A Mild Form of Insanity: Recollections of a Helicopter Pilot [Paperback]

Mike Tuson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 10, 2001

It takes a mild form of insanity to expose oneself to the rigours of helicopter flight in the midst of flying bullets -- at one point the author even had his toe shot off! -- but Mike Tuson's rich and varied experiences as a helicopter pilot constitute a very full, if somewhat precarious existence! This is not a manual on how to fly a helicopter, yet, in a very readable and exciting narrative form, it will introduce the reader to all the theory and essentials of flight regarding fixed wing aircraft as well as, and especially, helicopters. Apart from involving the reader in the escapades, narrow escapes and accidents in his flying life, the author examines the advantages of helicopters over fixed wing aircraft. Which, for example, is safer if the engine fails, or if the aircraft has to be ditched in the sea? This is a book for the layman as well as the experienced pilot. In either case it is an entertainining and enriching experience.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mike Tuson joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet in 1947 and specialised in aviation from 1956, first as a fixed wing and later as a helicopter pilot. Retiring from the navy in 1970 he continued flying helicopters, this time in the Middle East as a mercenary in the Sultan of Oman's Airforce. He served there during the little known war against the communists in the province of Dhofar, during which time he was wounded twice.Leaving Oman in 1973, he spent three years working as personal pilot to a wealthy businessman. Returning to the Middle East in 1976, for the next eighteen years he flew in many countries in that area. The book covers his experiences in almost all forms of helicopter operations, including military, oil field support, mountain and desert, and flying for a TV company during the IranIraq "Tanker War" in 1987, up to his retirement from aviation in 1993.

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (June 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595182577
• ISBN-13: 978-0595182572
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #392,837 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected, but a good fast read, April 3, 2009

By 

Run Kodoz! (Eastern Washington Desert) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Mild Form of Insanity: Recollections of a Helicopter Pilot (Paperback)

I thought this would be sort of a chance for an old timer to pass on his wisdom to newly-minted pilots. That's why I got it...expecting to hear stories that would keep me out of trouble. It's not really that, but it's a worthwhile read for any aspiring pilot...or anybody who sits at their desk thinking they'd rather be getting paid for doing something "exciting". It's kind of the Seven Years in Tibet of flying helos, both stylistically ("lot of stuff happened, but it was all good adventure") and conceptually (Mike was there in the beginning).

For pilots...we have it good. Mike started flying airplanes because helicopters weren't widely in service at the time. And that time was when flying a copter wasn't completely figured out either. That alone is a pretty good story. When Mike leaves the military, the book takes what I thought of as a sort of aside into the political relationship between the Sultan of Oman and the adoo (I thought it was interesting that Mike chose not to capitalize "adoo"). There's some interesting flying, but it's mostly (and somewhat interesting) a bit of history. You do learn a bit about what it's like working away from home and family, although Mike's neglect in dealing more with this topic parallels its outcome.

The next chapter in Mike's career I thought was particularly useful (and, again, entertaining) for any Robbie-Ranger who wants to fly the fancy ship for a rich guy. Mike ends up doing that, and it really sounds like one of the most challenging of his jobs. He's faced with a pilot/boss who's more boss than pilot, putting Mike in what sounded to me like great opportunities to end his career in a crash or violation.

After this, the final chapters are anticlimactic, but also more realistic for aspiring pilots. Mike ends up back in the Middle East, this time flying for the oil companies. You get a better sense of his family life at the time, and how his earlier career choices affected him later on (eg, his experience in Oman led to the oil job, but limited him in model experience).

Overall, a great book. One of the few that I've read for fun since starting flight training. I read it in a matter of days and had a good time with it. Also ended up turning down a few pages that I'll go back to once I'm flying full-time.

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Mild Form of Insanity, September 1, 2001

By 

Miss Norma Wood (KELSO, Roxburghshire United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Mild Form of Insanity: Recollections of a Helicopter Pilot (Paperback)

An excellent read, a real insight into a largly unthought of world. Highly recommended!