They Gave Me a Helicopter

David Lanigan first flew in an aeroplane at the age of 12 at a local civilian flying training school. This sparked a love for flying in the young man, prompting him to learn to fly and join the RAF at age 18; what followed was a long and exceptional career in flying, both with the RAF and with private companies. Follow along as this young man from Dorset sees the world, builds a family, and saves lives, all the while learning more and more about helicopters and life.



Front cover photo: Team work is key. SAR crew of pilot, navigator and winchman returning from rescue training in Bridlington Bay, Yorkshire, 1970. In the background is a Westland Whirlwind Mk.10, which equipped UK based RAF SAR squadrons.



Back cover photo: Sikorsky S61N in UN colours, taking off from the UN base at Knin, during operations in Croatia, in 1995.