Dyer-Perry, Alan Cold War "Top Gun"

A Career Flying Fast-Jets with the USAf, GAF and the RAF

In November 1981, Alan Dyer-Perry returned to the UK after a successful exchange programme with the US Air Force, having completed 2,900 flying hours in legendary British and American fighter aircraft, including the English Electric Canberra, Blackburn Buccaneer and General Dynamics F-111A. Dyer-Perry, who was praised for his calm and modest approach to flying, looked optimistically to the future and expected a rapid rise through the ranks. He then took on a new challenge as flight commander of the RAF's renowned 617 Squadron, the Dambusters, where he led a team flying Tornado GR 1s. Despite his previous successes, he quickly learned to put aside his perceived superiority and adapt to the unique culture of the squadron. Under his leadership, the squadron won both the Curtis E. LeMay and John C. Meyer trophies in a USAF bombing competition. Later, as a NATO tactics instructor and operations wing commander at RAF Cottesmore, Dyer-Perry refined his tactical skills and gained insight into the challenges of high command. The highlight of his career was the position of Senior RAF Liaison Officer at the headquarters of the USAF's 3rd Air Force, where he dealt with various issues, including during the Balkan War and after the 9/11 attacks. This autobiography traces the career of a dedicated pilot who logged nearly 4,000 flying hours in some of the world's finest aircraft.