much I enjoyed "Flight of the Intruder," both as a novel and a movie. I was in the Marines from Feb. 68 to Jan. 72 and served in two A6A squadrons: VMA (AW) 224 and 533. My MOS was 6244, Intuder electrician, and I have to tell you that repairing that bird was the biggest pain in the ass…but I still loved it. You have to love a bird when you affectionately refer to it as "The Flying Dump Truck" or "Flying Sky Pig.) It was always an awesome sight to see one ponderously taking off -- with drooping wings -- loaded with 28 500 pounders. I was saddened when it was finally retired. As for me, I returned to college after my discharge, obtained a degree in journalism and 32 years later I'm a columnist for The Detroit News. Take care. Semper fi."
Tom Greenwood February 5, 2008

Hi Steve,
I had to drop you a line to say thank you! Well into my forties, I did not read for pleasure. A good friend of mine passed me a book and said with your love of aviation you will like this. The book was Flight of the Intruder and I started the book at about 6 pm that evening and I could not put it down. Even though I had to work the next day, I finished the book by about 3am. Your book and action packed writing style opened a new form of entertainment for me and an immense amount of pleasure that followed and I thank you for it.  Your style of writing has a way of hooking me like a spring trout and sucking me into a book. I’m just now finishing Deep Black Jihad and once again I can’t put the book down. Though there are many other writers that I enjoy reading, you hold a place at the top of my list. When a book can’t capture me in the fist 100 pages I will likely never finish it. You have never failed the 100 page challenge and I love to share your books with friends and family.
Dave Henderson January 26, 2008

Mr. Coonts - As a former Marine AH-1T pilot '74-80, I have taught helicopter flight training in simulators in Pensacola since 1981 and have enjoyed your writing from the beginning. Just wanted you to know that you have quite a following among the flight students and instructors that have passed thru here over the years, as I often see them with a copy of one of your books. Keep up the good work and many thanks from past, current and future naval aviators around the world.
Ed Smith January 20, 2008
 

It took 13 years for me to finally pick up "Flight of the Intruder" and read it.  The book was in one of the first boxes my mom shipped to me when serving overseas in the U.S. Navy Seabees (MCAS Futenma, Okinawa Japan). As a 21 year old E-3 in the Navy, reading a book was the last thing on my mind.  Now, 13 years later, I'm in the second to last chapter ( I think 26th chpt) and have really enjoyed it.  I only wish I would have read it earlier while still in the Navy. It could have prompted me to transfer out of the Seabees and into Naval Aviation as career.  I've been recently regretting my decision to get out in 2000. I currently work in Louisville CO, just down the street from Boulder. Just thought I would throw that in.
Anyways, Just thought I would let you know that I so far have really enjoyed your book "Flight of the Intruder" and am looking forward to reading "The Intruders", which is waiting on my bookshelf.
-Brian Lionberger January 20, 2008

Dear Stephen:

I keep on reading your "Flight of the Intruder" over and over. It relates to the soul of a lost generation of exceptional Americans. Thank you.
Aldo Cundari January 2, 2008

Steve,
I recently retired after 25 years in the Australian Navy; 20 of those years in aviation. I recently came across Flight of the Intruder, which I first read in flight school in 1987. As I raced through the pages, I felt as if I was once again pulling on my flight gear and strapping myself into the cockpit; could feel the atmosphere and smell the smells of the ready room of a ship at sea and re-live the highs and lows that fill the world of the naval aviator. Thanks for a great read - I'm now halfway through The Intruders, and enjoying it just as much. Cheers.
Andrew Mudie October 9, 2007

