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No Man's Land: The Untold Story of Automation and Qf72
A gripping account of how a major air disaster was averted, by the captain and former Top Gun pilot
Instinctively, I release my pressure on the sidestick. Out of my subconscious, a survival technique from a previous life emerges: Neutralise! I'm not in control so I must neutralise controls. I never imagined I'd use this part of my military experience in a commercial airliner ...
On routine flight QF72 from Singapore to Perth on 7 October 2008, the primary flight computers went rogue, causing the plane to pitch down, nose first, towards the Indian Ocean - twice.
The Airbus A330 carrying 315 passengers and crew was out of control, with violent negative G forces propelling anyone and anything untethered through the cabin roof.
It took the skill and discipline of veteran US Navy Top Gun Kevin Sullivan, captain of the ill-fated flight, to wrestle the plane back under control and perform a high-stakes emergency landing at a RAAF base on the WA coast 1200 kilometres north of Perth.
In No Man's Land, the captain of the flight tells the full story for the first time. It's a gripping, blow-by-blow account of how, along with his co-pilots, Sullivan relied on his elite military training to land the gravely malfunctioning plane and narrowly avert what could have been a horrific air disaster.
As automation becomes the way of the future, and in the aftermath of Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 and Lion Air flight JT610, the story of QF72 raises important questions about how much control we relinquish to computers and whether more checks and balances are needed.
A gripping read in the tradition of Sully: Miracle on the Hudson by Chesley B. Sullenberger.
Instinctively, I release my pressure on the sidestick. Out of my subconscious, a survival technique from a previous life emerges: Neutralise! I'm not in control so I must neutralise controls. I never imagined I'd use this part of my military experience in a commercial airliner ...
On routine flight QF72 from Singapore to Perth on 7 October 2008, the primary flight computers went rogue, causing the plane to pitch down, nose first, towards the Indian Ocean - twice.
The Airbus A330 carrying 315 passengers and crew was out of control, with violent negative G forces propelling anyone and anything untethered through the cabin roof.
It took the skill and discipline of veteran US Navy Top Gun Kevin Sullivan, captain of the ill-fated flight, to wrestle the plane back under control and perform a high-stakes emergency landing at a RAAF base on the WA coast 1200 kilometres north of Perth.
In No Man's Land, the captain of the flight tells the full story for the first time. It's a gripping, blow-by-blow account of how, along with his co-pilots, Sullivan relied on his elite military training to land the gravely malfunctioning plane and narrowly avert what could have been a horrific air disaster.
As automation becomes the way of the future, and in the aftermath of Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 and Lion Air flight JT610, the story of QF72 raises important questions about how much control we relinquish to computers and whether more checks and balances are needed.
A gripping read in the tradition of Sully: Miracle on the Hudson by Chesley B. Sullenberger.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2019
73 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Sullivan
111 books60 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 16, 2020
"It seems we've survived a science-fiction scenario, a No Man's Land of automation failure on an unprecedented scale."
That sentence is the understatement of the millennium.
A routine flight from Singapore to Perth for pilot Kevin "Sully" Sullivan and his two co-pilots turns into one of the most harrowing, horror-filled true stories I think I've ever attempted to read. The Quantas Airbus, which all three pilots were well experienced at flying, suffered a unforseen catastrophic computer failure (and I'm not sure "failure" even comes close) whereby the airplane's systems not only malfunctioned and/or shut down, but took control of the plane away from the pilots.
A series of computer-generated nosedives resulted in major injuries for both the cabin crew and the passengers. Captain Sullivan, thank God, was able to rely on his US Navy fighter pilot training to not only wrestle (and I do mean physically wrestle) control of the plane back into the hands of the pilots, but also MANUALLY (without the benefit of systems, radar, or other basic in-flight instruments) flew this enormous plane hundreds of miles to a MAYDAY landing at a remote Australian airstrip. While many were injured and some severely, no one died, and that is a testament to those three pilots who literally fought for their lives and the lives of their passengers. There were several times, I had to stop reading to have a good cry.
I can't help but compare what happened on this flight with the still-unknown whereabouts of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which disappeared from radar in the same general area of the Indian Ocean. Could that have also been a sytems-takeover that resulted in the loss of the plane and all lives? You have to wonder after reading this story.
