Sweating the Metal: Flying Under Fire. A Chinook Pilot's Blistering Account of Life, Death and Dust in Afghanistan

by Alex Duncan

With bullets flying, wounded soldiers scream out in pain as the Chinook comes in to land in one of the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan. At the machine's controls is one man and if he doesn't stay calm then everyone could die. That man is Flt Lt Alex 'Frenchie' Duncan and he's been involved in some of the most daring and dangerous missions undertaken by the Chinook force in Afghanistan. In this book he recounts his experiences of life under fire in the dust, heat, and bullets of an active war zone. At 99ft long, the Chinook is a big and valuable target to the Taliban, who will stop at nothing to bring one down. And yet Frenchie and his crew risk everything because they know that the troops on the front line are relying on them. Sweating the Metal is the true story of the raw determination and courage of men on the front line—and it's time for their story to be told.

Genres: Military History, Military Fiction, Aviation

336 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2011

Reviews

[Alichia Van Zyl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book easy to read follow, our pilot is initially not content with his lot of becoming a helicopter/chinook pilot but comes to love and adore the aircraft. The book is written in language that even a layman (woman) can understand and grow fond of the chinook. It gives us a different perspective on the experience and circumstances soldiers found themselves in, in Afghanistan. I would highly recommend this for those with an interest in aviation and/or the involvement of the British in the war in Afghanistan.

[TheIron Paw · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't quite give this a 3 star. This book is not particularly well written and at times is a little to "rah! rah!" but it does contain a good amount of information about operating a helicopter (something that's been missing in similar accounts) and of flying in combat conditions in Afghanistan. I'd recommend this book for those looking for information but not for those looking for a general pleasure read (if you can consider reading about the Afghan war "pleasure".)

[Mr N P Leversuch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The trials and tribulations of a British Chinook pilot assigned to the Helmand province in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2010. The book gives a good explanation of the pressures the pilots were subjected to, both the fear of being shot or shot down by the Taliban and also the time pressure of evacuating wounded individuals, even if the landing area was not safe. An enjoyable read.

[Kris James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read 👍
bit slow to get started but it builds a strong picture for the remainder of the book.

definitely trigger warnings as some details are not held back. It brings a real sense of being in the cab at the darkest of times.

[Dale · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started off well but half way through it just stared going down hill. At the end it felt like the author got bored but was forced to finish.

[Grantcorp · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Sweating the Metal" is the account of a British Chinook pilot assigned to the Helmland province in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2010. After a short introduction covering the flight school years the meat of the book focuses on the various assignments in theatre, typically through the re-enactment of the most memorable missions.

The style is the usual flyboy-bombastic full-on storytelling which no doubt sits fine in the officer's mess over a few cold ones, but could do with a bit more polish. The constant use of four letter expletives cheapens the account unnecessarily, and the overall analysis of "Terry Taliban" also comes out a bit lacking. More problematic though is the token list of jargon and acronyms at the end of the book, which covers far from all that are put to use, and the text sometimes delves into flight checklist territory which is fine for fellow pilots but a bit incomprehensible to the rest of us.

Having said that, the book is a great insight into helicopter operations in Afghanistan and aviation buffs will of course want to read it simply because of that.

[Brad Theado · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got about half way through this book. it was enjoyable up to a point and it became a bit repetitive. Its told from the british war perspective so the use of language is a bit different from an american retelling.

[Michael Flanagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read from a British Chinook pilot who served a few 6 month deployments to Afghanistan. It was interesting seeing how the conflict has developed the author gave a good sense of this.

[Haveblue · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to read a chinook pilots account of war, but it got a bit repetitive. Doesn't come close to Low Level Hell or Chickenhawk, but was still an easy read.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant insight into the world of a Chinnook Pilot and his team whilst they carry out operations In Afghanistan during Op Telic.