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Warrant Officer Ed Macy
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Apache: Inside the Cockpit of the World's Most Deadly Fighting Machine Kindle Edition

by Ed Macy (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,444 ratings
“A truly amazing portrayal of the technical, the emotional, and the courageous. Macy puts the reader in the cockpit of our most lethal attack platform.” —Dick Couch, New York Times–bestselling author
 
Apache is the incredible true story of Ed Macy, a decorated Apache helicopter pilot, that takes you inside one of the world’s most dangerous war machines. A firsthand account of the exhilaration and ferocity of war, Apache chronicles a rescue mission involving a stranded soldier in Afghanistan in 2007.
 
Ed Macy had always dreamed of a career in the army, so when the British Army Air Corps launched its attack helicopter program, Macy bent every rule in the book to make sure he was the first to sign up to fly the Apache—the deadliest, most technically advanced helicopter in the world and the toughest to fly. In 2007, Macy’s Apache squadron was dispatched to Afghanistan’s notorious Helmand Province with the mission to fight alongside and protect the men on the ground by any means necessary. When a marine goes missing in action, Macy and his team know they are the Army’s only hope of bringing him back alive. Apache is Macy’s story—an adrenalin-fueled account of one of the most daring actions of modern wartime, and a tale of courage, danger, and comradeship you won’t be able to put down.
 
“A fantastic, totally exhilarating roller-coaster read.” —Sgt. Maj. Dan Mills, author of Sniper One
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  1. Print length
    401 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Grove Press
  4. Publication date
    May 11, 2010
  5. File size
    7.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Macy, retired after 23 years in the British army, does for the Apache helicopter's gunships what Dan Mills did for the infantry in Sniper One: he puts readers in the cockpit of an aircraft that requires great skill and attention to keep in the air. Macy takes readers to Afghanistan's Helmand Province: remote and mountainous, a center of the world opium traffic and chosen battleground of the Taliban. His squadron's eight Apaches faced both modern missiles and 19th-century rifles while supporting ground troops too few for a mission never clearly defined by the government. The book's climax comes when a British marine is listed as missing in action. In an unauthorized mission that reads like pulp fiction but whose details have been independently verified, Macy and another pilot fly into a Taliban fort to bring him out—dead. When the four crewmen are awarded the Military Cross, Prince Philip asks, Are you all mad? But since the days of Alexander the Great, Afghanistan has taught invaders two cruel lessons: never leave a man behind, and never count the cost. 16 pages of photos; maps. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“Puts you right in the cockpit with your finger on the trigger. A truly awesome read; and a climax that Hollywood couldn’t invent.” —Andy McNab, author of Immediate Action

“Macy is the real deal. Nobody could write that powerfully about combat, or emotionally about the men fighting with him, unless he has been at the gunship’s controls. A fantastic, totally exhilarating roller-coaster read.” —Sergeant Major Dan Mills, author of Sniper One

“A truly amazing portrayal of the technical, the emotional, and the courageous. Macy puts the reader in the cockpit of our most lethal attack platform.” —Dick Couch, author of The Sheriff of Ramadi and Chosen Soldier

“Apache is a fantastic read that puts you right in the middle of the combat zone.” —Jack Coughlin, author of Shooter: The Autobiography of the Top-Ranked Marine Sniper

“Apache is at its heart a ground-busting infantry tale told from an entirely new perspective. By the time these gutsy Uglies land in an occupied Taliban fort to join the ground fight, there is no doubt that attack helicopter pilots are flying grunts. What happens next is extraordinary.” —Owen West, author of Sharkman Six

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01DRYNWY6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grove Press (May 11, 2010)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 11, 2010
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 7.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 401 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0802118941
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,444 ratings

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Warrant Officer Ed Macy

Warrant Officer Ed Macy

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,444 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book fascinating and easy to read, praising its detailed writing style and compelling story that takes readers into battle scenes. Moreover, the book provides amazing insight into Apache operations, with many color pictures included throughout. Additionally, customers appreciate the pacing, with one review noting how it captures the highs and lows of service personnel, while another describes it as an entertaining account of Apache operations in Afghanistan.

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37 customers mention "Readability"37 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a fantastic and fascinating read, with one customer noting it reads like a fiction book.

"I finished reading this incredible book yesterday and I've been mulling over how to formulate a review for a book which is sure to touch people on..." Read more

"...what a terrific writer Ed Macy is and what a courageous soldier, marvelous pilot, and, and, and. All of that is true...." Read more

"...is plenty of action and hot gun barrels and he clearly enjoyed flying the Apache helicopter...." Read more

"Excelent read! Just couldn't put it down in some moments and kept reading through the night...." Read more

28 customers mention "Writing quality"28 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, finding it well written and easy to read, with one customer noting how the author explains details clearly.

