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Surprised at Being Alive

An Accidental Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam and Beyond

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About this listen

Sometimes you do everything right, but it just isn't your day. A part fails and your helicopter comes apart in flight, or, another aircraft runs into you and the pieces of both fall to the ground below, or the enemy gunner pulls the trigger at just the right moment and his rounds find your aircraft in exactly the right spot to take it out of the sky. Whichever way it happens, it wasn't your day.

Which is why, after 24 years and over 5,000 flight hours with four armed services, Major Robert Curtis was so surprised at being alive when he passed his retirement physical. Starting with enlisting in the Army to fly helicopters during Vietnam, and continuing on through service with the National Guard, Marine Corps, and Royal Navy, he flew eight different helicopters - from the wooden-bladed OH-13E, through the Chinook, SeaKnight, and SeaKing, in war and peace around the world. During that time over 50 of his friends died in crashes, both in combat and in accidents, but somehow his skill, and not an inconsiderable amount of luck and superstition, saw him through.

©2014 Robert F. Curtis (P)2019 Tantor Air Forces Armed Forces Military War Aviation US Air Force Vietnam War Memoir
All stars
Most relevant
A most illuminating history of helicopter aviation across so many theatres. While not the best military aviation book, it is well worth listening to. As for the narrator: at first I disliked the American style, but he definitely grew on me. Stick with this book, and it will reward you.

The longer you listen, the more this book will reward you.

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An excellent account of a helicopter pilots flying career. Brilliant narrator as well. A great read that was thoroughly enjoyed

Excellent biography

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I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this at first but it wasn’t long before I was really enjoying it! A really good biography of an interesting career across four military services.

A great listen!

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Extremely informative insight into the life of a military pilot, informative, interesting, funny and at times very touching. Nicely written and very well read.

Very entertaining

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The laconic way the book is written beautifully counterpoints the very painful memories of the author. The account of a professional airman not a politician. Much enjoyed.

truthful and insightful

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