The title of this
sprightly history is apt both because of the helicopter's seemingly
miraculous ability to float above the earthly realm and pluck mortals
from the jaws of disaster, and for the nearly superhuman feats of
engineering accomplished in its development.…Chiles darts about this
landscape, sometimes cruising through a lucid narrative of
technological development, sometimes hovering awhile to sketch a
character study of some “helicoptrian” enthusiast or take in a daring
aerial rescue. The result is an engaging blend of pop science and pop
culture.
|
|