Aviation Books.....Must Read Tomes!
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Helitech 2007 SASLess!!
SASLess
If you read this, I have not read any of the books mentioned yet so no opinions.. (Still struggling to get through the technical ones first) Just wanted to find out if you are going to be flying in to Helitech? Love to see that huey up close..
SL
If you read this, I have not read any of the books mentioned yet so no opinions.. (Still struggling to get through the technical ones first) Just wanted to find out if you are going to be flying in to Helitech? Love to see that huey up close..
SL
Hovering AND talking
Join Date: Feb 2003
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I happen to know, from my very good friend Sassy Dahling, that he can't make it to Helitech this year as he can't get a cat-sitter!
Cheers
Whirls
Although I offered to cat-sit!
Cheers
Whirls
Although I offered to cat-sit!
ScrumpyLuvver,
You might be better off asking H1HU. He's the gent who actually owns G-UH1H. (I think that SASless was only involved at the beginning of the project, to help with the type training.)
But, looking at the events section of the website, unfortunately it doesn't look like it will be at Helitech.
HTH
You might be better off asking H1HU. He's the gent who actually owns G-UH1H. (I think that SASless was only involved at the beginning of the project, to help with the type training.)
But, looking at the events section of the website, unfortunately it doesn't look like it will be at Helitech.
HTH
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Got to be said, the story behind that restoration is awe inspiring, and I absolutely, unreservedly tip my hat to those who turned that machine from the storage depot basket case she was to the honey she is today.
I wonder how much a type rating on that thing costs?
It'd be a talking point sown the pub, having that on your ticket, thats for sure!
I wonder how much a type rating on that thing costs?
It'd be a talking point sown the pub, having that on your ticket, thats for sure!
Join Date: Sep 2004
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I hadn't started flying heli's when I read the book, but I almost felt I COULD, he was so descriptive!
Read it again after training, and WOW.
Made me laugh with his training ("you see the tree I mean?")
and made me cry with his harrowing experiences. 
Would have to be one of the best books I've ever read.
Read it again after training, and WOW.
Made me laugh with his training ("you see the tree I mean?")
and made me cry with his harrowing experiences. Would have to be one of the best books I've ever read.
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Dont read the second one then. I did. Bad mistake. I still have it somewhere if anyone wants it.
One of my old Captains, who in a more maudlin moment or two, used to say that certain periods define a mans life, and the sadness is that they can't maintain that standard post conflict. That it would have been better for some had they not made it through a conflict, to let them die the hero, untarnished, and remembered as such.
Read that second book, and I could almost agree with him.
One of my old Captains, who in a more maudlin moment or two, used to say that certain periods define a mans life, and the sadness is that they can't maintain that standard post conflict. That it would have been better for some had they not made it through a conflict, to let them die the hero, untarnished, and remembered as such.
Read that second book, and I could almost agree with him.
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I'm not a helo pilot.
But this is the best flying book i've ever read.
I think the mesage here is, fly the thing enough and eventually your GH skills start to build up. Then fly it a lot more, maybe 100x more, and they get very good. Then fly it millions more and your GH skills start to really come on.
Thats 'Chickenhawk'!
A great flying book.
But this is the best flying book i've ever read.
I think the mesage here is, fly the thing enough and eventually your GH skills start to build up. Then fly it a lot more, maybe 100x more, and they get very good. Then fly it millions more and your GH skills start to really come on.
Thats 'Chickenhawk'!
A great flying book.
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For a rather more British take on heroism and greatness being thrust upon you, then read 'First Light' by Wellum.
I have a signed copy, and if the house goes on fire, then it goes down the pajamas and out the door with me.
Awesome, awesome book.
I have a signed copy, and if the house goes on fire, then it goes down the pajamas and out the door with me.
Awesome, awesome book.
Join Date: Sep 2004
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Oh, I so get what you mean.
I just finished reading "Flags of Our Fathers" [brilliant read by the way] and the same thing happened to one of the flagraisers, Ira Hayes.
Was very very sad Haven't cried that much in a long time 
I just finished reading "Flags of Our Fathers" [brilliant read by the way] and the same thing happened to one of the flagraisers, Ira Hayes.
Was very very sad
Haven't cried that much in a long time
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The taking of "Iwo Jima" from the Japanese during WWII - they needed the island as a mid-point for their attacks on Japan. It was a long, drawn out battle that had initially expected to take only a couple of days.
(I fear I may piss off some americans if i get this even slightly wrong - deep breath girl...)
Ended up being one of the biggest casualties of the Pacific war. When they took Mt Surabachi on the southern tip of the island, they climbed up and placed an American flag. All the ships and troops and everyone around cheered, thought it was fantastic, and one of the [big people?!] bosses in decided he wanted the original flag himself.
