Aviation Books.....Must Read Tomes!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Alderney or Lancashire UK
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Join the club Peter. We're too old. Why no license?
Medical certificate actually. These pics show it all. You dont need to be a doctor to see its bust at the bottom
They wont give me a medical until at least January.
totally off topic but hey, it's your thread.
Medical certificate actually. These pics show it all. You dont need to be a doctor to see its bust at the bottom
They wont give me a medical until at least January.totally off topic but hey, it's your thread.
)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Whitstable, UK
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hmm
No discipline... the route of most of society's problems... sorry to hear that...
How hard is it to stop an accidental growth of your camp fire? Unless he was 'stoned'/ out cold /left the fire without putting all cinders out..? If he made the fire against the wood wall then that would be arson I imagine.
Still.. I guess you can't dwell on what's happened too long as it can't be undone now. An awful shame though. Sorry
How hard is it to stop an accidental growth of your camp fire? Unless he was 'stoned'/ out cold /left the fire without putting all cinders out..? If he made the fire against the wood wall then that would be arson I imagine.
Still.. I guess you can't dwell on what's happened too long as it can't be undone now. An awful shame though. Sorry
Join Date: Nov 2001
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k48.
25 years of dentistry and 2 seconds with an enthusiastic chiropractor...allegedly.
PS, back on topic. The Michael Durant book is great. just finished it
25 years of dentistry and 2 seconds with an enthusiastic chiropractor...allegedly.
PS, back on topic. The Michael Durant book is great. just finished it
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Pacific
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Anybody read 'Fate is the hunter'? Appreciate some feedback good bad or indifferent....
'Rotor in the green' - autobiography.Aussie service's pilot
'Take off - The HNZ story' very very good.Surperb photography.Collectors.$60NZD
'So you want to become a helicopter pilot' - still relavent
'Fatal traps for helicopter pilots' -volume 1000000!
'Rotor in the green' - autobiography.Aussie service's pilot
'Take off - The HNZ story' very very good.Surperb photography.Collectors.$60NZD
'So you want to become a helicopter pilot' - still relavent
'Fatal traps for helicopter pilots' -volume 1000000!
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: West Wales and Zug, Switzerland
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The Price of Exit by Tom Marshall gets my vote, had a tear in my eyes a few times reading it.
Not sure if available in UK bought mine on trip to US.
Jarvy
Not sure if available in UK bought mine on trip to US.
Jarvy
Join Date: Dec 2006
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Phil,
Sorry to see the picture of your back, but your Kidneys seem still to be able to pass good ale, perhaps I will pick you up by car or other means, I will be in touch, also I will beg a read of the Durant book.
Peter RB
Sorry to see the picture of your back, but your Kidneys seem still to be able to pass good ale, perhaps I will pick you up by car or other means, I will be in touch, also I will beg a read of the Durant book.
Peter RB
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Modes of address
I was a flying instructor at the time that I read "Chicken Hawks".
I had had instructors myself whose normal instructional patter was along the lines of "Get the f**** power in you ###!" or almost as bad, the casual drawled "In your own time, you might like to get the collective down - save us dying today". Sarcasm and understatement; one as bad as the other in the learning process.
I was not going to use either of those approaches, as I could see that it simply made students either fearful or unthinking robots, motivated only by the snarl of the instructor's voice.
Instead I used the word "must" instead of shouted abuse or silky disdain. This was a very successful term which gave confidence and clear instruction to the student.
Back to the thread! I was cheered to see that Mason as an instructor, apparently used "must" in his briefings and patter, for I imagine the same reasons as me. :
Notwithstanding his later drug problems, he had been a thinking and sympathetic Instructor Pilot in his better days.
thekite
I had had instructors myself whose normal instructional patter was along the lines of "Get the f**** power in you ###!" or almost as bad, the casual drawled "In your own time, you might like to get the collective down - save us dying today". Sarcasm and understatement; one as bad as the other in the learning process.
I was not going to use either of those approaches, as I could see that it simply made students either fearful or unthinking robots, motivated only by the snarl of the instructor's voice.
Instead I used the word "must" instead of shouted abuse or silky disdain. This was a very successful term which gave confidence and clear instruction to the student.
Back to the thread! I was cheered to see that Mason as an instructor, apparently used "must" in his briefings and patter, for I imagine the same reasons as me. :
Notwithstanding his later drug problems, he had been a thinking and sympathetic Instructor Pilot in his better days.
thekite
Join Date: Feb 2005
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I met Mason (Chickenhawk author) a few years ago, believe it or not, wandering around a helicopter museum. At a loss for words (for probably the only time in my life) and not wanting to ask the same questions that I'm sure every other reader asked I told him that I found the ending really surprising.
His response: "So did I".
Just proving that you can't imagine what it would be like flying in those conditions unless you've been there.
I first read the book as a brand new Twin Huey co-pilot flying in Haiti - quite an eye opener for a new pilot far from home. I think I'll start reading it again tonight!
His response: "So did I".
