Ebook: I'd Rather Fly a Chopper: An IAF Helicopter Pilot Remembers

'If a man is in need of rescue, an aeroplane can come in and throw flowers on him, and that's just about all. But a direct lift aircraft could come in and save his life.' -Igor Sikorsky

The chopper, a seemingly unstable machine, is in fact a versatile aircraft that is omnipresent in most crisis situations. However, not much is known about its pilots-a risky and demanding job that requires great skill and dexterity. Chopper pilots have saved millions of lives across the world, flying into areas and dangerous situations most people steer clear of. They have helped with roadbuilding projects in the mountains, operated against militants and been at the forefront of many natural disasters.

In I'd Rather Fly a Chopper, Rajesh Isser, who was an Indian Air Force helicopter pilot for thirty-seven years, shares anecdotes and experiences from his life. From rescuing a kidnapped schoolboy in Shillong to flood-rescue missions; from operating against the Chinese in Arunachal Pradesh in the 1980s to combating the Maoists in India's Red Corridor and helping with humanitarian efforts in the Congo; from carrying famous politicians and leaders with all their quirks and whims to encountering snakes in the cockpit, Isser narrates several thrilling tales.

Punctuated with humour, excitement and suspense, these stories of incredible real-life incidents will keep you hooked.