Captain Sullivan was as heroic a pilot as could be, given the circumstances. Medically retired (due to ongoing PTSD years after the near-crash), he sums up his role that day as follows: "I'll probably be required to continue to exercise my authority in the hours ahead (before help arrived). A quote from General George Patton rises out of my memory: 'Do more than is required of you.'"
You certainly did, Captain.
That sentence is the understatement of the millennium.
A routine flight from Singapore to Perth for pilot Kevin "Sully" Sullivan and his two co-pilots turns into one of the most harrowing, horror-filled true stories I think I've ever attempted to read. The Quantas Airbus, which all three pilots were well experienced at flying, suffered a unforseen catastrophic computer failure (and I'm not sure "failure" even comes close) whereby the airplane's systems not only malfunctioned and/or shut down, but took control of the plane away from the pilots.
A series of computer-generated nosedives resulted in major injuries for both the cabin crew and the passengers. Captain Sullivan, thank God, was able to rely on his US Navy fighter pilot training to not only wrestle (and I do mean physically wrestle) control of the plane back into the hands of the pilots, but also MANUALLY (without the benefit of systems, radar, or other basic in-flight instruments) flew this enormous plane hundreds of miles to a MAYDAY landing at a remote Australian airstrip. While many were injured and some severely, no one died, and that is a testament to those three pilots who literally fought for their lives and the lives of their passengers. There were several times, I had to stop reading to have a good cry.
I can't help but compare what happened on this flight with the still-unknown whereabouts of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which disappeared from radar in the same general area of the Indian Ocean. Could that have also been a sytems-takeover that resulted in the loss of the plane and all lives? You have to wonder after reading this story.
Captain Sullivan was as heroic a pilot as could be, given the circumstances. Medically retired (due to ongoing PTSD years after the near-crash), he sums up his role that day as follows: "I'll probably be required to continue to exercise my authority in the hours ahead (before help arrived). A quote from General George Patton rises out of my memory: 'Do more than is required of you.'"
You certainly did, Captain.
February 12, 2020
"We survived a perfect storm of automation failure. I’ve already concluded there was nothing more I could have done to stop the injuries dished out by my confused Airbus A330, and this debrief with Sam (an investigator with the ATSB) has confirmed my assessment – but I don’t find comfort in that realisation. This accident damaged me and exposed me to the unforgettable images of my injured passengers and crew. The closure I’ve desperately sought is denied."
Unfortunately, that denial brought about Kevin Sullivan’s retirement from the flying career for which he’d been so perfectly developed.
A US ‘Top Gun’ on exchange to Australia’s no. 2 Operational Conversion Unit when the RAAF transitioned to the F-18, Sullivan became a pilot with QANTAS when his time in the air force came to an end. Little did he know the extent to which his early military training would help him overcome potential disaster during a flight on an Airbus A330 equipped with electronic controls meant to safeguard all who fly on it.
At a time when Boeing has long withdrawn its 737 MAX series aircraft from service, having used electronics in an attempt to prevent an undesirable event - aerodynamic stall - due to what appears a terminal design failure, and after two fatal accidents, No Man’s Land seems to almost parallel that disaster. This is not entirely so. Despite some potential similarities, there is one major difference.
Like other series in the Airbus fleet, the A330 was designed from the ground up to ‘fly by wire.’ It means, simply, there is no direct connection between flight crew and the flying surfaces - aileron, elevator and rudder - with all control inputs directed by a series of computers. On board VH-QPA, flying the QANTAS route QF72 from Singapore to Perth on 7 October 2008, and to use an Autralianism, those computers stuffed up.
The time was 12:42 on a bright, clear afternoon. Suddenly, without pilot input or the effects of atmospheric disturbance, the aircraft’s nose pitched down. Violently. The on-board computer systems had read a non-existent problem, convinced themselves in their programmed cross-address that it was real and had to be acted upon.
Instead of continuing its flight at 2° nose up, the A330 pitched 8° nose down.
Everyone and everything not strapped down on board the flight was viciously thrown about. Many injuries occurred, including a number life-threatening. Unfortunately, the problem repeated, twice, but the majority by now were restrained. Kevin Sullivan and his crew worked through continuing loud error ‘dings’ and messages - none of which could be turned off - as confused electronic systems tried to warn of both stall and over-speed characteristics. Despite everything, including reasoned concern for what might happen should the event recur at low altitude as they attempted to land, they diverted and made a safe emergency landing at Learmonth.
