Helicopter Industry Book Reviews

'This is compulsory reading for all helicopter pilots and passengers, as much can be learned from the mistakes of others. Most if not all helicopter accident types are in this well-researched book.

Many of the aircraft accidents I attend as a rescue pilot have all happened previously to others. We need to use careful risk assessment and minimisation techniques to prevent reoccurrences in the future. This book highlights many examples of the risks that lie ahead for all helicopter pilots and passengers.'

John Funnell, President Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand

'I would like to think that Fatal Traps for Helicopter Pilots is destined to become a well worn and dog-eared favourite in every helicopter training establishment and rotary pilot's bookshelf.'

John Fogden, Manager Rotary Wing/Agricultural Ops NZ Civil Aviation Authority..

'Being an old Huey helicopter crew-chief who has been involved in 8 mishaps (Crashes) during my time in the U. S. Army - I found myself glued with great interest in reading the not only the tragic case studies in this book - but in the time and attention to detail that is taken to explain why things happened (with an eye for prevention).

I just spent a good part of last year (2002) flying around the United States in a reconditioned Huey Helicopter making a documentary film, “In the Shadow of the Blade”. I would have felt much safer if all of our pilots had read a copy of this book. There is so much real clear safety advice and good practical wisdom that could help prevent fatal accidents.

I am a retired Safety Manager for the United States Postal Service - so I spent many years working on safety issues and developing programs. I find this book to be a truly helpful tool for helicopter safety! It is well written and would be interesting to read even if you didn't know the first thing about helicopters.

I highly recommend this book to all pilots and crew members and anyone interested in aviation in general. I give it a top rating for any safety and aviation buffs - but I believe many arm-chaired pilots would enjoy reading this just for the knowledge that could be gained from the journey.'

Bill McDonald
Author, Vietnam veteran, and documentary film consultant