Michael Zrymiak chronicles a 33-year career in the Royal Canadian Air Force, tracing his journey from prairie roots to senior command. He describes flying VIPs including Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, instructing NATO pilots, and taking on leadership roles across Canada and overseas.

The memoir balances flying detail with Cold War-era intrigue: a two-year posting behind the Iron Curtain, encounters with security forces, and service as a military attaché. Along the way Zrymiak reflects on organizational change, protocol work, and the practical demands of military life.

Leaving a Contrail offers a first-hand perspective on aviation, diplomacy and command in a turbulent era. Readers interested in Canadian military history, aviation, or Cold War memoirs will find vivid scenes, candid observations, and a clear sense of the author’s responsibilities and experiences.

• VIP pilot and Harvard instructor
• Military attaché in Czechoslovakia
• Base commander and senior staff roles

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