At the very edge of the atmosphere, invisible against the deep indigo sky, lurks a spy plane so sophisticated that it replaced the SR-71 Blackbird some 30 years ago. Its flat black shark-like skin deflects and absorbs all but the most advanced radars, leaving it to roam undetected while silently gathering detailed intelligence. Rick Bishop, a former U-2 pilot, takes the reader deep into the Black World of 'air breathing' (non-satellite) reconnaissance, with a revealing and detailed account of the trials and challenges of flying a machine widely acknowledged as 'the most dangerous aircraft in…mehr
At the very edge of the atmosphere, invisible against the deep indigo sky, lurks a spy plane so sophisticated that it replaced the SR-71 Blackbird some 30 years ago. Its flat black shark-like skin deflects and absorbs all but the most advanced radars, leaving it to roam undetected while silently gathering detailed intelligence. Rick Bishop, a former U-2 pilot, takes the reader deep into the Black World of 'air breathing' (non-satellite) reconnaissance, with a revealing and detailed account of the trials and challenges of flying a machine widely acknowledged as 'the most dangerous aircraft in the world, ' as well as revealing the personalities and adventures of some of the elite cadre of hand-selected pilots who have the right stuff to tame the Dragon Lady. From the grueling two-week interview process, through early training flights to many exploits flying top-secret missions around the world, and his eventual rise to Commander, the author sheds new light on a world that is largely unknown outside the tight fraternity of U-2 pilots and support personnel. This personal insight by a former Commander of the only operational U-2 squadron in the USA provides a unique account of the pressures and dangers involved in flying this remarkable and iconic intelligence-gathering machine.
Growing up in the Miami, Florida suburbs, Rick Bishop was captivated by aviation. Soloing at age 16, his passion for flight knew no bounds, and following his third year of college, he volunteered for the Army Aviation Program leading to 1,000 hours of heavy-lift helicopter combat time in Vietnam. Following his early release from the Army and finishing his bachelor's degree, he joined the Air Force to fly jets and after four years as a KC-135 aircraft commander, instructor, and evaluation pilot, was selected to interview for a special duty assignment as a U-2 pilot culminating 12 years later as the commander of the only operational U-2 squadron in the U.S. Following further advancement, he retired early after nearly 25 years of military aviation service to fly for American Airlines. He retired after over fifty rewarding years of piloting civilian, military and airline aircraft. Lt. Col. Bishop holds A.S., B.S. M.P.A. degrees and is a graduate of the very selective and prestigious Air War College. He now resides in the rolling hills of a central-Florida equestrian community, north of Ocala with his dedicated wife, Virginia, of 40 years.
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