Vultures in the Sky (Paperback)

Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas Mark White, a fighter squadron commander stationed on Vancouver Island, analyzes evidence surrounding the crash of an Arcturus maritime patrol plane: he concludes that the aircraft was shot down by a hostile fighter. Aggressively, Doug pushes for authorities to investigate the incident. Subsequently, large-scale air activity in Canadian air space is detected involving unregistered jet transports and fighters. The armed aircraft are marked with the insignia of the United States Air Force. Doug attempts to solve the mystery despite the resistance of the Wing Commander, the seeming disinterest of authorities at higher HQ, and a lack of resources. Accidental damage to his eyes, which places his position as a flyer and squadron commander in jeopardy, complicates his quest. Ultimately, he discovers that there is a large-scale drug-smuggling operation flying from Mexico and Columbia to a fake USAF air base in British Columbia.Doug, despite eyesight difficulties and self-doubt related to the death of a squadron pilot, struggles to defeat the smugglers. His fight to destroy the 'Vultures' culminates in an air battle and personal clash for survival with their detestable leader.