The story is edge of seat stuff as author takes reader through early training, including carrier deck landings with the need for quick, clear decision-making, which helped in the life and death scenario those on board QF72 would face several years later. Even more, No Man’s Land provides a heartrending account of how an event so traumatic has changed so many lives, especially how the effects of PTSD exemplify and take their toll.
"...in just two seconds, my life and the lives of the other crew and 303 passengers aboard QF72 changed forever."
The events on board the flight took them into no man's land. The subsequent and never-ending trauma returned them to no man’s land.
This is a story worth reading on so many levels. Five stars.
BTW, despite the site saying otherwise, I've only read it once - so far!
Unfortunately, that denial brought about Kevin Sullivan’s retirement from the flying career for which he’d been so perfectly developed.
A US ‘Top Gun’ on exchange to Australia’s no. 2 Operational Conversion Unit when the RAAF transitioned to the F-18, Sullivan became a pilot with QANTAS when his time in the air force came to an end. Little did he know the extent to which his early military training would help him overcome potential disaster during a flight on an Airbus A330 equipped with electronic controls meant to safeguard all who fly on it.
At a time when Boeing has long withdrawn its 737 MAX series aircraft from service, having used electronics in an attempt to prevent an undesirable event - aerodynamic stall - due to what appears a terminal design failure, and after two fatal accidents, No Man’s Land seems to almost parallel that disaster. This is not entirely so. Despite some potential similarities, there is one major difference.
Like other series in the Airbus fleet, the A330 was designed from the ground up to ‘fly by wire.’ It means, simply, there is no direct connection between flight crew and the flying surfaces - aileron, elevator and rudder - with all control inputs directed by a series of computers. On board VH-QPA, flying the QANTAS route QF72 from Singapore to Perth on 7 October 2008, and to use an Autralianism, those computers stuffed up.
The time was 12:42 on a bright, clear afternoon. Suddenly, without pilot input or the effects of atmospheric disturbance, the aircraft’s nose pitched down. Violently. The on-board computer systems had read a non-existent problem, convinced themselves in their programmed cross-address that it was real and had to be acted upon.
Instead of continuing its flight at 2° nose up, the A330 pitched 8° nose down.
Everyone and everything not strapped down on board the flight was viciously thrown about. Many injuries occurred, including a number life-threatening. Unfortunately, the problem repeated, twice, but the majority by now were restrained. Kevin Sullivan and his crew worked through continuing loud error ‘dings’ and messages - none of which could be turned off - as confused electronic systems tried to warn of both stall and over-speed characteristics. Despite everything, including reasoned concern for what might happen should the event recur at low altitude as they attempted to land, they diverted and made a safe emergency landing at Learmonth.
The story is edge of seat stuff as author takes reader through early training, including carrier deck landings with the need for quick, clear decision-making, which helped in the life and death scenario those on board QF72 would face several years later. Even more, No Man’s Land provides a heartrending account of how an event so traumatic has changed so many lives, especially how the effects of PTSD exemplify and take their toll.
"...in just two seconds, my life and the lives of the other crew and 303 passengers aboard QF72 changed forever."
The events on board the flight took them into no man's land. The subsequent and never-ending trauma returned them to no man’s land.
This is a story worth reading on so many levels. Five stars.
BTW, despite the site saying otherwise, I've only read it once - so far!
November 20, 2019
It wasn't what I was expecting. The situation on the plane is resolved in the first half of the book. The other half deals with issues such as automation in commercial aircarfts/cars, the need to update pilot training and procedures as well as PTSD and general mental health of aviation personel. Important and interesting but a bit dry, and, at times, slightly repetitive. Also, some of the technical, engineering-related explanations went way over my head (and I couldn't stop and look things up as I listened to this one on audio). Overall, a decent non-fiction/memoir.
September 2, 2019
3.5 stars
If you’re interested in aviation and aircraft accidents, it’s definitely worth reading.
Airbus = scairbus
If you’re interested in aviation and aircraft accidents, it’s definitely worth reading.
Airbus = scairbus
November 27, 2019
Summary of book. Wear your seatbelt when the seatbelt sign is turned off!
September 12, 2020
The chilling account of Flight QF72 from Singapore to Perth, written by the pilot himself. The story of a commercial airliner’s computer systems going haywire, causing the aircraft to suddenly tilt downwards and head towards imminent death.