I have read and really enjoyed all your books but I must say my favorite has always been THE FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER. I always was fascinated by the dichotomy that was Jake Grafton. Cynical and yet idealistic at the same time. I re-read that book frequently because there are so few characters like that.(I really loved the movie based on the book also. Any chance it will come out on DVD?) I don't know how much of your demographic you are able to catogorize but I am a 53 year female who got hooked on Jake Grafton in about 1990. I am just now realizing that I am an adrenaline addict so I loved the action sequences but I also really appreciate how strong your female characters are. When I am by myself musing about the shortage of dialogue I have heard and read for strong female characters, one quote you wrote for Rita Monrovia really stands out.( I can't remember which book, I only can recall the sentence) where she is being interviewed by Grafton to maybe be one of his test pilots and she lists her experience and then says "try me and see" I always think "Damn! that must be one gutsy pilot! Not "she must be gutsy for a woman, or even a female pilot, but she is gutsy for any pilot." I see so few characters like that these days. I think the women of America ought to be able to get together and hold 'blanket parties' for the women we judge to be too stupid to be allowed to live. We would have so many targets also, well, not Anna Nicole anymore, But ceratinly there are others who have taken her place. So thank you, you have made it a little easier to be an American woman these days.
Valerie Morse June 12, 2007

Just a quick note of appreciation. Each of your books has really been a pleasure to read. I must confess that each time I hear a new one is on the way it feels a little like Christmas!  Thanks for the great stories and the interesting characters. I look forward to many more. Also, I just missed you when you were in town several years ago. I was working on my pilot's license at the FBO in Pensacola, Fl and came in to find the guys talking about your visit from the day before. A few days later I picked up Flight of the Intruder and I was hooked. Imagine my surprise when I later read of your swing through Pensacola in The Cannibal Queen. I was a day away from being a memorable character in a Coonts book!  I look forward to Carmellini's next adventure, although Jake is still the man!"
Victor Lowrimore May 23, 2007
 

I read Flight Of The Intruder and could not put it down. I bought the rest of your books and read through them without stopping. I rarely write authors but you are one of the great ones. Now I collect your works.
Lee Simmons May 16, 2007

I am an avid reader mostly of romance and mysteries. I never had much interest in Vietnam because of my brother and friends going through it. I have taken a few American history courses and have since became interested in Vietnam. At my friend's constant nagging to read your book, I picked up Flight of the Intruder and I found myself swept away. I would start my homework assignments only to find myself wondering what Jake was doing. I finally gave up and finished the book. I enjoyed the story and I appreciate the fact that it did not bog down in detail. Even someone with no aviation background could follow. My final exam is tomorrow so I can start the next adventure with with Jake.
Best Regards
Ellen McKemy May 9, 2007
 

I want to tell you how much I enjoyed Flight of the Intruder. I served in Viet-Nam in 1968-69 as an Army infantryman in the Americal Division near Chu Lai. we really appriciated the air support we received from the marines. Thanks for writing such a great book.

Robert Brindle A.U.S retired. April 2, 2007
 

Hello Sir,
My name is AO3 Collin Wood I am stationed with VFA-195 at NAF Atsugi, Japan. I read your book Flight of the Intruder at the age of 13 and since that time I knew I wanted to FLY NAVY! I have now been in for two years and was just accepted into the Naval Academy Prep School and will go onto the Naval Academy after that and will continue to pursue wings of gold. In my essay I submitted to the Naval Academy I wrote how your book inspired me to join the Navy and apply for the Academy, thank you for your books and if you have time I would love any advice you can give on how to get even more out of my already wonderful Navy career.
Very Respectfully,
AO3 Collin Wood March 24, 2007
 

Dear Mr Coonts - a quick thank you by email.
I first read 'Flight of the Intruder' as a fifteen year old school boy and as with many young men it inspired me to want to become a Military pilot.  However, young men seldom realise these early ambitions and in 1991 at the age of eighteen I joined the British Army as a soldier subsequently qualifying as a bodyguard for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
In 1998 I purchased a copy of 'The Intruders' and rekindled my early ambition. I applied for Pilot training within the Army and in 2002 received my 'wings'.  Last week I returned from an Operational tour of Afghanistan flying the AH-64D Longbow Apache.
During these troubled and turbulent times one thing that still remains and bonds all Military pilots is a love of pure flying and the ethos of 'keeping the faith' The latter a value which you've always emphasised in your books.
As both a Military and private pilot I have a love of flying which I may never have found had I not been dodging lessons (hiding in the school library) when I found your first book and became hooked on Aviation. Thank you for the inspiration.
Nick Cole February 28, 2007

