Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Confidence Booster!, November 25, 2004
I bought this book after getting Flying The Big Jets by the same author. This book reveals the story-telling talent of Cpt. Stanley Stewart in a way that is both entertaining and easy to read.
There is something for everyone in this book based on true accounts... from airships, prop planes to the big jets. The analysis into the mishaps by Cpt Stewart is in depth technically enough and not only touching on the competency of the aviators, but also the mental side of the pilots and how it affects decisions made.
Cpt Stewart is not afraid of placing responsibilities for the incidents illustrated in this book on the appropriate shoulders of those involved. Be it the pilots, ground engineer, nor airline. I am touched by his coming to the defense of a 3 flightdeck crew, who by showing incredible airmenship, cool headed-ness and knowledge of flying, averted a potential air disaster, only to be accused by investigators for illegal actions concerning usage of slats during a flight.
This book, though about mishaps, serves to remind the average air commuter out there that air travel is very safe and the pilots whose hands we put our lives and comfort in are well trained for nearly every situation. The superb airmenship described in this book is testament to that fact.
All in all, a very enjoyable book.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Crew May Only Have Seconds to React..., September 9, 2005
The Amazon Editorial Review above does not do this book justice. This is truly one of the better books written about what goes on on the flight deck during an in-flight emergency and how nerves of steel and teamwork have helped to avoid many potential disasters.
Right up front you are told that there was no loss of life in any of the incidents described. Yet, you will tend to forget that as you read each chapter and find yourself turning the pages and wondering what the crews can possibly do to avoid certain disaster.
What was interesting is the detail that is put into describing the individual actions taken by each member of the crew. As you read about the events unfolding and how the crews respond, it becomes even more amazing when the author tells you just how short the time-span was for the crews to realize there is a problem, determine what the problem is, and then take the necessary action to solve it. In some cases, it is only seconds.
The 747 that loses power in all 4 engines after flying through volcanic ash is the final chapter in a book that will keep you riveted from the moment you start reading it. An unpowered Glide towards a nightime ditching of their 747 in the ocean, the crew never gives up trying to save the aircraft and their passengers...
A great book.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly enjoyable, May 26, 2007
Stanley Stewart presents several stories from air incidents with a brilliantly narrative manner, keeping a fine balance between the technical and non-technical aspects of every case during each presentation.
I truly enjoyed reading this book, and currently looking to order other titles by same author, simply because of the way he writes (which, to me, is compelling).
Highly recommended.
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