Test pilot Dan Daetz on the ladder of an F-22 Raptor

Award-winning author & test pilot Dan Daetz. Clean & compelling sci-fi.

Hi, I’m Dan. I’m a pilot with a writing problem.

As a former fighter pilot & test pilot, I’ve been blessed to fly dozens of aircraft:

  • Stealth Fighters
  • Transports & Trainers
  • Helicopters & Hover jets
  • Vintage bombers, biplanes & Soviet MiGs
  • Gliders (who needs engines?)

I’ve landed on grass and dirt and water (ask me sometime…).

I’ve spent more time flying supersonic than flossing my teeth, so you shouldn’t trust me for dental advice.

But…I just might be able to help if you like:

  • Sci-fi with colorful characters (hmm…never met any of those as a fighter pilot…)
  • Plots with high-g twists and turns
  • Page-turning flying sequences

Sound fun?

I also abide by 4 clear “rules of engagement” (my author promises to you):

My promises in every story:

God exists

Never preachy. Yet the story universe is one with God in it.

Science matters

Respect the science. Yet explore fictional possibilities.

Take flight

Somebody will fly something. I’m the Sci-Fi Pilot, after all!

Grit without the gutter

Show the messiness. Avoid f-bombs and bedsheets.

Why I write.

Simple: to refuel you.

You have a busy life. And it can drain you. Some days, you feel unprepared, even overwhelmed.

You may want to walk closely with God, but it’s hard. Your relationships matter, but sometimes they go sideways.

Then you pick up a book. You don’t want a lecture, a self-help manual, another polished pep talk that makes you feel even less accomplished.

You want a story.

Where people struggle and fight and fail.

Where imperfect heroes arise, dangle at the end of their rope, and yet overcome.

When a story ignites your story, you gain altitude to see life differently and fuel to go the distance.

“Standby, Houston. It’s a real cliffhanger here. Just gotta finish this chapter…”