Whirlibirds, or helicopters, can do jobs that no other aircraft can. Helicopters follows the history of the rotor craft from pie-in-the-sky fantasy to real-life modern rescue 'copter. Children will learn about the helicopter's uses in fighting fires and fighting wars through vivid color illustrations and clear photos. Some of the exciting topics discussed are: - How early science fiction writers envisioned the helicopter as a pleasure cruising vessel. - The science of helicopters, from torque and rotor to windshear. - Helicopters in the Korean and Vietnam Wars - How helicopter crews perform daring rescues in terrible conditions. - Pioneers of helicopter flight. - Fighting fires and finding stranded people