
Go for Shakedown
A Helicopter Pilot's Story in Afghanistan
Stephen Robertson(Author)
Ewings Publishing LLC
Published on 30. April 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
384 pages
979-8-89419-016-7 (ISBN)
Description
Go For Shakedown follows my experiences through Afghanistan. It is a fictionalized dialogue between characters based on true events. It aims to capture the human side of war from the absurd situations to the complexity of actual helicopter missions; all through the development of about a dozen characters and their interactions and reactions both on the ground and in the air. Shakedown is a call-sign for the helicopter. The helicopter is a civilian pattern helicopter that was converted into escort gunships by Canada in order to "get the job done." A unique task since Canada is the only NATO country to NOT have helicopter gunships. Despite this limitation, the crews in Shakedown got the job done and were revered for their lethal capability yet always prevailing humanity. Whenever ground troops asked for support, they were affirmatively answered with, "Go for Shakedown."
More details
Language
English
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
622 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-89419-016-7 (9798894190167)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
I grew up in Western Canada. As a kid, I was thrilled with aircraft, war, and machines as is every young boy. After I completed my high school education and university degree, in order to fulfill my sense of childhood adventure, I joined the AirForce.I proudly served in the Canadian Air Force from 1986-2011. After gaining my wings in 1988, I served at 408 Squadron, 403 HOTS, 427 Squadron, 3 CFFTS, and OP ATHENA (Afghanistan) during 2009-2010. The pinnacle was completing two tours in South Asia, which amounted to over 550 hours over 110 mission days.I am still an active commercial offshore pilot and proudly serve in the Reserves (equivalent to the American National Guard). I have attained over 7500 flying hours. I hope to write more stories until well over 10,000 hours.