The passengers and flight crew were thrown up onto the roof of the aircraft, causing serious physical and mental injuries for many. The pilot struggled to regain control of the aircraft that was fighting with him, but he eventually managed to divert it and safely land at Learmonth with no fatalities.
The story is a nightmare, and the pilot retells it with brilliance, splitting it up with stories of his early naval aviation career. He chronicles how the aircraft tried to kill him out of nowhere, and how the experience crippled him mentally for life. He openly outlines his struggles with PTSD eventually leading to his own medical termination from Qantas.
His story is eye-opening, as he highlights the message of how automation in aircraft can really fail you - and how pilots need to be better trained to deal with the situation.
What is regrettable about the book is that he chooses not to - perhaps deliberately, and perhaps because he was not allowed to - tell the story of how he, alongside second officer Ross Hales and customer service manager Lisa Polizzi, sued Airbus and aerospace company Northrup Grumman (who designed the aircraft’s computer system) for their personal injuries.
The case was settled two years ago, and the settlement probably prohibited him from discussing his case in the book. If it did, that is unfortunate as that’s a whole other story that needs to be told.
I felt that legal battle was an obvious elephant in the room that made the book feel incomplete for me.
In any case, it is an eye-opening account of how automation can fail an aircraft - and is a reminder to all of us to wear our seatbelts at all stages of a flight.
The passengers and flight crew were thrown up onto the roof of the aircraft, causing serious physical and mental injuries for many. The pilot struggled to regain control of the aircraft that was fighting with him, but he eventually managed to divert it and safely land at Learmonth with no fatalities.
The story is a nightmare, and the pilot retells it with brilliance, splitting it up with stories of his early naval aviation career. He chronicles how the aircraft tried to kill him out of nowhere, and how the experience crippled him mentally for life. He openly outlines his struggles with PTSD eventually leading to his own medical termination from Qantas.
His story is eye-opening, as he highlights the message of how automation in aircraft can really fail you - and how pilots need to be better trained to deal with the situation.
What is regrettable about the book is that he chooses not to - perhaps deliberately, and perhaps because he was not allowed to - tell the story of how he, alongside second officer Ross Hales and customer service manager Lisa Polizzi, sued Airbus and aerospace company Northrup Grumman (who designed the aircraft’s computer system) for their personal injuries.
The case was settled two years ago, and the settlement probably prohibited him from discussing his case in the book. If it did, that is unfortunate as that’s a whole other story that needs to be told.
I felt that legal battle was an obvious elephant in the room that made the book feel incomplete for me.
In any case, it is an eye-opening account of how automation can fail an aircraft - and is a reminder to all of us to wear our seatbelts at all stages of a flight.
December 25, 2021
To summarise this book, it is the story of flight QF-72 from Singapore to Perth on 7 October 2008. A system malfunction caused the plane to nose-dive and the quick thinking of the pilot and crew ensured that the plane landed safely. However, the experience left scars on everyone on the flight.
This book reads a lot like one of the flight investigation tv series I used to watch. It gives a blow by blow account of what happened during the flight and the action taken to avert a fatal disaster. The book is written by the captain of the flight so we have background of the pilot himself and what actually happened on that flight.
This book goes further than just that flight but also talks about the aftermath of that flight. The pilot and crew who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the things they saw on that day. I learnt a lot about the duty of a flight captain and the exceptional training of Qantas crew. Besides the training, the crew on that day put themselves in harms way to ensure that the passengers were secure. This was heroic but it left mental and emotional scars from what they saw on that day.
I highly recommend this book to people. It is a good read and it gives a warning. The flight automation systems are meant to help pilots and they normally do. However, what happens when it fails and is unable to correct itself? This is where pilot training is still lacking and needs to be addressed.
This book reads a lot like one of the flight investigation tv series I used to watch. It gives a blow by blow account of what happened during the flight and the action taken to avert a fatal disaster. The book is written by the captain of the flight so we have background of the pilot himself and what actually happened on that flight.
This book goes further than just that flight but also talks about the aftermath of that flight. The pilot and crew who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the things they saw on that day. I learnt a lot about the duty of a flight captain and the exceptional training of Qantas crew. Besides the training, the crew on that day put themselves in harms way to ensure that the passengers were secure. This was heroic but it left mental and emotional scars from what they saw on that day.
I highly recommend this book to people. It is a good read and it gives a warning. The flight automation systems are meant to help pilots and they normally do. However, what happens when it fails and is unable to correct itself? This is where pilot training is still lacking and needs to be addressed.