So, they took the little flag down and replaced it with a second flag, and as the six marines were hoisting it up, the infamous photo was taken.
The photo quickly circulated worldwide and became the iconic "image" to the American citizens of the capture of the island - before it was able to be confirmed that this was the replacement flag, not the original.
Three of the flagraisers died on the island, and the remaining three returned to America as heroes - which they did not take any comfort from and felt undeserved of it. Their famous quote to everyone was:
"The real heroes of Iwo Jima were the guys who didn't come back."
The man that wrote the book is the son of Doc Bradley, one of the flagraisers, and he follows their lives from beginning to end.
It really, truly is a fantastic read - I couldn't put it down. The movie is good as well, but IMHO the book is way better.
(I fear I may piss off some americans if i get this even slightly wrong - deep breath girl...)
Ended up being one of the biggest casualties of the Pacific war. When they took Mt Surabachi on the southern tip of the island, they climbed up and placed an American flag. All the ships and troops and everyone around cheered, thought it was fantastic, and one of the [big people?!] bosses in decided he wanted the original flag himself.
So, they took the little flag down and replaced it with a second flag, and as the six marines were hoisting it up, the infamous photo was taken.
The photo quickly circulated worldwide and became the iconic "image" to the American citizens of the capture of the island - before it was able to be confirmed that this was the replacement flag, not the original.
Three of the flagraisers died on the island, and the remaining three returned to America as heroes - which they did not take any comfort from and felt undeserved of it. Their famous quote to everyone was:
"The real heroes of Iwo Jima were the guys who didn't come back."
The man that wrote the book is the son of Doc Bradley, one of the flagraisers, and he follows their lives from beginning to end.
It really, truly is a fantastic read - I couldn't put it down. The movie is good as well, but IMHO the book is way better.
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Actually, the author, James Bradley, has written another book called "Flyboys" which is based on the island Chi Chi Jima, in the pacific as well.
I read this book first which is what lead me to Flags.
Flyboys is a good book as well, but quite [dare I say it, here she goes again!] Americanised!
Nine pilots are shot down and captured and it tells their story. It certainly opened my eyes to the horrors that some people are capable of.
I read this book first which is what lead me to Flags.
Flyboys is a good book as well, but quite [dare I say it, here she goes again!] Americanised!
Nine pilots are shot down and captured and it tells their story. It certainly opened my eyes to the horrors that some people are capable of.
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Hey no worries! I Loooooooove reading and am always happy for others to enjoy a good book as much as i do!
Will be checking out the book you recommended, btw!
As for "Fatal Traps" - has a permanent place beside my bed! Great read!
Will be checking out the book you recommended, btw!
As for "Fatal Traps" - has a permanent place beside my bed! Great read!
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Your not wrong about the horrors Kiwi. One of my grandfathers was an Officer in the Cameronians (Scottish Regiment). I heard all about the capacity of the Japanese to inflict torture from him. He was a career soldier who met with many of the veterans of that conflict.
Not good.
Not good.
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I saw the mooooovie too.
But unfortunately it was after the first day at the Omaka Airshow and I had partaken in a little wine drinking... and thought it wise to smuggle another bottle into the picture theatre (which was very adeptly carried out, I might add )
All I can remember is that there were a couple of aircraft flying around and Martin Henderson was in it.
But unfortunately it was after the first day at the Omaka Airshow and I had partaken in a little wine drinking... and thought it wise to smuggle another bottle into the picture theatre (which was very adeptly carried out, I might add
)All I can remember is that there were a couple of aircraft flying around and Martin Henderson was in it.
Gentleman Aviator
And in addition to the strategic value of Iwo Jima, it had great propaganda value.
It was the first part of the pre-war Japanese "Empire" to be taken by the allies. Up to that point we were only getting back what the Japs had taken from us......
It was the first part of the pre-war Japanese "Empire" to be taken by the allies. Up to that point we were only getting back what the Japs had taken from us......
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Mmmmmmm ........
Well if you want another good (sometimes hilarious) read of the Vietnam persuasion.....
Try "Dear Mom, I'm Alive!" (letters home from Blackwidow25)
By a buddy of mine Randolph P. Mains.
You'll need to do a search for the ISBN
Cheers
Well if you want another good (sometimes hilarious) read of the Vietnam persuasion.....
Try "Dear Mom, I'm Alive!" (letters home from Blackwidow25)
By a buddy of mine Randolph P. Mains.
You'll need to do a search for the ISBN
Cheers
There are no limits
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Recently finished watching the two films back to back and would thoroughly recommend them both
Flags of our Fathers
Letters from Iwo Jima.
Flags of our Fathers
Letters from Iwo Jima.