As a former USCG fixed wing pilot, I have immense respect for CG helo pilots. I have always said the most dangerous flying in all of the Military is a CG Helo pilot. Flying fixed wing formation is relatively easy compared to trying to fly formation from 200 feet at night, in a storm, and your reference is a red light on top of a pitching fishing boat in high seas, This gives me goose bumps just thinking about it…. In 6 years on active duty 1976-1982, there were 3 helo crashes that I knew the crews. Pat Rivas and I would go running during our lunch hours while at Cape Cod, Pat was the poster boy for USCG Helo Pilots! . I never knew the detail of his death until I read this book. This book reads like a novel. If you have any interest in USCG flying or rescues this is the book for you. My hat is off to all USCG helo drivers that have the courage to go out at night in a storm, knowing they may not come back.
S/P
Larry Post
CG Aviator 1873