The Quiet Tiger

Gerald "Jerry" Keyser and I became friends in 1966, when we were both in USAF Pilot Training. Our careers paralleled for the next four years. In 1970 I got out of the Air Force and Jerry stayed in. We remained friends and I followed along in awe as he went on to have the most amazing flying career I have ever seen. He flew 100 different types of airplanes, helicopters, and gliders during his 20 years in the Air Force, including a stint with NASA, and his 17 years as a test pilot for Hughes-McDonell Douglas-Boeing Helicopter Company in Arizona.

I have met many great pilots in my flying career, but I can say without hesitation that, of my generation's pilots, Jerry Keyser was the greatest of them all. This is his story.

©2010 Michael F. Trahan (P)2016 Michael F. Trahan