Dear Mr Coonts,
I finally managed to locate a copy of Flight of the Intruder today in the UK. The book stores finally deigned to restock it after a long hiatus.
I saw the film years ago from a rental store and enjoyed it very much, despite the glaring continuity error in the middle but I digress. I knew it was a book at the time but I was more into science fiction all those years ago.
The book is excellent, really bringing home the flying and putting you in the cockpit which I assume was your intention all along. The only other book from the jet era for me which has come this close is Cadillac Flight by Marhsall Harrison. He wrote about thuds going into pack six.
I myself am a struggling writer but I guess I'm going to have to keep plugging away before my novels find their place, either in the trash or on a book shop shelf.
Thanks again for the novel, I enjoyed it very much.
Vincent Formosa December 20, 2006

Hi Steve,
I just checked out your site searching for a book about barnstorming around the country with your son because that's one of my unfulfilled dreams. Before I got
that far, I felt compelled to drop you a line along with your other fans.  I just finished reading Flight of the Intruder again. It's been twenty something years since I finished it the first time and it was as good as I'd remembered it. I'm eager to read the sequel now that I know it exist.

I flew F-4G Wild Weasels out of Clark from '88 to '91 and am familiar with some of your old haunts; such great memories, the flying, the camaraderie and other
things... Thanks for taking me there again...
Thanks again for providing such wonderful reading. Merry Christmas and may God bless America.
Billyray Read, November 30, 2006
 

Happy 20th on Flight of the Intruder! My first aviation novel. Would've loved to have flown that beautiful Grumman bird. It inspired me to my own life of aviation. I'm currently a Captain/Check Airman on regional jets for a regional airline. I still have my 1st copy of FOTI and still thumb thru it now and then fly 'wing' with Jake. Once again congratulations!
Alexander Levatte October 20, 2006

Dear Mr. Coonts,
I was given a hand me down copy of Flight of the Intruder, in late 1986 while I was serving in the Marine Corps, and have been hooked ever since.  I have noticed that the local book store is now carrying new paperback prints of your original novel, and I plan to read it again (for the 3rd or 4th time) and pass it along to my boy.
To date, that is the only book that has made my palms sweat while reading. I have always had a fondness for aviation, stories and the aircraft, and I was a little sad when the Navy decided to retire the A-6. I can only imagine the attachment you must have with that aircraft. Anyway, keep up the excellent story telling!
Thanks for entertainment,
Heath Hankinson October 9, 2006

dearest steve, i write from italy. just wanted to make compliments for your books! you're great! i've read them all and fell in love with flight stuff and jake grafton!since the first lecture,i was so involved that i've started to learn all i could on aircraft and flying! thanks again for your talent,
Valentina Ponzilacqua September 7, 2006

Mr. Coonts,
I once was a TD2 stationed at NAS Oceana(FASOTRAGRULANT) during the time you were in Viet Nam and operated and maintained the A6 flight simulator there for MATWING I,VA-42 and "flew" the F-4 and the first F-14 simulator.I first purchased & read your novel "The Flight of the Intruder" when it was first published years ago. I have just re-read both it and "The Intruders".  Your wonderful talent & ability with words resurrected the cockpit, procedures, and officer/enlisted personnel from that period of my life once again with sharp clarity in " my mind's eye". This may be somewhat late in coming, but thanks so much. By the way my only "disapointment"in the novels is the omission of any "simulator" scenes, either at NAS Oceana or Whidbey Island.
Joseph Ricciardi September 5, 2006
 

Mr. Coonts - I came across your Flight of the Intruder novel by accident several weeks ago and now can't get enough of you and Jake Grafton. As an ex-Navy Air Traffic Controller, who's first duty station was NAS Cubi Point, Jake's time in the PI brought back memories. Although I was "station dito" many years after Jake - 1981-1983, "Shit River", Olongapo, shenanigans at the Cubi "O" Club, etc were well-known to me. I never got to serve on a carrier - my tour at Cubi served as my sea duty, since woman were not yet permitted on ships. However, I was very familiar with FCLPs, LSOs, and calling the ball. Living Jake's life through your books, has allowed my mind to wonder back 25 years and remember some of the best years of my life.

