The thrilling true account of Constant Peg—a top secret US operation—that reads like a Top Gun tale.
Coming February 10, 2026
About American MiG Pilot
In 1978, the USAF established what will forever be regarded as the best air-combat training squadron ever devised, and arguably, the best-kept secret of the Cold War—the 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron. Audacious in concept, the actual operation of an entire squadron of top secret Soviet MiGs for the 10-year period of its existence, flown by an elite cadre of fighter pilots, at a remote and highly restricted airfield in Nevada is the stuff of legend. This story is a look at one of the squadron's most experienced MiG pilots and his three years "behind the Black Curtain" and the squadron known simply as "The Red Eagles."
About Rob
Over his distinguished Air Force career, Rob flew many of America’s front-line fighters, including the F-4 Phantom, the F-5E as an Aggressor Pilot, and the F-15 Eagle as an Instructor and Mission Commander. His firsthand account of flying the MiG-21 and MiG-23 to their limits offers a rare glimpse into a hidden chapter of Cold War aviation history, told with the authenticity and vivid storytelling of someone who lived it.
Praise
“Z-Man takes you into the cockpit with him on a hair-raising, heart-thumping, sweat-inducing adventure of flying fighters in the Cold War... "
A spellbinding memoir by a former fighter pilot who uses a breezy tone to describe his death-defying maneuvers in the fastest and most complex aircraft in the world. A riveting—and often touching—read!
"A first-hand look at one Fighter Pilot’s journey from being a young lieutenant in an F-4, to being... an elite 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron... Rob Zettel takes you there. A great read."
"If you've ever wanted to put on a flight suit, a G-suit, and helmet but haven't had the opportunity, then read this book! A must read for all previous and future "jet jockeys!"
"...Imagine a group of young [fighter pilots] living and working in secrecy, flying airplanes no one admitted we had... To be candid, I never expected ‘Z-Man’ to emerge as such an accomplished author, but he has brilliantly captured the spirit, challenges, and camaraderie of life in our secret MiG squadron."
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