ABOUT THIS BOOK

From the age of three, Shane Osborn dreamed of being a pilot. He began learning the skills he would need to fly as a member of the Civil Air Patrol, a branch of the U.S. Air Force, when he was just twelve years old. But it wasn’t until he graduated from the naval ROTC program at the University of Nebraska and joined the navy that his dream became a reality. For five years, Osborn practiced rigorous training exercises, working tirelessly day in and day out until he advanced from navy pilot to mission commander.

All Lt. Osborn’s flying skills were put to the test when a Chinese F-8 II fighter jet collided with his EP-3E ARIES II plane during a U.S. surveillance mission through international airspace. The impact severely damaged Osborn’s aircraft, sending it plummeting toward the ocean. With almost certain disaster looming, Osborn managed to gain control of the crippled plane and land it safely on the Chinese island of Hainan—saving the lives of his twenty-three crewmates.

In Born to Fly, Shane Osborn describes these terrifying events in vivid detail, along with the years of dedicated training that made the emergency landing possible. This is the inspirational story of a boy with a dream, and of the extraordinary discipline and courage that made him a hero.


REVIEWS

“A fascinating story of endurance, courage, and patriotism. . . . A good choice for anyone considering a career in the military and for fans of true-adventure survival stories.”—School Library Journal

“With high standards, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic, Osborn is an inspiring role model who aimed high and overcame adversity through self–discipline and respect. . . . [His] humble, matter-of-fact narrative will appeal to young men and women interested in aviation, the military, and current events. . . . The technical and military explanations and the detailed description of the midair crisis . . . will help social studies, physics, and math teachers discuss relationships among knowledge, judgment, and character.”—VOYA


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lieutenant Shane Osborn was born in South Dakota in 1974 and was raised in Nebraska, where he attended the University of Nebraska on a Naval ROTC scholarship. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in flight. He lives in Anacortes, Washington.

Malcolm McConnell has written extensively on military aviation.

Michael French is the author of several books for young adults.