Former Navy Instructor Pens High-Stakes Aviation Thriller

John J. Domina's debut novel "The Goodflyers" takes readers inside the competitive world of Navy flight school.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In his gripping debut novel "The Goodflyers", former U.S. Navy flight instructor and retired Delta Airlines captain John J. Domina takes readers inside the fiercely competitive and high-pressure world of Navy flight school. Set in Pensacola, Florida, the story follows elite flight instructors Lieutenants Frank Nicolosi and Joe Christmas as they battle to keep their squadron ranked number one, leading to personal and professional turmoil.

Why it matters

Domina's novel provides a rare insider's look at the intense training and high-stakes environment of becoming a naval aviator, drawing from his own experiences as a Navy flight instructor. The story explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the psychological toll of striving for perfection in a culture that demands it.

The details

The Goodflyers is a character-driven aviation thriller that follows Lieutenants Frank Nicolosi and Joe Christmas, elite flight instructors determined to keep their squadron ranked number one in the training command. When a rival squadron led by a ruthless Marine instructor topples them from the top spot, the battle for supremacy spirals into darker territory as personal lives unravel and moral decay sets in.

  • Domina served eight years in the U.S. Navy, including four years as an instructor pilot in Pensacola.
  • Following his military service, Domina flew for Delta Air Lines for over four decades, logging more than 21,000 flight hours.

The players

John J. Domina

A former U.S. Navy flight instructor and retired Delta Airlines captain who has drawn from his own experiences to write his debut novel, "The Goodflyers".

Frank Nicolosi

A lieutenant and elite flight instructor determined to keep his squadron ranked number one in the Navy training command.

Joe Christmas

A lieutenant and elite flight instructor who partners with Frank Nicolosi in their battle to maintain their squadron's top ranking.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There was too much drama and adventure that I experienced as a Navy flight instructor that could not go untold. I wanted readers to feel the gravity pulling at their faces during aerobatics, hear the wind rushing over the canopy, and understand what it truly takes to become a naval aviator.”

— John J. Domina, Author (Global Book Network)

What’s next

Domina is currently writing a second book, "Five O'clock Lightning", a baseball-themed novel.

The takeaway

Domina's debut novel "The Goodflyers" provides a gripping, insider's perspective on the intense world of Navy flight training, exploring themes of ambition, loyalty, and the psychological toll of striving for perfection in a high-stakes environment.