Airframe by Michael Crichton

Unfortunately my blog has been left unattended for so long that if it’s a physical entity, spiders and ants will invade and call it a home of their own. An obscene... truly obscene amount of work, travel, study and etcetera sort of helped in relegating the blog to the backseat for all these while. Truth to be told, I am not too happy with letting this passion of mine gone underground; which is the exact reason why I’ve decided to update it before I slip into obscurity again :-S

Anyway, with the latest news about Qantas airline and their A380 flights being grounded due to engine issues, I guess the time is ripe for me to review about this book entitled “Airframe by Michael Crichton”. I have read this book eon ago and usual circumstances prevented me from penning my thoughts about it :-(

Essentially, this techno-thriller is about TransPacific Flight 525 which “porpoises (go Google for the meaning :-P)” while en-route to US; killing several passengers and injuring few more in the process. News about the airworthiness of the airplane frame developed by Norton Aircraft pitches the company into unwanted limelight with potential to “kaput” the company itself.

In the ensuing chaotic moments and finger pointing, enter the superwoman and VP of Quality Control; Casey Singleton who “almost singlehandedly” pushed through all the obstacles (yes, I hear the girl power shout back there :-P) and solved the mystery and discovered the root cause of the incident.

Well, the root cause is none other than a loving papa letting his beloved son fly the plane; which the son is not certified to helm in the first place. So when disaster strikes, the son panicked and went...

“OH NO! Papa papa... what should I do… let me check the guidebook first!”

And up and down the plane goes, throwing everyone like a cookie crumble in an empty container :-P

So ladies and gentlemen, that’s the root cause. BUT, let me tell you. Boring book this is not. It is interestingly written, engaging and most of all, Michael is an excellent story teller, weaving fact into fiction and vice versa; confusing yours truly and no doubt you all out there. Come on... admit that you’re confused too... don’t be shy... heheheheh

Technical details and jargons are limited and explained if it’s really unavoidable. In fact, after reading through the book, I felt as if I’ve worked in Norton Aviation itself. Imagine the details expounded by Michael while writing this book. Reading through all the technicalities are no problem at all, as if Michael lubricated the book with high grade synthetic engine oil. Smooth and squeaky... chut chut chut :-D

Go read it boys and girls... I’m sure you’ll be able to feel the “slipperiness” first hand and agree with me too.


Personal rating: 9 out of 10
Cons:
1) N/A

Pros:
1) "Slippery" and smooth read :-)
2) Enjoyable read up till the last sentence