Friday's Fabulous Flyer
I was recently introduced
to a pilot—Chris Broyhill.
But Chris is not just any pilot…
As a retired Lt. Col of the
USAF, he holds a BS in Computer Science, a Masters in National Security, and is
currently working on his Ph.D. in Aviation. He is also a graduate of the USAF prestigious
Fighter Weapons School. During his military career he had the opportunity to
fly both the A-10 and F-16 aircraft, which has paid off in more ways than one.
Chris retired from a 20-year
career in the Air Force, but did not quit flying. He also did not join the
airlines. Chris is a corporate pilot who has flown a Gulfstream G-IV and Falcon
900EX all over the world.
He is married, has four
kids, four dogs, two cats, and one novel, with two more on the way. He was also
just recently selected as the director of a new
corporate flight department based in Chicago.
Novel? Oh yes. And a heck of a novel it is.
The Viper Contract
The name and cover may lull
you into thinking that only military men might appreciate this novel—but you would
be mistaken. I'm neither and I loved it! I picked this book up by recommendation of
JRHafer, and was
thoroughly impressed. I also found this to be a perfect read for anyone who loves a great story. For those who love aviation, flying, and the power of the airplane... all the better. And those from the Air Force, take a stroll down memory lane.
Here’s the deal—
If you’re a woman, you will fall for his protagonist—Colin Pearce. If you’re a man, you’ll understand,
respect and appreciate the human touch that goes into this very fascinating
character.
The believability in the
plot was scary, with hope that this could never
happen. But you always wonder, ‘what if.’
The Viper contract is a
page-turner. As a fellow author I found myself pulled into what was making me
want to keep reading, and being sucked into the story. I find it hard to
believe that this is a first time novel, but with his extensive education it
becomes apparent that he is a master of communication. He can write. For the
previous week I have curled up in the bathtub with this book, turning my water
cold. My husband (non-pilot) read it in two days.
The flying scenes are
incredible. I was able to follow and visualize all the maneuvers, and learned a
few fun terms that I would not have known otherwise. The personal touch and the
relationships added reality to the drama. This was a great book.
I Highly Recommend The
Viper Contract!
While reading, curiosity
did get the best of me and I had to ask Chris a few questions.
The power of truth in
fiction.
Karlene: How much of the
Viper, flying, and Military was true?
Chris: The Viper stuff is
all true and accurate. I even got back into the books to ensure I had the
terminology, gadgetry, modes, turn rates, radii etc correct. I even mapped
out the dog-fights on graph paper to make sure I had those geometrically
correct as well. The USAF stuff is part true, part exaggeration.
Karlene: I knew it! Well as
I told you, I’m kind of crushing on Colin Pearce. So tell me where his character
came from?
Chris: To answer the
question in the back of your head – how much are Colin Pearce and I
alike? VERY much in some ways, not so much in others. As you know,
once you create a character in a book, he or she does what he or she wants and
you, as the author, are along for the ride. I tell people that CP is who
I wish I was in some ways and who I’m glad I never became in others. He’s
a bit darker than I am, more cynical and more suspicious. If I hadn’t had
such great kids, I could have ended up just like he did.
Karlene: Yes, having kids
changes you. And for the better. So you flew in the military, and now you fly
corporate. Can you tell us how you chose this aviation path?
Chris: I’ve always wanted
to fly airplanes. My dad took my brothers and I up in a small airplane
when I was little and I was hooked. I wanted to go to the USAF Academy
since 6th grade and initially I wanted to fly airlifters but a
backseat ride in an RF-4 when I was a junior changed that. I flew the
OV-10, A-10 and F-16 while I was in the USAF and loved every minute of the
flying. I chose corporate aviation because I liked the dynamic nature or it and
I’ve never looked back.
Karlene: The Viper Contract
was so good. I cannot believe this is your first novel. Absolutely fabulous! Please
tell me you have more books in you.
Chris: I do have more books
in me. The Cabo Contract, Colin
Pearce’s next adventure, is with my publisher. I’m working on Colin’s
third adventure, The Satan Contract,
when I can find time to write between PhD classes and work stuff. (I’ve
always been writing too – since I was in high school).
Karlene: Writing, working, and Ph.D., too. You and I seriously are following
parallel paths with aviation, education and writing. So tell me
something that nobody knows about you. I promise to only blog about it.
Chris: Something about me
no one knows? Sometimes I’d like to run away from everything and find a
quiet place to live in the mountains or on a beach somewhere and just write,
write, write. I feel like I’ve got so many books inside of me and I
wonder if I’ll ever get them all out.
Karlene: I will speak for all of
us— that is the fantasy of every writer: “Run away from
everything and find a quiet place to live in the mountains or on a beach
somewhere and just write, write, write.”
I too have so many books, and so little time.
Thank you so much for gifting the world with
your talent, and taking the time to be part of Flight To Success. I know that
readers of all kind, will love The Viper Contract.
If anyone has a question for Chris, please ask
away. I’ll keep him coming back to answer your questions.
Enjoy the Journey ... And a Great Book!
XO Karlene
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