The Fighter Pilot & Me

Aimed at young plane lovers, The Fighter Pilot & Me takes the viewer along for a ride in Lt. John "Turtle" Raphael's F-16 "Fighting Falcon." Raphael runs through the "pre-flight" with the viewer, checking for loose connections or any wildlife in the engine exhaust; climbs into the cockpit, where he describes the instruments and their functions; and then takes off, demonstrating various maneuvers such as rolls and loops before asking the home viewing audience to try it for themselves. Parents who abhor violence may not be crazy about the segments involving the firing of the F-15's 20mm cannon at a target and the shooting down of a "bogey" with missiles, but the program undeniably gives the viewer the feeling of flight and an appreciation of the complexities of today's modern combat aircraft. A longer companion volume for kids, Blue Angels: In Pursuit of Excellence, is also available for $19.95. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: P. (S. Fisher)