Per Ardua is a new book written by Philip Keeble and David Gledhill and published by Fonthill Media describes the road to becoming operational on the frontline from a Cold War pilot and navigator’s own experiences

Flying the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom was a young man’s dream, but the path from ‘Civvy Street’ to operational on a fighter squadron was long, arduous and beset with obstacles. To succeed meant the chance to fly one of the most iconic combat aircraft that ever took to the air; however, not every fledgling aviator who began the journey fulfilled their ambition to wear the coveted ‘Op.
badge’. Per Ardua: Training an RAF Phantom Crew describes how Cold War aircrew assimilated the skills needed to fly and fight the complex fighter jet. It follows the progress through every stage and explains why it cost millions to train each pilot and navigator. Philip Keeble and David Gledhill, both former Phantom aircrew, recount the challenges and emotions encountered during the rigorous training process in a frank yet light-hearted way that will leave you wondering how anyone achieved the goal.

●Gloriously illustrated with previously unpublished photographs, Per
Ardua celebrates the 60th anniversary of the F-4 Phantom
●Co-written by a former pilot/navigator and best-selling authors of The Phantom in Focus, Fighters over the Falklands, Tornado F3 in Focus, Tornado in Pictures: The Multi Role Legend, Operational Test: Honing the Edge and Patrolling the Cold War Skies: Reheat Sunset
●Philip Keeble and David Gledhill are rightly considered to be the leading Cold War authors and authoritative figures on aviation.

‘There have been numerous occasions where I have sat in the cockpit of a fast jet and
thought to myself, “How on earth did I get here?’
Philip Keeble
‘My own training left me ill-equipped to fly a Phantom.’
David Gledhill

Publication: 19 September 2019
Price: £25.00/$36.95
ISBN: 978-1-78155-712-9
Size: 248 x 172 mm
Binding: Hardback
Extent: 256 pages
Illustrations: 64 colour/62 mono
Rights: World, all languages

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