April 7, 2022
An exciting and important story, well-written.
“No Man’s Land” is the fascinating and relevant true story of how a Qantas flight crew prevented disaster when rogue flight control computers on their Airbus A330 suddenly commanded pitch-downs … twice.
Written by incident-pilot Captain Kevin Sullivan, the book delivers a comprehensive and well-written explanation of what caused the problem. His detailed description of how he and his fellow crew kept the plane airborne and reduced injures will have you checking that your seatbelt is fastened, even if you are sitting in your living room chair. It was fortunate that Sullivan had been a US Navy F-14 pilot and was able to draw on those experiences when the situation required a cool and skillful pilot, which he proved to be. But this is not an ego-book, he repeatedly lauds the efforts of other crewmembers, as well as Australian emergency responders and even the passengers who remained as calm as possible given the circumstances.
Much of the book’s real power comes in the aftermath of the incident, when the trauma continues to haunt several crew members, and Sullivan’s candor in describing these difficult times is admirable. Though the QF 72 incident happened in 2008 it is just as relevant today as we continue to deal with imperfect computers that control critical activities.
“No Man’s Land” is the fascinating and relevant true story of how a Qantas flight crew prevented disaster when rogue flight control computers on their Airbus A330 suddenly commanded pitch-downs … twice.
Written by incident-pilot Captain Kevin Sullivan, the book delivers a comprehensive and well-written explanation of what caused the problem. His detailed description of how he and his fellow crew kept the plane airborne and reduced injures will have you checking that your seatbelt is fastened, even if you are sitting in your living room chair. It was fortunate that Sullivan had been a US Navy F-14 pilot and was able to draw on those experiences when the situation required a cool and skillful pilot, which he proved to be. But this is not an ego-book, he repeatedly lauds the efforts of other crewmembers, as well as Australian emergency responders and even the passengers who remained as calm as possible given the circumstances.
Much of the book’s real power comes in the aftermath of the incident, when the trauma continues to haunt several crew members, and Sullivan’s candor in describing these difficult times is admirable. Though the QF 72 incident happened in 2008 it is just as relevant today as we continue to deal with imperfect computers that control critical activities.
May 29, 2019
This is a great book for anyone who travels by air, or especially for an aircraft nut like me. As well as being a fascinating and exciting book to read, it also sounds a timely warning about the over reliance on artificial intelligence and automated flying that seems to be making the role of the pilot superfluous. The book also kills the myth that the modern pilot simply takes off, puts on the auto pilot, turns it off he has reached the destination airport and then lands the plane after a good sleep in the middle. Nothing could be further from the truth. However, one aspect intrigues me and that is that Captain Kev says that he stayed in Australia after his service as a Top Gun qualified US Navy and after serving as a RAAF exchange officer. He then married a local girl and that during the emergency his daughter was his inspiration. But nowhere is the wife and daughter mentioned by name, or even if he is still married and my search online turned up a blank. This makes me think that he is a very skilled man with computers and has buried that information where we can't find it. If you find it, put it up on Good Reads for me?
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May 31, 2022An outstanding rendition of the torment of an airline pilot who later became mentally impaired by PTSD after a traumatic inflight event where the aircraft flight control automation took over and locked out the flight crew which lead to serious injuries to passengers and crew after two un- commanded high-G descents/nose dives
From time to time, we all know that our own PC need the proverbial 'reboot' to escape some spurious lockup. This book explains the captain of flight crew of a fly-by-wire airliners don't have the same facility and must use their knowledge and talent to to reclaim sufficient control of the aircraft to save themselves and all others on board
Congratulations to the author for penning this fine record of his personal experience of the torrid moments of peril and then to go an recount the downstream consequence of the event he was unable to escape.
With the growing acceptance of PTSD, this book is reminder such an event could happen to any of us
A compelling read
From time to time, we all know that our own PC need the proverbial 'reboot' to escape some spurious lockup. This book explains the captain of flight crew of a fly-by-wire airliners don't have the same facility and must use their knowledge and talent to to reclaim sufficient control of the aircraft to save themselves and all others on board
Congratulations to the author for penning this fine record of his personal experience of the torrid moments of peril and then to go an recount the downstream consequence of the event he was unable to escape.