"...A glossary is provided along with an index and the glossary especially comes in extremely handy for non-military personnel such as myself...." Read more

"...Apache is a well written account somewhere in the middle years of the conflict...." Read more

"...it 5 stars both for contents and interesting topic as well as quality of writing, in every aspect." Read more

"...And the book is well written, interesting, with the right amount of detail and moves at a good pace...." Read more

15 customers mention "Story quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of the book, finding it compelling and very interesting, with one customer noting how it takes them into battle scenes.

"...But it has much more. The human side, the thrill, the comradeship, the pain, the fear, the technical - you name it, it's there...." Read more

"...Yes there is plenty of action and hot gun barrels and he clearly enjoyed flying the Apache helicopter...." Read more

"...I'm giving it 5 stars both for contents and interesting topic as well as quality of writing, in every aspect." Read more

"...And the book is well written, interesting, with the right amount of detail and moves at a good pace...." Read more

14 customers mention "Pacing"14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as a courageous account that gets readers into the cockpit during combat. One customer notes how it captures both the highs and lows of service personnel, while another highlights its detailed portrayal of Apache operations in Afghanistan.

"...What a wonderfully humanizing touch it was to have that young man referred to as Mathew while the rescue was taking place and after his recovery...." Read more

"I could tell you what a terrific writer Ed Macy is and what a courageous soldier, marvelous pilot, and, and, and. All of that is true...." Read more

"...The book is also an excellent story of the courage of the pilot and his comrades in trying to save another comrade...." Read more

"Describes the capability of the Apache and how it is one of the most feared weapons in the Afghan War...." Read more

6 customers mention "Insight"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and insightful, with one review specifically highlighting its detailed look at Ed's tour.

"...and this one ranks very highly in terms of readibility, contains a lot of good information and insights into Ed's tour and I am very impressed with..." Read more

"A brilliant read. An amazing insight to what these pilots have to endure." Read more

"...Great insight into his world. Highly recommended." Read more

"Fascinating read!Could not put it down.Gritty,insightful story from the British aviator's point of view.Highly recommend to military/aviation buffs." Read more

5 customers mention "Color photography"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the color photography in the book, which includes many pictures, with one customer noting the detailed drawings of the Apache.

"...the maps of Helmand, the diagrams of the Koshtay attack, the drawings of Jugroom Fort and especially the one showing the Apaches on the ground at..." Read more

"...Includes 5 maps, 2 detailed drawings of the Apache and numerous color photographs...." Read more

"Interesting look at how the Brits modified the aircraft and used the platform in Afghanistan...." Read more

"Good reading. Gets you into the cockpit in combat. Paints a good picture of what it's like." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • J. Lesley
    5.0 out of 5 stars A ringside seat to deeds of heroism by many different people.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    I finished reading this incredible book yesterday and I've been mulling over how to formulate a review for a book which is sure to touch people on so many different levels. I've finally decided that this book is one of those rare instances where a book can appeal to anyone, regardless of your particular ideas or feelings about the war in Afghanistan.

    I enjoyed the way the book was designed. It began with a mission from Macy's previous assignment at Camp Bastion where he was assigned the recovery of two SBS team members who were either missing or killed in an encounter with the Taliban. It then fast forwards to later in that same year when Macy has been assigned to that same Camp once again. After a brief time away from this particular hot spot designated for defense by the British, Macy was once again on that same ground as a pilot of the Apache helicopter. I've seen one of these birds sitting on a runway. They are truly impressive in their "ugliness". What a wonderful idea to use "Ugly" as the designation call sign for these warrior machines.

    This is a book written very much in "military speak" but every effort has been made to help those of us unfamiliar with some of the terminology and the military's love of abbreviations to be able to follow the action without too much trouble. A glossary is provided along with an index and the glossary especially comes in extremely handy for non-military personnel such as myself. After reading for a short while I realized that I was learning what most of the alphabet soup meant just by the context of the story. This entire book is showing the abilities and the capabilities of the helicopter, the pilots, and the entire force of troops required to keep the helicopters flying. But the book isn't completely given over to one mission after another. There is a lot of background information given concerning Macy himself and his relationships with those he is serving with. All of which go a long, long way to personalize the people and the situations and to explain why they found themselves in the situation of a collective imperative resolve to rescue Lance Corporal Mathew Ford. What a wonderfully humanizing touch it was to have that young man referred to as Mathew while the rescue was taking place and after his recovery. It brought the entire situation down to a very personal level.

    I appreciate all of the different elements which were included in the book; the maps of Helmand, the diagrams of the Koshtay attack, the drawings of Jugroom Fort and especially the one showing the Apaches on the ground at Jugroom Fort. They helped me visualize the rescue so much better. I also enjoyed the many color pictures included in the book. And I must not leave out Rocco, but everybody needs to find out about him themselves.

    This is a very good book and I highly recommend it for reading by both men and women alike. It doesn't matter how you feel about war in general, we all need to be aware of deeds of heroism which take place on a daily basis on our behalf. If we can't all go there, at least we can show our support and respect for those who do.

