And I Lived to Tell the Tales: The Life of a Fighter Pilot Paperback – 5 May 2022

I enjoyed every well crafted story - a great compendium of adventures. Highly recommended for those who may have a smattering of similar experiences - and also those who just want an insight into the world of fast jet aircrew.

This is a great book. Firstly because Ed Cobleigh's writing style is very easy, but he manages to include both the humorous and the tragic. He also does a very good job of balancing his personal, professional, and social history.Secondly the content was rather surprising. He describes his flying training, and his post Vietnam experiences. (Vietnam is covered in his book "War, for the hell of it") And that is what is interesting. Among other things, his assisting the Iranian Air Force, and subsequently instructing on Royal Air Force Jaguars.So aircraft types featured are the T41, T37, T38, F4 and Sepecat Jaguar.There are not in depth descriptions of derring do, but there is sufficient flavour to keep the reader satisfied. One little nugget of information l noticed was slatted F4s no longer needed bootfuls of rudder to roll. I would guess that his time on F4s was in the thousands of hours.To summarize ( tongue in cheek ) he flew for the USAF in hot places, and then ended up in Scotland!I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

The author is very engaging and although the book suffers some repeat phrases and needs better editing with glaring typos, it is for aircraft fans well worth reading. I also like that he is unapologetic about what he was trained to do and is an American patriot, just the type we need as allies and thank goodness they are.Greenham Common air show in the 70s you will never see the like of again because of the variety of combat aircraft. Marvellous. I note his amazement at the lack of academic qualifications for applicants attempting to become RAF officers, he refers to 'A' levels. I am 72 and can remember when studying for my 'O' levels seeing an advert for joining in the mid 1960s, then applicants needed just five. Today 'good' 'A' levels will still get you through the door but a candidate with a degree has a much greater chance of success. However, you probably still have a better chance of becoming a senior rank in the British Armed Forces if you attended Eaton public school, but the accent now must sound as if you went up the road to Slough Secondary Modern- Estuary English rules ok.

I’ve read several military aviation autobiographies, this one was recommended via the fighter pilot podcast. I like it, several different jets which overlap my childhood (ie the F4) Ed is irreverent but interesting and this is a fun read because of it.

Awesome recollections of a fighter pilot of the modern era

Very good could not wait to read each day.

as above good read

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ed Cobleigh's "And I Lived to Tell About It". He is clearly a veteran and expert pilot. Nonetheless, his descriptions of aircraft and how they fly are easily understood by the non-pilot as well as the high-timer.While Ed describes the highs of piloting the world's best aircraft and serving with some of the best people in the world, he also brings home the extraordinary lows that accompany a fatal crash.This is more than just another story about airplanes and pilots. Ed's real life accounting of his peacetime flying put the reader in the cockpit and in the squadrons and ready rooms around the world. I'll be reading this for the second time, as soon as I finish another of Ed's books, "War for the Hell of It".

I’m also a retired fighter pilot. I devoured the book. While Ed’s experience was a couple decades before mine, his entertaining descriptions of fighter pilot life rang true to me. His ability to bring the reader into the mindset of those who put their bodies on the line for their country blows up the mystery around the profession. I was able to relate to everything described, and some stories overlapped so well with my own experiences that it stirred up long-buried, and very pleasant memories.I had to laugh at his choice not to accept an exchange posting in Cold Lake, Alberta. Wise decision, dude. I spent many moons there, and it certainly is not Nellis or Miramar!

What a life he can look back and say .I did it all. congratulations .One hell of a life ,hope I can say the SAME

Reading Mr. Cobleigh’s book reminded me of sitting with my uncle, a P-47 pilot in the ETO during WW II. He had a way of drawing you in during his stories that made you feel as if you were sitting next to him flying over Europe behind that massive radial engine. I was able to read this book in two, very enjoyable days. I am looking forward to purchasing his other books to continue my education.

I really enjoyed this book. I experienced being there during the Vietnam war.