On the Wings of a Sleepless Knight by Lee Jones is a memoir tracing Jones's lifelong passion for aviation from childhood fascination to a career. Jones's journey has multiple stages, such as overcoming initial fears, funding flight school through odd jobs, and flight training, feats marked by milestones like his first solo flight at 16. Fluctuating between highs and lows, he also faces incidents such as unexpected arrests after late-night flights and tragedies like fatal crashes. His trajectory withstands tests as an instructor, co-pilot, and jet captain, steering through mid-flight emergencies, extreme weather, and unpredictable cargo, from monkeys to deadly spiders. His career spans military involvement, clandestine operations, and recognition for service during conflicts. Despite health battles, career shifts, and intense danger, Jones's unwavering dedication to aviation persists, culminating in plans for a new venture as retirement approaches.

Having grown up in the house of a pilot, playing at a desk while one of my parents spent hours at Civil Air Patrol meetings, and ultimately understanding what it means to take to the skies, I was immediately drawn to On the Wings of a Sleepless Knight by Lee Jones. The memoir has the feel of a coming-of-age novel, and in many ways, it is. The evolution of a career pilot and a commitment to aviation that spans a lifetime, written in a first-person point of view in a style that is conversational, is like sitting by the fire while a friend recounts their stories. What sets Jones's work apart is the infusion of emotions that offer a human touch to the otherwise technical and professional aspects of flying. These counterbalance high-stakes moments, like an emergency landing after an engine failure in a DC-10, and the intense pressure and critical decision-making involved in that instant. Overall, Jones delivers an engaging and interesting memoir that will likely resonate with readers who enjoy looking toward the skies for inspiration.

On the Wings of a Sleepless Knight by Lee Jones is a captivating memoir about the life and career of the author. The narrative begins with Lee's childhood fascination with airplanes, leading to his decision to pursue an aviation career. It delves into his early experiences as a pilot and the challenges he faced in flying school. The subsequent chapters follow Lee's progression as a pilot, showcasing his determination and passion for flying. The transition to Lee's experiences with Aerie Airlines offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges of aviation. Lee's mentorship gains historical context and depth with the inclusion of the Tuskegee Airman. Throughout the memoir, Lee's resilience and determination to fly are evident as he navigates through various obstacles and setbacks in his career.

Lee Jones's life in aviation is both thrilling and inspiring, showcasing a testament to following one's dreams in the face of challenges. On the Wings of a Sleepless Knight, which involves Lee's role in launching Virgin America and overcoming health issues, brings a personal touch and determination. The writing style is engaging and captivating, allowing readers to feel connected to Lee's journey and experiences. The narrative is filled with vivid details, humor, and emotional depth that engages readers to connect with Lee's experiences and root for his success. Highly recommended for readers interested in entrepreneurship and aviation enthusiasts looking for inspiration and motivation to pursue their dreams.

Lee Jones knew he wanted to be a pilot from age four. With the unwavering support of his family, he fulfilled his dream at the age of sixteen. Jones took every opportunity to fly different types of aircraft, from bombers to taildraggers. In On The Wings Of A Sleepless Knight, the author narrates how he dedicated his life to flying, despite working with some reckless people that almost led to him losing his life multiple times. Eventually, Jones found himself working for the CIA, taking on treacherous assignments and a trip to communist Russia, which made him a target. He successfully joined Virgin America Airlines and became a key person in its formation. Although health issues put a halt to his flying career, Jones hopes to fly again and touch the sky one more time.

On The Wings Of A Sleepless Knight is one of the most captivating memoirs I have ever read. The story of Lee Jones has all the potential to be turned into a movie because it is inspirational, suspenseful, and full of adventure. His work ethic and bravery are truly admirable, and I could feel his passion for flying in every sentence. I was thrilled to learn that he is an instructor as his patience and experience are qualities that will produce great pilots. I also loved his sense of humor because not many people can joke about having nine lives every time they almost die and continue with the same job. The author has perfectly balanced his good and bad experiences, and it was fun getting to know him through them. The book is well-written and definitely worth a read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves inspiring stories about making dreams come true and embarking on great adventures.

We all grow up dreaming of becoming someone or something someday. While most people easily let go of their dreams, it is the ambitious that fiercely and relentlessly pursue theirs. Often, such people become successes against all odds. Perhaps this is usually the most interesting bit about them. Who does not like an intriguing success story? In the memoir On the Wings of a Sleepless Knight: Chronicles of a Freight Dog, Lee Jones gives an account of his remarkable life in aviation, all sparked by his undying childhood dream to become a pilot. Get yourself a copy to discover more about Lee Jone’s journey from flying cardboard planes on the floor of his parents' house to starting flight school lessons at twelve, all the way to flying cargo planes and jets, and his experience working covert military operations.

I have read many memoirs but none has struck a chord in me like Lee Jones’ On the Wings of a Sleepless Knight. This is a must-read for aviation enthusiasts. Jones has undoubtedly lived a most remarkable, exciting, adventurous, and blessed life. With evocative depictions and vivid anecdotes, Jones colorfully brings his memories to life, effortlessly accompanying them with a nostalgic touch of the era. Sparing no details, Jones recounts all the high, low, dangerous, fulfilling, and hilarious moments of his journey. Jones’ stint with Aerie Airlines left my ribs sore. I still can’t help laughing every time I think of how situations must have played out in Smyrna, where the airline had its mechanics take an engine off a plane and hide it so that the bank would not repossess their plane. I learned a lot about flying and planes. This is a magnificent piece of work and I loved it.