Surprised at Being Alive, Robert F. Curtis
Surprised at Being Alive, Robert F. Curtis
5 Rating(s)
List: $24.99 | Sale: $17.50
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Surprised at Being Alive
An Accidental Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam and Beyond

Author: Robert F. Curtis

Narrator: David Colacci

Unabridged: 12 hr 29 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 07/30/2019


Synopsis

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 twenty-four 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 fifty 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.

About Robert F. Curtis

Robert F. Curtis was born in Middletown, Ohio, in 1949, making him exactly the right age to be drafted for the Vietnam War. After dropping out of high school twice, he passed the general educational development exam, giving him enough educational qualifications to gain entry into the Army's Warrant Officer Candidate program. There he learned to fly, starting him on the path to a military career as an aviator in the Army, National Guard, and Marine Corps, and as an exchange officer with the British Royal Navy. After service in Vietnam he attended the University of Kentucky, graduating with honors with a bachelor's degree in political science. Later, while serving at Naval Air Systems Command in Washington, D.C., Robert completed a master's degree in procurement and acquisition management at Webster University.

Robert is an FAA certified commercial pilot in both helicopters and gyroplanes. His military awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and twenty-three Air Medals.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Jimmy on December 22, 2024

The book was given to me as a Vietnam War book. The title and subtitle are very misleading. So I was disappointed. It is only for those interested in books about flying. I did love the idea of never being uncool. I was the same way. I have always been able to maintain my cool in difficult situations......more

Goodreads review by Jonathan on January 04, 2024

This was a highly interesting book for me, I enjoy first person military books. Mr. Curtis does a wonderful job of sharing multiple stories from his long and honored career as a helicopter pilot. This is one those books that is difficult to stop reading, as each chapter draws you in within the first......more

Goodreads review by Louis Reichenbach on May 04, 2019

The. Ups and downs of a career military helicopter pilot Interesting book about a transport help pilot that experienced flying in a variety of locations,weather,and branches of military service. He used knowledge,good judgement,and a little luck to see him through many years of flying.......more

Goodreads review by Henry Petruskewic on September 03, 2019

Very well written story of the life and adventures of a military helicopter pilot. I chose the 5 star rating because I really enjoyed reading this amazing book! Very glad I found it in the recommend list of e-book titles sent to me.......more

Goodreads review by Helen on November 03, 2020

Excellent book. I could not stop reading. I strongly recommend it if you wish to read the testimony of a Marine. Very interesting. Thanks Robert Curtis......more