With the growing acceptance of PTSD, this book is reminder such an event could happen to any of us
A compelling read
April 7, 2021
(Audiobook) Firstly, this is the type of book that you can’t put down once you have picked it up. How terrifying to be in a plane when this happened. Kudos to the pilot 🧑✈️ Kevin Sutherland and his co-pilots in their amazing manjoeuvre and regaining control of the plane. It’s something to think about - all plane automation. Computers are not 100% bullet-proof and do fail at time. You would hope that pilots know how to control a plane if the computer malfunctions. This story is also about PTSD and mental health. It is concerning that it is reliant on a pilot to inform their employer if they have mental health issues. Kudos to Kevin for trying to regain control of his mental health and his traumatic experience. I hope Kevin overcomes his PTSD. On another note:- I always keep my seat belt on even when the seat belt sign is turned off, as you never know when you may hit turbulence.
November 18, 2023
I was told I would enjoy this book and I absolutely did.
The story of a Qantas flight to Perth that was effectively hijacked by its own failed computer system is much more than a tale of life imitating art (Stanley Kubrick got it right in 2001 A Space Odyssey). The telling of the drama of the flight is honest, dramatic and even knowing the fight was successfully landed, tense.
The ramifications of the flight and the ongoing mental health issues suffered by the crew, especially the captain and author Kevin Sullivan, is what this book is really about.
The people on that flight were gifted a brilliant captain and crew. I wish Kevin Sullivan, his co-pilots and the crew nothing but the best and all air travellers should be thankful for the people who get them from A to B and hope this particular crew find some peace of mind.
The story of a Qantas flight to Perth that was effectively hijacked by its own failed computer system is much more than a tale of life imitating art (Stanley Kubrick got it right in 2001 A Space Odyssey). The telling of the drama of the flight is honest, dramatic and even knowing the fight was successfully landed, tense.
The ramifications of the flight and the ongoing mental health issues suffered by the crew, especially the captain and author Kevin Sullivan, is what this book is really about.
The people on that flight were gifted a brilliant captain and crew. I wish Kevin Sullivan, his co-pilots and the crew nothing but the best and all air travellers should be thankful for the people who get them from A to B and hope this particular crew find some peace of mind.
January 24, 2020
Mind blowing read of one pilot’s account of dealing with a near death tragedy when his plane’s automated system goes haywire and tries to nosedive into the ground.
This book is not recommended for anyone who doesn’t enjoy flying. If you don’t now, read this and you’ll never get on another plane again.
The book is a bit technical at times, but anyone with limited knowledge or interest can skip some of this and only deal with the cause and effect scenarios. Much of the book deals with the pilots’ and crews’ heroism and professionalism in getting the plane down in one piece. It’s as much to do with the after effects of this incident than the incident itself.
Excellent read if your brave enough to read it.
This book is not recommended for anyone who doesn’t enjoy flying. If you don’t now, read this and you’ll never get on another plane again.
The book is a bit technical at times, but anyone with limited knowledge or interest can skip some of this and only deal with the cause and effect scenarios. Much of the book deals with the pilots’ and crews’ heroism and professionalism in getting the plane down in one piece. It’s as much to do with the after effects of this incident than the incident itself.
Excellent read if your brave enough to read it.
January 29, 2020
Wow! What an insight into the troubled world of big jet aviation. With Boeing's 737 Max grounded and this account of major malfunction accidents in Airbus fly-by-wire planes, I would not recommend this read for anyone flying long-haul! But for an aviation geek like me it was a real ride! I am grateful to Sully for his first-hand exposure of the life of a carrier borne top gun jet fighter ace, and also of the pitfalls and joys awaiting captains of international commercial airliners. A great read!
January 12, 2021
As an aspiring pilot myself, this book delves into subjects that are rarely discussed within the aviation industry, displaying not only the superficial elitist lifestyle but the true responsibility and burden that pilots face. This novel encompasses an important discussion/message around mental health, in particular male mental health, while also displaying the pitfalls of the aviation industry. It is a thought-provoking read that leaves you with plenty of questions around the industry itself.
September 11, 2023
Excellent book. Again I was seeking technical background beyond the Atsb report but also the human aspects of this accident. This book provides all that and I am genuinely surprised by the long-lasting impact of such traumatic events. These accounts should be read by more designers, managers, and certification authority managers. There is always going to be risks associated with the mobility the industry provides to The traveling public, but the risk needs to be more finely assessed rather than just a simple continued safe flight and landing.