    Added June 9, 2009---I've just learned that Macy's next book is due out in early September of 2009. I'm looking forward to reading that one.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Andre
    5.0 out of 5 stars As close as it gets to flying the Apache AH Mk1
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    I could tell you what a terrific writer Ed Macy is and what a courageous soldier, marvelous pilot, and, and, and. All of that is true.
    But what it basically comes down to in this book is being inside. Inside the monstrous machine none of us would ever set a foot in - even less get to fly the 46 million GBP thing.
    You want to feel the thrill of first takeoff, Camp Bastion, Helmand Province? Burn your fingers on the stick and controls preheated by the Afghan sun, wipe the sweat off your face as you inhale the smell of metal and resin as the four thundering rotor blades race it across the desert, the twin Rolls Royce engines working at full speed.
    All of that and more you find in here.
    The book concentrates on a breathtaking rescue mission to retrieve a Marine MIA, where the Apaches must land right in the middle of a Taliban stronghold and come face to face with hordes of their unrelenting enemy.
    But it has much more. The human side, the thrill, the comradeship, the pain, the fear, the technical - you name it, it's there. Because Ed Macy was one of the very few who mastered the craft of operating (not just flying) this machine.
    And although after reading it you still won't be able to make your eyeballs work independently of each other like these guys can, at least you will have a sense of the courageous masterminds at work here.
    Includes 5 maps, 2 detailed drawings of the Apache and numerous color photographs.
    My highest respects go out to Ed Macy and his comrades.
    22 people found this helpful
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  • Manfred Rikkerhausen
    4.0 out of 5 stars Hot action - but with brains behind the tactics
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    The war in Afghanistan is a very fast changing and versatile conflict. The main strategies and the actual tactics used by both sides change back and forth as time passes and experiences are learned. Different commanders bring different responses by ISAF to the conflict. How to deal with civilians and communities - how to use influence rather than 1000 lb bombs, and so on.

    Apache is a well written account somewhere in the middle years of the conflict. ISAF were responding with massive ordinance and air strikes against single Taliban targets. The kit was avaliable and was used. Ed Macy brings this considered balanced response out well in the text. Yes there is plenty of action and hot gun barrels and he clearly enjoyed flying the Apache helicopter. However there is also the use of brains and how best to defeat their enemy within measure.

    I enjoyed the book much more than I had expected from the introduction and the blurb. The book climaxes with a daring attack and rescue raid - with people on the ground in the middle of the action making their own decisions - and making an impact. If they made a film of it, you wouldn't believe that it could happen. Enjoy and learn. Thank you Ed.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to break reading when you start
    Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Excelent read! Just couldn't put it down in some moments and kept reading through the night. It is one of the very few books of the kind that gripped me that hard. The topic which is interesting for me is one thing, but what even more important it is very, very well written. And that English sense of humor that made me burst laughing more than once!
    The same author published the second book, that one describing his experiences during his the first tour in Afghanistan. Hope it is as good as this one. But decided to go for the book 'Dressed to Kill' written by Ed Macy's mate flying one of the second pair of Apaches - Charlotte. Will be interesting to compare male and female point of view of the same cirstumstances, actions, ways of military life etc.
    What is also important for me that this book shows how different is British attitude to war, soldiering and world in general comparing to American one.
    I'm giving it 5 stars both for contents and interesting topic as well as quality of writing, in every aspect.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • naveen
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best true accounts.
    Reviewed in India on March 8, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    It was a great. Should be read by every AH pilot.
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  • yilgiddie
    5.0 out of 5 stars You won’t read better!
    Reviewed in Australia on August 29, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    An excellent account of the life of a Brit Apache pilot and weapons specialist in Afghanistan.
    Every Brit should be immensely proud of his achievements and those of his colleagues.
    Report
  • jeroen
    5.0 out of 5 stars great book
    Reviewed in Belgium on February 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great written book. Brings you right into the battle.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Great read!
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  • Alberto
    5.0 out of 5 stars The closest you can be to the real thing
    Reviewed in Spain on May 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I must say I got this book because I like flying helicopters in simulators and wanted to know from a first hand how is the real thing.

    Now every time I get into the VR headset and engage the Apache Apu I remember about Mr. Macy and all the brave guys who do this for real. His story is well written, gets you from the first line to the last and I have to say that I enjoyed it double because I could imagine all the scenes in my head, after so many simulation hours.

    Also, I really chuckled about the Apache headache. Flying in VR with a virtual monocle, PNVS and all of that really gives your brain a kick in its virtual balls. Once again I cannot imagine how it will be when you can't just pause and take a rest.

    These guys are the real deal.

    I recommend everyone to read this book and if you want to feel just a little fraction of what he writes, maybe try flight simulators, it is crazy what technology does these days.
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