warrenkm

I saw Mark's post on Facebook about doing the live Reddit and wanted to stop by and encourage everyone to purchase "Guts 'N Gunships." I have a hard copy and have listened to the audiobook off of Audible several times. I've been through at least a couple hundred books on Viet Nam and this is one of my favorites.

I hope you've been well, Mark. It's good to see you still at it.

My question is - how many hours did you have when you left Wolters and how many hours did you have when you first got to Viet Nam?

Wow that is not very many. I just got my Rotary Helicopter PPL last month and my Commercial RH last week (as add ons to ASEL/AMEL). It's hard to imagine dropping into a confined space, fully loaded, 6000+ feet DA, and in formation no less, all with people shooting in anger. No, hard is the wrong word, impossible to imagine is more like it. I think at least keeping moving in a gunship keeps the energy component of the equation in your favor. By the way, if you don't already know, Marpat Aviation in Logan, WV lets people fly their UH1 (with IP/supervision of course!) for the cost of fuel, June of every year. I see you said you were flying Robinsons at some point but if you want some stick time in a UH1 again it's a place to do it. I went last year and had a blast riding in back. Next year I'm going to get time at the controls. Would be great to see you there.

You're welcome. Robert Curtis, author of "Surprised at Being Alive," is a good POC as he is one of the pilots as is is Mike Holbrook at Marpat Aviation. Thanks again for doing the Q&A. With all sincerity - welcome home.

One more question - Why no mustache? While I am operating from memory here I believe the pictures I saw of you in Viet Nam did not indicate a mustache. You had to be the only guy sitting up front in a helicopter in the whole country that didn't have one! :)