Comments on: Katrina’s knock-out blow

By: phil

phil — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 01:54:47 +0000

The Sikorsky R-4 was the first used in combat. In 1944 the 1st Air Cammandos used them to evacuate wounded from Burma. We’ve come a long way since then.

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/air_power/ap23.htm

By: Brett Holman

Brett Holman — Sun, 11 Sep 2005 06:27:49 +0000

Thanks for reminding me that there are positive aspects to aviation! I mean, of course I know that, but my focus on the less happy aspects of its history can be a bit one-sided from that point of view. Yes, you are quite right about the unique usefulness of the helicopter in disaster situations - the Asian tsunami was another example of that (and a Royal Australian Navy Sea King was tragically lost, with the death of 9 crew members, while taking part in the post-tsunami relief efforts). I wonder when helicopters first began to be used in this way … certainly by the Korean War, as anyone who has watched M*A*S*H knows. I know that the RAF had fixed-wing air ambulances by the 1920s, used mainly in the Middle East, but these were obviously less versatile than helicopters (ah, and I nearly forgot: the Royal Flying Doctor Service, founded 1928).

Good-luck with the publishing venture! As you say, you will have plenty of material to choose from.

By: phil

phil — Sat, 10 Sep 2005 22:40:44 +0000

Just dropped in from warhistorian.org. Cool blog I’ll enjoy coming back.

In terms of aviation, what we have been watching of the Katrina aftermath highlights the significant role of the helicopter: Coast Guard, Nat’l Guard, Air Nat’l Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marines, local S&R, all recorded by tv news helicopters. Aviation has played a huge role in responding to the hurricane and there are a lot of great stories to be told. I’m in the process of starting up an audio publishing company that will focus on producing audio books and audio documentaries in aviation history. I would like to do some oral history recordings of what has been happening. So we’ll see.