Just proving that you can't imagine what it would be like flying in those conditions unless you've been there.
I first read the book as a brand new Twin Huey co-pilot flying in Haiti - quite an eye opener for a new pilot far from home. I think I'll start reading it again tonight!
Join Date: May 2005
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I've read all of the books mentioned here and a few dozen more. Enjoyed most of them, even recognizing a few stories stretched here and there. One not mentioned was Angel's Wing which is an easy read and keeps your attention. I particularly like the fact that the author is not shy about admitting his faults and mistakes made along the way. He referenced his veterans' website where I tracked down his email address and sent him a note telling him I admired his book and was grateful for his service. I was surprised and honored at his gracious response and suggestions of other books I might like. When I said that I'd already read and enjoyed them I received emails from the other authors thanking me for my comments. A good feeling, to be sure.
One common theme in the books is the abundance of hookers that did a brisk business. But almost none of the authors admit to procuring the aforementioned services. hmmm.
I've picked up a few bits and pieces here and there about SASless and Nick Lappos and would give my left arm to hear some of what they've gone through. It would be humbling, without a doubt.
One final note. If you haven't read Dustoff, you're cheating yourself out of a few hours well spent.
One common theme in the books is the abundance of hookers that did a brisk business. But almost none of the authors admit to procuring the aforementioned services. hmmm.
I've picked up a few bits and pieces here and there about SASless and Nick Lappos and would give my left arm to hear some of what they've gone through. It would be humbling, without a doubt.
One final note. If you haven't read Dustoff, you're cheating yourself out of a few hours well spent.
Join Date: Oct 2007
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Slightly different?
I too loved "Chickenhawk" and intend to work my way through the list presented in this thread as time allows.
I have recently read "Ghost Force - The secret history of the SAS" by Ken Connor (ISBN 0-304-36367-7) and had to smile at his fond memory around page 199 of Major Greville Edgecombe ("Low-level Greville") of the army air corps and how he put himself in danger to save others.
Shades of modern day US EMS operators?
Also, and distinctly off thread, the paragraphs about Michael Bentine (ex goon) being a crack pistol shot, friend of the regiment and ex preuvian secret policeman will bring a wry smile to most who remember his humour.
Thanks to all of you who have suggested books that rotary newbies like me can get such inspiration from.
Ian.
I have recently read "Ghost Force - The secret history of the SAS" by Ken Connor (ISBN 0-304-36367-7) and had to smile at his fond memory around page 199 of Major Greville Edgecombe ("Low-level Greville") of the army air corps and how he put himself in danger to save others.
Shades of modern day US EMS operators?Also, and distinctly off thread, the paragraphs about Michael Bentine (ex goon) being a crack pistol shot, friend of the regiment and ex preuvian secret policeman will bring a wry smile to most who remember his humour.
Thanks to all of you who have suggested books that rotary newbies like me can get such inspiration from.
Ian.
Randy Zahn, who flies/flew for Bristow/UK for years, wrote a good book as well....now if I could just remember the title!
That is the very book.....but my all time favorite besides anything Gann or Bach wrote.....is "Terror in the Starboard Seat".....about WWII RAF Mozzie crew. Written in such a manner as to have you splitting yer ribs laughing all the while telling a story that is plain amazing.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Since my earlier posting, I've managed to get through both "Low Level Hell" and "Snake Pilot".
Zahn's tome gets my vote as the better read. In the latter part of his tour, he fell foul of the establishment, in the form of over-ambitious but under-skilled officers. It never ceases to amaze me how such people, with little or no grasp of the practical realities of the challenges facing those in their charge, seem to able to gravitate towards the higher levels in any organisation.
I suppose the Billy Connoly wisdom applies. "The management of (pick your organisation) is a bit like the contents of a septic tank - the bigger pieces always seem to be at the top!"
Or the old military saying - "There are no bad outfits, just bad officers!"
Overall, however, I still prefer "Chickenhawk", which I've started to read again!
Ciao a tutti!
Zahn's tome gets my vote as the better read. In the latter part of his tour, he fell foul of the establishment, in the form of over-ambitious but under-skilled officers. It never ceases to amaze me how such people, with little or no grasp of the practical realities of the challenges facing those in their charge, seem to able to gravitate towards the higher levels in any organisation.
I suppose the Billy Connoly wisdom applies. "The management of (pick your organisation) is a bit like the contents of a septic tank - the bigger pieces always seem to be at the top!"
Or the old military saying - "There are no bad outfits, just bad officers!"
Overall, however, I still prefer "Chickenhawk", which I've started to read again!
Ciao a tutti!
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Since this thread went up, I've read Low Level Hell and Snake Pilot as suggested by various posts. I've also gone back and read Chickenhawk over again. This was the third time, the first two were 17 years ago and you know what? It's still the best with Zahn's Snake Pilot a decent second!
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chickenhawk
another good read along the same lines is "Let a Soldier Die" read it years ago will have to dig it out and read it again, along with the others mentioned !: