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 Life is better than fiction Jul 17, 2009
My recent travels with my old friend "Harry" brought back many memories of years as a navy carrier pilot as well as some lively insights into commercial aviation as even the old salts won't recognize. His remarkable life experience stories told with humor and candor cover some of the best and the worst of our lives. I rarely read a book that I can't put down - but this was one of them. Let's have another one Ryp!
Jack Holland, CDR, USN (ret)
Outstanding yarn! Apr 13, 2009
Never having flown for an airline, (let alone, NINE of them, as the author has!) I can only comment that the civilian, airline pilot aspect of his protagonist, Harry Ferguson, is truly fascinating - a glimpse into a world that few could even imagine! Identifying with flying the Navy A-4 Skyhawk, however, is another matter. As a junior officer and squadron LSO, I flew two combat cruises in these very aircraft, ejected from two due to combat damage, and managed to endure nearly 6 ½ years as a P.O.W., in the company of men such as Harry and, indeed, with mutual friends of his creator! Ron Rypel knows his subject, well, and he nails it, in "Charley" - highly recommended reading!
Must Read for Aviators, Fans or Wannabees Mar 07, 2009
If you were a Navy pilot, an airline pilot, or just always wanted to be, this book is a MUST READ. The tales (and tails) just fly by (no pun intended) and if you have the time, you'll read it right through. The book has a very unique style and is quite fast paced. It takes you 'round and 'round the world and doesn't leave out one single sea story. I have highly recommended it to all my old Navy buddies and so far have not had one disclaimer. "Your Signal is Charley" makes you want to go right down and sign up to do it all over again! Ron Rypel is a master spinner of aviation lore.
CAPT John "Brody" Conklin USNR and American Airlines, Ret.
Your Signal Is Charlie Feb 08, 2009
Moved me enough to write a review! If one was, or knows a Naval Aviator and/or ("Tramp", "Non-Scheduled", "Supplemental" airline crew member), This is a MUST read book. However, anyone can enjoy and learn from this book. Ron has not only written a great book, but in doing so, he has described people, incidents, and activities so clearly that the reader understands everything. It is very interesting and hard not to just read one more chapter. (The chapters are short). He writes about two lives. One as a Naval pilot in 'Nam, and also as a pilot of foreign airlines. I lived a life similar to that depicted in the book. It's true to life and one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read. Ron, Thanks for the memories!
 Your Signal is Charley Jun 30, 2008
Chick Clark, CDR, USN (Ret.) Member: Association of Naval Aviation
Bravo Zulu, Ron, for a tale well told. Ops on Yankee Station make Gann's "The High and The Mighty" sound like Sunday afternoon in the park. The detail, told from the first person's point of view (with apologies to Harry) puts you in the cockpit, the ready room. It's a You are There experience with all the tensions and tragedy, the happiness and the hopelessness of a war and of those who carried it to the bad guys. Insight into startup airlines, charter work, unusual freight, and the sometimes crude airport facilities takes a lot of the glamour (if it exists only in the mind) out of commercial aviation. However, Harry puts a good face on adversity. The period flying with the Saudis can only be described as suspicions confirmed. On the personal side, the book brought back long tucked-away memories. Saigon and the Caravelle Hotel, Hong Kong with Jimmy's Kitchen, the Parisian Grill, Earthquake McGoon's. Yokosuka and the Tradewinds, and Tokyo and the Queen Bee. Places and things, thrills and sights that demand exploration by naval aviators. I met Ron in Monterey in 1961 as a student in the Navy's General Line School and little did I know how our lives would, after 47 years, cross once more. As a former editor of APPROACH magazine, the Naval Aviation Safety Review, I had read many" Hairy Tails" and "Anymouse" contributions from the fleet but, they pale in the shadow cast by Your Signal is Charley .
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