Thank you for your books !!! . . . Go NAVY !!!
LEEANN JACOBS August 18, 2006

I wrote this poem in my 9th grade English class after reading your books Flight of the Intruder and Final Flight. I am a writer of sorts (I wish I could write more but it seem that when I get good ideas I never seem to have a writing
utensil and paper around). So here it is, A Final Flight.

A Final Flight

Atop the midnight tarmac,
a metal beast awaits.
To be flown below the radar,
to bring the enemy his fate.

Cones of orange flames protrude from the back,
two men inside the metal beast perform their final acts.
One looks upon a long lost love,
the other one last check.

The lime green decks man raised one hard gloved hand,
Pilot turns to Bombardier
“Sit back, strap in, let’s fly.”
This would be his final trip.
One final flight through Hell.

Through flak, through fire the Intruder weaves,
a reddened glow surrounds.
One look ‘round the hellish scene,
a god would have to fear.
But, pilot, plane, and bombardier have no fear.

Upon the ground a missile waits,
then radar lock achieved.
An Oriental smiles,
his mission is achieved.

The spear-head missile launches,
a buzzer begins to sound.
Pilot looks at Bombardier,
the fear in no more gone.

Pilot says a silent prayer and fires out the chaff.
A missile still is coming,
now it’s on the aft.

Pilot looks at bombardier,
a smile is on his face.
Pilot does a shut down,
a devil’s move to make.
The A-6 plunges towards the ground,
now it’s up to fate.


Missile crashes to the ground,
Intruder close to final fate.
Burners are back on,
missile is far gone.

Radar sites destroyed,
the mission is accomplished,
a duel is done,
but a war has just begun.

Now with final flight complete,
Pilot has but one thought,
“Was it destiny?”

A new CAG on the carrier,
Pilot was approved.
B/N has new pilot.
But has peace been renewed?
It is now his final flight,
until he has a change.
B/N asks himself,
“How will it end?”
“How will my world change?”

--L.P. Nelson July 13, 2006
 

"You probably get quite a bit of fan mail at this address, so I will add another one. I go to sea for a living (commercial fisherman) and read voraciously to pass the time. I have turned on quite a few crew members to your books, which never fail to entertain and occasionally crack us all up. As a private pilot and lover of all things aviation, I was hooked after your first novel, Flight of the Intruder. I have never experienced combat flying ( a regret I had in my twenties, but now in my forties I realize was a blessing) but it felt like I getting tossed about the cockpit, dodging AAA with my heart in my throat. Better than drugs, and a lot cheaper too (I even bought the hardcover). I tried your books that didn’t feature ole Jake Grafton, and found that they were entertaining as well.
One of my favorites was Cannibal Queen. I have always wanted to tool around the country low and slow, and I felt that your book took me there too. It takes a lot of balls to fly an ass dragger in more that 10kts of wind, and you wrote extremely well about that too... I read a little bit about your views on writing, and I am impressed with your humility. I have also read Ernest Gann, and in my opinion, you are right up there with him. He could also put you right in the cockpit, struggling with a nasty crosswind on final to some shitty little field. He was pretty humble himself come to think of it.
Keep writing! And we will keep reading!" -- Mike Reardon November 17, 2005

"I have read all of the Jake Grafton series and I want to thank you for the joy I have experienced in reading them. I have read Flight of the Intruder 4 times and am on The Intruders for the 3rd time. You have done a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life and bringing about a feeling of being right there in the cockpit with Jake and Flap (or "Tiger" Cole) experiencing every cat shot and landing.
I look forward to reading your future work and again say thank you."-- Bruce -- Philadelphia, PA May 14, 2005


