5.0 out of 5 stars Should be Required Reading in Every High School
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2022
“Let no man’s ghost return to say that his training let him down.” Is a fire service saying that comes to mind when reading this book. Imagining the handful of seconds to eject ticking down that the author had, as he describes his thoughts and actions in order to “keep the blue side up,” while on a night training mission over the Gulf, one quickly appreciates the caliber of person and mindset required to have survived such an incident. Lt. Col. Smith passes on to the reader many of these lessons. Everyone can learn a lot from this book. The guidance provided by Icarus 2.0 Parachute Included makes this book a must read for any young adult trying to find their way. It should be required reading at every high school.
Mr. Smith has been the only person who has actively helped me all throughout the USAFA and AFROTC application process. Ever since I had spoken to him about my interest in pursuing becoming an aviator for the military he has been nothing but helpful. Mr.Smith has opened my eyes and shown me the multiple different options and paths I can take to becoming a pilot. I am more than satisfied with what he has done for me, and Mr. Smith has become a person I know I can trust and always ask for advice. Very helpful and is a great person overall.
-Michelle C.
When I was in high school I had no idea what I wanted to do when I graduated. I went to college and realized college just truly was not for me. Thankfully, I had an amazing role model to look up to that gave me inspiration to join the military. Mr. Smith has been a long time family friend of mine that I’ve looked up to since I met him. He gave me the advice and resources I needed to help guide me in the right direction and I could not be more grateful. I decided to join the United States Coast Guard and with the help of Mr. Smith I am exactly where I want to be. He encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and pursue things I never thought I could. Mr. Smith is an amazing mentor and had the experience and advice to get me right where I need to be. Thank you Mr. Smith!
-Josie J.
When it comes to aviation, especially military aviation, there is a plethora of information out there on the internet. But not all of it is easy to find, or concise, or even accurate in some cases. I have always had a passion for aviation at my core, but I was never sure if aviation was ever a viable career option until I met Mr. Smith. I met Mr. Smith through work, learned that he was a retired Air Force Reserve Pilot, and I took the opportunity to ask some of the questions I had always wondered about, questions that the answers to which would ultimately eliminate my self doubts and confirm my determination to join the military as an aviator. Mr. Smith has been instrumental in guiding me through the process of joining, and as a mentor he is extremely kind, encouraging, and I consider myself lucky to have been inspired by him.
-Alexander H.
You have mentored me for over 10 years. You are approachable, knowledgeable, and motivating to young individuals like myself that wanted to be in your shoes. We weren’t granted a silver spoon growing up and you showed me it’s possible to be a commissioned officer and airline pilot with just motivation and hard work. I greatly appreciate all the conversations, letters of recommendation, and putting your name on the line for me. It would be and honor and pleasure to be your First Officer one day! Thank You for being an inspiration for me!
-Zena B.
‘Icarus 2.0‘
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
If former U.S. Air Force pilot Peter Smith had waited one more second before ejecting from the fighter jet he was training in, he wouldn't have survived his costly mistake. Inspired by this near-death experience, Peter decided to write lessons for his children to guide them in adulthood. Icarus 2.0 Parachute Included is a comprehensive guide for navigating life and making the best of it for young adults and those who mentor them. Peter expresses concern for this generation's increasing exposure to entertainment technology and disconnection from guidance counselors, extended family, and mentors—who were major influences and helped him turn his life around when he was going down a reckless path as a youth. To equip young adults with the right tools for finding success, fulfillment, and true happiness in life, the author shares insights about such positive values as integrity, courage, active listening, enthusiasm, and visualizing. I completely agree with Peter Smith's stance on the reality of today's young adults as they seem to be getting their guidance and mentorship through social media, news propaganda, and profit-driven enterprises. Peter's story about his youthful days and his experience in the U.S. Air Force gives the book a warm, friendly atmosphere that gets you interested in its lessons. The book's points are buttressed with quotes and thoughts from Muhammad Ali, John Boyd, Dr. Seuss, and other deep thinkers. As I am someone who doesn't remember the names of new friends easily, I found the suggestions about being present quite helpful. In the technologically advanced world of today, the lessons in Icarus 2.0 Parachute Included are seriously needed to teach young adults how to think independently and rationally and derail them from unhealthy expectations.