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Ready for Takeoff
Stories from an Air Force Pilot
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Narrated by:
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David Dale
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By:
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David Dale
About this listen
Ready For Takeoff–Stories from an Air Force Pilot recounts the extraordinary events of my ordinary Air Force career. From B-52 Cold War nuclear alert as a navigator, to wartime aerial refueling missions during Desert Storm and the Bosnian War, to flying General Tommy Franks after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, my career intersected many moments in history. I began as a quiet navigator and rose to command an Air Force squadron tasked with flying our nation's commanding four-star generals and admirals. These stories represent the exploits of many proud Air Force servicemen and women.
Prior to every takeoff, pilots announce to the control tower that they are “ready for takeoff.”
The systems have been checked and the pilot is mentally prepared for whatever comes next.
Psychologists know that some children benefit from equine therapy, interacting with horses to help them break out of their shell and gain self-confidence. I benefited from "aviation therapy." Aviation has influenced my life in so many positive ways. I grew up shy and lacking self-confidence. It wasn’t until I started taking flying lessons at age 16 that I ventured out on my own to pursue my dream. Through aviation, I learned to make decisions, some of which could have life or death consequences. I scared myself a few times, but truly believe that I embody the slogan, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” The life lessons I learned through aviation made me ready to takeoff into adulthood and a successful military career.
©2022 David Dale (P)2024 David DaleRelated to this topic
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The Autobiography of Malcolm X
- As Told to Alex Haley
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it's Nearly perfect
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The Abolitionists
- By: Kellie Carter Jackson, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Kellie Carter Jackson
- Length: 2 hrs and 31 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall
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Performance
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While most of us are familiar with the Underground Railroad, there was much more to the movement than helping individuals escape their bondage. In the eight lectures of The Abolitionists, Professor Kellie Carter Jackson of Wellesley College will bring you along as she traces the history of the fight to end slavery in America, from its relatively quiet origins to the turning point at Harper’s Ferry to the Civil War.
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Highly Informative
- By Gilbert M. Stack on 02-23-25
By: Kellie Carter Jackson, and others
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The Rise of Rome
- By: The Great Courses, Gregory S. Aldrete
- Narrated by: Gregory S. Aldrete
- Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Roman Republic is one of the most breathtaking civilizations in world history. Between roughly 500 BCE to the turn of the millennium, a modest city-state developed an innovative system of government and expanded into far-flung territories across Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. This powerful civilization inspired America's founding fathers, gifted us a blueprint for amazing engineering innovations, left a vital trove of myths, and has inspired the human imagination for 2,000 years.
-
-
Very good, but doesn't stand out
- By Christopher on 02-08-18
By: The Great Courses, and others
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The Pagan World
- Ancient Religions Before Christianity
- By: Hans-Friedrich Mueller, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Hans-Friedrich Mueller
- Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
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Performance
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Story
In The Pagan World: Ancient Religions Before Christianity, you will meet the fascinating, ancient polytheistic peoples of the Mediterranean and beyond, their many gods and goddesses, and their public and private worship practices, as you come to appreciate the foundational role religion played in their lives. Professor Hans-Friedrich Mueller, of Union College in Schenectady, New York, makes this ancient world come alive in 24 lectures with captivating stories of intrigue, artifacts, illustrations, and detailed descriptions from primary sources of intriguing personalities.
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-
The Pagan World
- By arnold e andersen md Dr Andersen on 03-28-20
By: Hans-Friedrich Mueller, and others
What listeners say about Ready for Takeoff
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Conrad Thornburgh
- 08-27-24
Ready for Takeoff is very enlightening
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to David Dale's memoir, Ready for Takeoff. It is very enlightening and makes a person think about the extensive training a pilot must endure. They have to be ready to handle any situation that arises. I appreciate the way the technical details were woven into this story. I was also reminded of some of the wars that happened in my lifetime and how much I am grateful for the men and women who were there to serve and protect. I must admit, my favorite parts of this book are the ones where the author provides a glimpse of what life is like in a military family as the story turns to the more personal moments with family and friends. I am waiting for the sequel!
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