Ditching, Ditching, Ditching

This booklet describes many years of struggling to make flying in a helicopter over water much safer. It analyses why, still in 2026, if you ditch, the awful statistic is that around 20% of crew and passengers will not survive, principally due to drowning. It is hoped that aircrew, passengers, scientists, engineers, clothing designers, regulators, and anyone interested in flight safety will find value in its contents and be able to read it without difficulty.

Dr. Christopher Brooks, physician, scientist, inventor and historian, enjoyed an extensive and highly satisfying medical career in the navy, industry and private practice. From one extreme to another—service in a Polaris nuclear submarine to dangling from the hoist of the revered old Sea King to service at the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada—after 57 years, he has tied up alongside and finished with main engines and steering.