October 5, 2023
Part accident investigation, part pilot autobiography, and 100% genuine.
A deeply personal insight into the experience of an airline captain dealing with a terrifying emergency, interspersed with tales of fighter pilot training sorties and carrier landings. This was a captivating read, and was clearly written from the heart. I would definitely recommend it to pilots or aviation enthusiasts with an interest in the QF72 incident.
A deeply personal insight into the experience of an airline captain dealing with a terrifying emergency, interspersed with tales of fighter pilot training sorties and carrier landings. This was a captivating read, and was clearly written from the heart. I would definitely recommend it to pilots or aviation enthusiasts with an interest in the QF72 incident.
July 22, 2024
This is the riveting story of one man's life. It comes in three parts... first his career as a US Navy fighter pilot, then the awful events of Qantas flight QF72 where the aircraft tried to kill him and all 315 people onboard. And finally his life afterwards coming to terms with the event and the effect that it had on him.
The writing is easy and engaging and you have the feeling of listening to someone telling you their story in an honest and open way. And, what a story it is!
The writing is easy and engaging and you have the feeling of listening to someone telling you their story in an honest and open way. And, what a story it is!
September 22, 2025
Fascinating and moving story
I bought this on a whim with low expectations but it ended up being a truly excellent read. Sullivan weaves his own journey in with the near-catastrophe of an incident that should have resulted in complete loss of life, had it not been for the experience and expertise of his crew mates. But despite averting disaster, there's still a massive toll on all involved.
Highly recommended.
I bought this on a whim with low expectations but it ended up being a truly excellent read. Sullivan weaves his own journey in with the near-catastrophe of an incident that should have resulted in complete loss of life, had it not been for the experience and expertise of his crew mates. But despite averting disaster, there's still a massive toll on all involved.
Highly recommended.
June 4, 2019
Open and honest account of an aviation incident and the scars that it left behind.
Very readable, even when detailing the intricacies of commercial and military flight operations, including the failure of automated systems on QF72 in 2008.
Very readable, even when detailing the intricacies of commercial and military flight operations, including the failure of automated systems on QF72 in 2008.
October 7, 2019
Excellent and somewhat disturbing book about an aviation accident that is not widely discussed. A must read for airline pilots and those who think pilotless aircraft and fully automated cars are in our near future.
March 7, 2020
Exciting and revealing
No longer will I take for granted what happens in the cockpit of cigar tube filled with hundreds of people. Was an awakening to the dangers of automated computer systems and even brought to light the possible dangers of automated vehicles. Great read
No longer will I take for granted what happens in the cockpit of cigar tube filled with hundreds of people. Was an awakening to the dangers of automated computer systems and even brought to light the possible dangers of automated vehicles. Great read
October 18, 2024
To have to deal with a Automated System that I can only describe as psychotic, is a skill no one should ever have to experience!
Captain Sullivan and his crew did amazing things with what they had to deal with and work with (the very fact none of it was in the flight manual meaning they were literally flying blind is a major skill).
as a PTSD sufferer, I am thankful he has brought this condition to the forefront of public discussion as it is still not spoken about enough.
Captain Sullivan and his crew did amazing things with what they had to deal with and work with (the very fact none of it was in the flight manual meaning they were literally flying blind is a major skill).
as a PTSD sufferer, I am thankful he has brought this condition to the forefront of public discussion as it is still not spoken about enough.
September 22, 2019
Very nice and detailed in information and pictures.
April 2, 2020
Capt Kevin Sullivan is a highly qualified and experienced pilot.
The book was let down by the fact that his publisher "Mills and Boon(ed)" it making it very unrealistic and unbelievable in places.
The book was let down by the fact that his publisher "Mills and Boon(ed)" it making it very unrealistic and unbelievable in places.
May 4, 2021
Pilot's account of a terrible near disaster in the air. Focus is on the technical details of what went wrong and how this man's body reacted at the time and in the time after.
July 15, 2023
Excellent book, I bought this after watching the air disasters episode on the flight.
October 9, 2025
A truly inspiring and honest account of what could have been Australia’s worst aviation accident.
April 9, 2024
This book makes the best case for always having your seat belt fastened during all phases of flight. Conditions can change quickly, with no notice, and the consequences can be life threatening. Don't let the calm nature of flight at cruise altitude fool you.
November 25, 2019
Narrated by Brett Cousins.
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