Customers say
Customers find the book informative and well-researched. They describe it as an interesting read for both aviators and the general population. The writing is clear and easy to follow, with interesting stories that tie history together well.
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From transforming the ways of war to offering godlike views of inaccessible spots, revolutionizing rescues worldwide, and providing some of our most-watched TV moments—including the cloud of newscopters that trailed O. J. Simpson’s Bronco—the helicopter is far more capable than early inventors expected. Now James Chiles profiles the many helicoptrians who contributed to the development of this amazing machine, and pays tribute to the selfless heroism of pilots and crews. A virtual flying lesson and scientific adventure tale, The God Machine is more than the history of an invention; it is a journey into the minds of imaginative thinkers and a fascinating look at the ways they changed our world.
Our Top Reviews
Reviewer: Donna A. Dulo
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Exceptional Coverage of Rotocraft History and Evolution
Review: This is one of the best and up to date books on rotocraft that I have read. It is an extensive, thorough work which is engaging and informative. I like how the author develops rotocraft theory and traces the origins of the machine from the simple early developments to modern technological advances. The pace of the book is effective and it logically flows to ensure that clear, concise coverage is given to all areas and stages of development of helicopters in both a technological and an historic perspective, which is rarely seen in books on rotocraft. It is also quite entertaining and is a great book both for the aviator and the general population. I highly recommend this book.
Reviewer: Dr. Neil S. Kaye
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Excellent story of helicopter history
Review: Great reading. Well written and packed with interesting tidbits. As a helicopter pilot, I appreciate just how hard it was to invent these wonderful machines.
Reviewer: Tony M. Coalson
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: helicopter mechanics
Review: THE GOD MACHINE was a well researched book and informative..plus actual events depicted in the book regarding the mechanics of helicopters –was surprised to see an event which happened— which on page 237 is myself -Tony Coalson– and thats about the way it happened — we almost lost the rotor wing dept. on the lift off….april 29, 1975 as we begin the evacuation of Saigon..google — “tony coalson”
Reviewer: chris
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Five Stars
Review: Awesome read.
Reviewer: Sean R.
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Four Stars
Review: Great read… ties the history with the present very well.
Reviewer: Steve
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Not quite what I expected.
Review: This book focused on the various uses of helicopters and the people who flew them. It is well written and the stories are quite interesting but I was looking for more technical information and the details of helicopter development.
Reviewer: Claude Jordan
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A Must Read for Any Aviation Fan!
Review: Very interesting read. It takes a very in depth look at rotorcraft from the very beginning to the high tech marvels we have today. I couldn’t put it down.
Reviewer: Amazon Customer
Rating: 2.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Technical error grates on me
Review: The explanation of why the pilot sits in the seat on the right side is wrong. Regardless of where the “pilot” sits, that person’s right hand must stay on the cyclic stick basically at all times. (The left hand operates the collective, but it can be locked in place and the left hand used for other things during straight-and-level flight.) It the “pilot” is in the left seat, the radios, transponders, etc., that are in the console between the seats or the right side of the instrument panel or overhead on the centerline are out of reach of the pilots free (left) hand. Raised my skepticism level too much. What things that I don’t know about are also wrong?I found this modern article on the subject: “Why do helicopter pilots sit in the right seat?” at airspacemag.com
Price effective as of Mar 10, 2025 02:22:56 UTC
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