Lead Solo

Learning Life's Vectors from an F/A-18 Blue Angel Aviator

By: Frank Weisser

Narrated by: Graham Rowat

"Pull your green ring!" That came through loud and clear over the radio despite all the other talking between the various jets and the controllers. It was my Division Leader, one of our Squadron's most senior pilots, on a night flight during my first period flying off the aircraft carrier. I had unknowingly fallen victim to Hypoxia and was minutes, if not seconds, away from dying as I very much intended to softly land in a nearby swamp so I could get some much-needed rest. Moments later, having pulled the green ring resulting in pure oxygen being delivered instantly, I looked outside and said "Holy Sh*t. I'm flying. And it's nighttime."

From the cockpit of an F/A-18 Hornet, U.S. Navy Commander Frank Weisser conveys the lessons he learned flying as the Lead Solo for the Blue Angels, on multiple combat deployments, and as stunt pilot for Top Gun: Maverick. Each chapter opens with a flight sequence and describes a lesson, skill, or value that Weisser learned in the sky and that carried him through a life of service with the Navy: finding focus, developing trust, opening communication, overcoming adversity, facing failure, and recognizing courage within oneself. With a focus on the instructors, flight team members, and colleagues who taught and guided him, this accessible book contains wisdom for everyone on how to live thoughtfully, with courage, and well.

©2025 Frank Weisser (P)2025 Tantor Media

Heart of a leader

Learning the journey of this pilot in becoming a Blue Angel is inspiring. It was refreshing read the development of leadership through hopes dashed, accept the call of pilot and overcoming obstacles. Weisers heart to be the best despite loss, being new to flying and yet always willing to learn is inspiring. This is an excellent book for anyone who feels they're in the wrong place, at a disadvantage or simply the call is to hard. The reality of being a Blue Angel pilot takes commitment and devotion to your team, family and God. Ben would be so proud!

The voice. Oh the voice

Good story, good book - absolutely terrible narrator. If you like books read to you by a morning DJ voice, then this is the one for you.
Civilian narrators need guidance when they read a military book. They do not know how to pronounce acronyms, nor do they know when they are supposed to actually say what the abbreviated word is instead of the abbreviation. When a pilot writes that they were 3 NM behind the boat, another pilot would read 3 nautical miles. They would not say NM.
The narration was a bit too aggravating and annoying for me to enjoy the book as much as I would have if I had read it myself.