Fun To Read Books On Helicopters

[xrkyle]

The discussion about Phil's book inspired me to start this one about less technical, 'fun reads'.

 

I've been working my way through Corley-Smith's books and have really enjoyed them. The first one I read was Helicopters: The British Columbia Story which gives a brief history to helicopters in BC (Canada really). It focuses mostly on the pioneers from Okanagan/CHL in the late 40s and 50s but covers a timespan up to the late 90s when the book was published. There is some really neat anecdotal stuff and the stories are quite interesting. I thought it was cool to learn that Alf Stringer, one of the co-founders of Okanagan ended up marrying Ted Henson's widow. Ted Henson was the founder of VIH. So really, when you think about it, these two successful companies both have the same man behind them. Says quite about him (I think).

 

It touched home with me too since Okanagan's first client, Ernie McMinn from the BC Topographic Surveys Branch who they talk about quite a bit, brought my dad from out east to come work with him.

 

It's a shame Corley-Smith died in 2002, I think he'd be an interesting guy to talk to.

 

Has anyone else read these books or have any other good books to recommend?

[Cole]

Im Just wrapping up Peter Corley-Smith and David Parker's "Helicopters In The High Country 40 Years of Mountain Flying" -1996

 

If you reference Pg. 15 of that particular book you'll see the picture I got for christmas on the bottom right hand corner. Features Carl Agar and Alf Stringer sitting in FZX.

The stories in this book are really interesting, things like how the instructor would be considdered very low time in present time.

 

This will be a great thread, im sure alot of good books can be reccomended for when im finished this one?

 

Cole

[Phil Croucher]

Yes, I've read that one - and very good it was too! It puts a lot of things into perspective!

 

Shawn Coyle's books are well worth a read, and Fatal Traps For Helicopter Pilots also, plus the usual Chickenhawk, of course, whatever people think about whether it was based on his own experiences or not (I couldn't read the sequel).

 

One that's not related to helicopters, but is still an excellent read is First Light by Geoffrey Wellum - it's the equivalent of Chickenhawk for Spitfire pilots and takes you through the author's training and fighting in WWII.

 

Phil

[Mark_]

Low Level ****...the name of the author escapes me right now but it's not hard to find. Just as good as Chickenhawk but it's about a Loach pilot in Nam...some incredible stories and non stop action.

[rainman]

I found the Peter Corley Smith books very inspirational and were a part of my initial infatuation with flying. 10 000 hours is a great story by Peter. Turns out my former dentist was also his dentist in Victoria. Small world. Another interesting read is one called "Skydancing" If you can get past the egotistical writing, some good pics and story's.

[Nolan.]

AIM and Culhane

[Phil Croucher]

Aw, come on ... the AIM is a LOT better!

 

Phil

[transquebecniece]

Recently finished Chopper: A History of American Military Helicopter Operations from WWII to the War On Terror by Robert F. Dorr. Very educational, with first-person accounts by combat veterans who flew, and still fly, the machines. Actually an easy, fairly lighthearted and enjoyable read—considering the topic—even for a greenhorn like me! Gotta like the military stuff though.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justfly: I found those autographs and photos inside the front cover terribly distracting; took me longer to read 'cause I kept lookin' back at them and grinnin' ear to ear. Rockstar you!

 

 

Oops. I just realized this thread is on the flight-training forum. Apologies!

[Elvis]

I read 10,000 hours years ago and was surrprised at the number of people mentioned in it I had met

[Full On]

Low Level ****...the name of the author escapes me right now but it's not hard to find. Just as good as Chickenhawk but it's about a Loach pilot in Nam...some incredible stories and non stop action.

Hugh Mills I believe, excellent read