"Mr. Coonts, Hello, my name is Lonnie Fitch and I just finished listening to FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER on cassette, which I had picked up from the local library
here in Front Royal, VA. This book was my introduction to your work and I felt compelled to write to you and express how much I enjoyed it. The action, suspense, and characters had me riveted from beginning to end. As a means of staying awake and avoiding road rage, I routinely listen to audio books during the 70 mile commute along I66 to where I work near Washington, DC. On the trip home yesterday I was so absorbed in the action as Jake made his unauthorized run into Hanoi that I actually passed
the exit for my home and didn't realize it until 4 miles later! I realize I missed the initial release by nearly 20 years but I have to say Bravo on a truly superb book and I can't wait to get my hands on your other works." --Lonnie Fitch, October 26, 2004

"There is a retired Soviet Air Force lieutenant- colonel, which I let read a few already translated chapters of 'Flight of the Intruder'. His name is Mr. Leonid Mechanikov and he is 69. In the late 50-s and early 60-es he flew MiG-15s in the Soviet Far East, on the island of Sakhalin.
"Leonid likes aviation, flying and everything what is related to it. When he was grounded by aviation surgeon, it was a huge blow on his dream. He wrote a book about his flying experience. Unfortunately, Leonid does not speak and read English. So, my partner and I gave him the possibility to familiarize with your world of flying.
"I want to quote for you some of his letters: 'This is a great writing. It is truly a good book. I think that after Anton Saint Exupery I didn't read anything better about the life of an aviator. It is very pity that there is no way even to meet this man, either to see him. I just want to ask you to pass to the Author my deepest respect & admiration by him. Please also pass my great thankfulness for his ability to show so brightly a pilot's quite not easy life' story, staying away from boring documents, by pulling out the fillings and sensations of immediate participant of that events. I wish him a future success in his writing and a long happy life, which he deserves without any doubts.'" --Oleg Tchernychenko, September 4, 2004

"I lived in an Intruder cockpit while I was reading your book. The way you wrote this novel, touched me very deeply since I'm a plane lover, enchanted by everything that concerns aviation, and aviators. There's much more I can say, but thank you for writing this way." --Jorge Paulo Santos, October 22, 2003

" Dear Mr. Coonts, I would like to thank you for your brilliant works based on your character Jake Grafton. I have a very close friend who was a BN on an A-6 in Vietnam and who till this day finds it very difficult to talk about. The first time I saw Flight of the Intruders on television it gave me a glimpse of his world of which I am ever so curious. The information supplied by your books, Flight of the Intruder and The Intruders, has gone a long way to help me understand the work that the two of you and many other aviators did in that war. I thank you for your works which have made me understand what it is like to sit in the hot seat flying off a cat. Discussing your work has brought my friend and I even closer because we are able to discuss that great plane and his experiences in it. Thanks again and I look forward to another great Jake Grafton novel. A Loyal fan," --Jonathan July 9, 2003

"Dear Mr. Coonts... I find it funny that I'm writing you a letter. At 30 years old, I'm neither a big proponent of fan mail, nor a devotee to many "celebrities." However, something you wrote on the coonts.com Web site about Flight of the Intruder struck enough of a cord that it made me smile and want to write. "You made a mention to how you have received letters from kids about how this book was one of their first "grown-up" books, and it made me realize that for me, it was as well. Nowadays, I'm a copywriter and Web content strategist and diligently work on my own stories and fiction. And in retrospect, I must have read Flight of the Intruder in late in '87 or '88, and have always thought of the book as my standard when wanting to read aviation fiction, yet I never realized that until tonight, when I finished re-reading the book. "I grew up in Houston, Texas, right next to NASA and a decommissioned Air Force base. My neighbors were all military: naval pilots and navigators, Marine pilots and scientists. I grew up watching the T-38 trainers that the astronauts flew cut mean turns and fast tracks across the sky. I heard my first sonic boom when a young teen out on the front lawn watching what might have been a Texas Air National Guard F-16 break some regulations. I dreamed of piloting these beautiful machines myself...and then working my way into the astronaut corps, like my neighbors and uncle. I had even received a recommendation to Annapolis...but, unfortunately, Fate didn't like this idea, and gave me the eye sight of a bat. If I couldn't fly as a pilot or navigator, I didn't see much reason to go military at the time. I read books like yours, and strapped into the planes and rode them for dear life along with characters like Grafton. "So I would suppose the point of this letter is to thank you for a book that had an effect upon me that I had never realized until now. I haven't read many of your other books, but intend to now that I've finished Intruder. "I wish you the best of luck and smooth sailing,"
--Andrew L. Schneider August 11, 2002

"Dear Steve, I only recently started reading your books. Back in '86 (the year of my high school graduation) my step-dad told me about this great book that was just out. He said that it was really true to what he had experienced about the war (he was a doorgunner in the Army). I took him seriously, bought a copy of the book and let it sit on my bookshelf for fifteen years. My job fixing copiers gives me a lot of time on the road so I am usually listening to books on tape and a couple of months ago I listened to CUBA, and remembered the character from the movie version and finally read FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER. WOW! I am not a pilot, but have enjoyed many hours of flying "missions" on my computer--this book certainly has enhanced my enjoyment of that pastime. I now have THE INTRUDERS and FINAL FLIGHT read and several more on the shelf (hopefully they won't collect as much dust <smile>). INTRUDERS really gives an appreciation those who serve-- I think your book lives up to its dedication. =Thanks again (I must go-- last night I started THE MINOTAUR) --Tim Maciolek, July 29, 2001

"Dear Mr. Coonts, I have almost read all the way through my first book by you which is FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER and I absolutely love it. You writing is so filled with description and is action packed. After reading this book I hope to continue with the rest of the books that feature Jake Grafton as the main character. I hope to some day become a Naval aviator and this book has only helped to push me towards my goal. I can not wait to finish this book and continue on with the next." --Adam Purvis Jan 1, 2001

"Dear Stephen, I want to thank you for the inspiration your books have given me. Although I have read all your books and they have provided many hours of entertainment, the FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER inspired me to pursue aviation. I had been an aviation fan since childhood, but had never pursued it. At the age of 38, I took my first lesson. 3500 hours and ten years later I am now a pilot for Executive Jet Aviation, flying Citation V Ultras. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. I can't believe they pay people to do this. Thanks again, Stephen, and please keep writing."

"Hi, I am a 21 y/o college student attending Penn State University. I wanted to give you my sincerest thanks for all the books you have written. Since I was a small child, I had always wanted more than anything to be a U.S. Navy pilot. I would have flown anything, preferable an F/A 18, but I honestly
would have flown anything I could get my hands on. This was a passion. When it came time to go off to college, I began seriously looking at the Naval Academy. I had applied and spoken with representatives, the usual. Unfortunately one problem kept coming up. My eyesight. I wear contact and have for years, as you know there was no way I was going to strap on a plane. I was told I could be accepted into the academy, but was not guaranteed a spot for laser surgery, nor would that guarantee a career in Naval Aviation. I didn't want anything else, I didn't want any other part of the Navy. My heart sunk and I knew I would never, ever fly a jet off a carrier. I would never smell the scents you so vividly portray in your
novels. I also would not perform any night traps. Ultimately I chose another school majoring in Electrical Engineering. I constantly think about what could have been, but realizing it must be this way for a reason. I am thanking you for giving me the chance to really feel what it was like to fly. The smell of the flight deck, the sights, the sounds, the G's. Everything. You made something that was impossible very,
very real for me. I get so involved in every one of your novels, I seriously cannot put them down. I read and re-read constantly. So anyway, thank you for making me feel as though I was the one in the cockpit over the last few years. Thanks for the great books! Please keep them coming."
--Cole Jackson, Sept 6, 2000

"Steve, I wrote you earlier this summer, after I finished CUBA; telling you how much I enjoyed it. Well, I just finished FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER, and I loved it. These Grafton novels of yours are incredible! I was amazed to learn that my favorite author lives in the same city as I after reading
the inside of the back cover of FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER. If you would like to help me with writing when school starts, That'd be great... Don't you think of quitting writing such great books, I'd be devastated! Thanks a lot." --Tom Hess, August 5, 2000

