Jell-o's Memoir!
From Dreams to Dogfights
The high-stakes, high-speed true story of a Real-Life TOPGUN
Forget Hollywood stereotypes—fighter pilots are way more than just fearless mavericks with sunglasses and swagger. In Through the Yellow Visor, former TOPGUN instructor Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello reveals the real world of naval aviation—where grit, resilience, and relentless training matter more than ego.
From flight school struggles to combat missions over Iraq, this memoir dives deep into the camaraderie and sacrifices behind the callsign. If you’ve ever wondered what it truly takes to earn those wings of gold, this book delivers the unfiltered truth—high-speed, high-stakes, and deeply human.
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Available in print, ebook, and audiobook from Amazon and personalized direct from the author. ​​
"Adrenaline rush from the first page. Strap in."
-Rear Admiral Mike "Nasty" Manzir, US Navy (Retired) TOPGUN fighter pilot, author of Learn How to Lead to Win and The Manazir Maxims
Eight-year-old Vincent peers into an
F-14A Tomcat cockpit at his first airshow.
What it Takes to Fly with the best
From the moment 8-year-old Vincent Aiello watched fighter jets roar overhead at his first airshow, he knew he wanted to fly. But the path to the cockpit of an F/A-18 Hornet was anything but easy.
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Through the Yellow Visor takes you through his childhood infatuation with aviation, the grueling challenges of flight school, and the heart-pounding moment of his first carrier landing. This is a story of persistence in the relentless pursuit of a dream.
Life as a "TAILHOOK" Pilot
Landing a fighter jet on the pitching deck of a 98,000-ton aircraft carrier is arguably the most challenging aviation feat possible. In the dead of night, there is no argument about it.
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Through the Yellow Visor delivers white-knuckle accounts of high-stakes carrier landings and near misses where the difference between life and death is measured in split seconds. This is aviation at its most thrilling—risky, relentless, and unforgettable.
Landing aboard a short, narrow aircraft carrier is about as difficult as it gets. Then turn off the lights...
Jell-O reuniting with his son in May 2002.
Letters from the War Zone
Amid the chaos of war, Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello flew combat missions over Iraq, where every sortie was a test of skill and nerve. Between the high-speed adrenaline and life-or-death decisions, he found solace in writing letters home—raw, honest reflections on the realities of war, the weight of responsibility, and the longing for family.
Through the Yellow Visor offers a gripping, deeply personal look at the fighter pilot experience—both in the air and in the quiet moments between missions.
The Ultimate Test of Skill & Grit
Fighter piloting is the ultimate test of skill, grit, and resilience. In Through the Yellow Visor, Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello takes you inside the high-stakes world of naval aviation, where the pressure is relentless, and failure is not an option.
But beyond the dogfights, this memoir is about perseverance, overcoming setbacks, and the life lessons learned at 30,000 feet. From discipline and adaptability to leadership and humility, Jell-O's journey proves that the real challenge isn’t just flying—it’s becoming the best version of yourself.
Jell-O's F/A-18 Hornet
"Ranks Up there with the greatest military aviation memoirs of our time."
-Craig H. Handler
Praise for Through the Yellow Visor
“What a fantastic read… It was honest, entertaining, moving, and relatable. Not everything always goes your way, and not everything is easy. I hope people beyond an interest in aviation have a read.”
Darren
"With his crisp and engaging writing style, Aiello delivers a fast-paced narrative that is both insightful and entertaining, making this book an absolute must-read for aviation enthusiasts and anyone inspired by stories of resilience and success.”
Captain CJ "Heater" Heatley III
US Navy (Retired), fighter pilot, and author of The Cutting Edge and Forged in Steel:US Marine Corps Aviation
"Facing setback after setback, with humor and grace, Aiello over-comes numerous challenges in his well-written and fascinating account that will keep you turning the pages... it is a must read
for current and aspiring aviators.”
Captain Kevin "Hozer" Miller, US Navy (Retired)
author of the Raven One sereis and The Silver Waterfall
“Told as if to a bunch of navy pilots at the O Club…letting it all hang out. What he conveys is what bonds fighter pilots in general. Great read, like stepping back in time. While the aircraft have changed, the spirit of Naval Air hasn’t.”
Dennis P., Amazon Review
“Exhilarating and deeply personal… Aiello doesn’t just recount thrilling aerial maneuvers; he shares the grit, resilience, and sacrifices required. His storytelling is immersive…making readers feel the adrenaline rush. More than just a military memoir—it’s an inspiring life story.”
Lee D., Amazon Review
“Through the Yellow Visor is like a ride in a fighter jet. Jell-O’s masterful writing delivers the emotional highs and lows of flying the mighty F/A-18 Hornet and dealing with all of life’s obstacles. He takes you from an aircraft carrier to medical drama and back again, all while making you feel like you’re living it yourself.”
Lieutenant Colonel Dave Berke, US Marine Corps (Retired)
"A tribute to the power of humility, perseverance, and the love and support of others in tackling any difficult and worthwhile ambition."
Mr. David Fine
Senior NYC Attorney and military aviation enthusiast
“Great stories… He is believable, humble, humorous, and most of all… competent. Jell-O is [also] a real human being who is relatable even if you never sat behind the controls of an F/A-18 Rhino."
D. Asche, Amazon Review
"The book provided a near perfect balance of background, detail, and technical information. It is the day-to-day details of service as an aviator that I personally find the most compelling. Most books focus on the combat, the battles, the fear and danger, etc. I appreciated Through the Yellow Visor because it gives the reader insight into what it actually takes to fly modern fighters and it did so in a very down-to-earth and relatable manner."
Craig H. Handler
Pick Up Your Copy Today
Still not sold? You can read a preview of the book's opening chapters here.
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Strap in for the ride of a lifetime as former TOPGUN fighter pilot Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello takes you inside the high-stakes world of naval aviation.
With candid storytelling and gripping detail, Aiello shares the challenges, setbacks, and triumphs of chasing the dream to fly.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to soar at supersonic speeds or land a jet on a moving target, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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Available in print, ebook, and audiobook from Amazon and personalized direct from the author. ​​