"Steve, I just wanted to thank you for your fabulous books. Probably the best writing I've ever read was in FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER, when Grafton met up with an F4 pilot who'd already bolted two or three times in the middle of the night, in the middle of a typhoon, and had only enough for one more try. I must've read that whole chapter a dozen times, because I could almost feel that stick jiggling against the heavy wind, the A6 bucking and struggling to keep the right heading, the incredible fear of the F4 pilot being calmed and relaxed a bit by Grafton. What a ride it was! And what a shame that the scene was left out of the movie! So, please keep up the good work, friend. I just picked up CUBA, and I'll
be ready for the next book by this weekend!" --Alex Crossan May 2, 2000

"I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful books. The one I love most is "FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER (but I own all the others too). I enclose a pic of myself, taken at NAS Oceana last September and the first time I saw an A6. Wow, I have seen a lot of EA6 Prowlers here in Italy, but a Prowler is not a BOMBER. Ooooops, I am sorry, I introduce myself : my name's Andy Spagna. I live in northern Italy near Milan, I am 31 years old and I love USN planes, especially the A6 (as you can see from my email address). I started loving the Intruder when I was 6, but I have known this plane better after I read your book. You are very famous here, among airplanes fans. Ok, that's all. I can hardly wait for your new book "Cuba" as I have never found it in my city bookshops yet. Take care, my friend." --Andy "Coolhand" Spagna, Feb 29, 2000

"I've been a big fan since I read FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER when I was 13. It gave me the crazy idea to join the Navy and pursue a career as an aviator. Now I'm 20 and working on my degree while I work on the Navy's birds. So I guess I'm well on my way. Thanks. Keep putting out those cool books." --M.A. Hartman, Feb 28, 2000

"Funny, I never doubted I'd like your fiction. I went out and bought every one of your books. It's good that I did like them. That was the mother-load out of my paycheck that week. Ha!
FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER was wonderful. FINAL FLIGHT was riveting. This afternoon I finished THE MINOTAUR. Wow! If I don't get any more read tonight, I start UNDER SIEGE tomorrow morning over coffee before work. You seem to just get better all the time and I'm hooked! My son-in-law, Keith, was right. You are the best. My son borrowed FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER. He called tonight to tell me he's joining your fan club too. My husband asked me how I liked your books. I said, `You know how I love kick-butt movies? Well, this is a bust-ass book!' Thank you. The verdict is in. You truly are the best!" --Frances Faulkner, May 12, 1999

"This is the first time that I have ever E-mailed anyone I don't really know. But I just wanted to let you know how much your books have touched me. Mostly FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER. I guess I should tell you a little bit about myself. I grew up in an Air Force family. My father flew VC-135 out of Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. The only thing I ever wanted to be was a pilot. When I was four I could name every plane I saw. Even today I Can't keep from looking up when someone flies over. I soloed at 16 and earned my private License before I could drive. I spent all high school in Civil Air Patrol. I think I read FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER 10 times, but was "never" going into the Navy. How could I sell out the family? Well now I'm LTJG Len "nitro" Steward, USN, assigned to Patrol Squadron 47 "The Golden Swordsmen" at Barbers Point. Thanks for the jinx. Please don't quit inspiring us all. My heroes have always been pilots." --Len Steward, July 26, 1998

"...I am a senior a General William Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs, CO. I am taking a class in literature and have been assigned to do a paper and a presentation on any author of my choice. I read your novel, Flight of the Intruder, and I really loved it! It is one of the few books that I've read recently that I'd wished would go on and on after I'd finished reading. That's why I'd like to base my report on you....I would very much like to learn more about your experiences in flying, how you got interested in writing, and what you are planning in your future." --Jonathan Hamm

"I am an avid reader and a collector of those books that I have read and loved. Over the years, you have kept me entertained with your techno-thrillers. Recently, I came across a really nice copy of your first book, Flight of the Intruder and just buying it reminded me of the pleasure I had in first reading it. I will start re-reading it soon." --Paul Keller

"I have for several years now been a fan of yours and of your work as a writer. Mr. Coonts, you are the best of the bunch who write military adventure." --Mike Cravens