TEAM WORK Flying larger aircraft calls for teamwork. You may have wondered what it seems to call for a crew of eleven to properly fly a B-29; a few less for the older, smaller B-24. Both demand multiple talents and we are, doubtless, victims of our own cupidity in assuming that an author's created super- person exceeds all known world values in his various abilities and accomplishments and and flies the plane expertly - as a one man Wright Brothers/NASA combination. It doesn't work that way at all.
The super-pilot screen type hero without limit is a figment of the imagination half-life of some writers memory and a willing compliance of the reader on his or her suggestions culling the larger crew down to one heroic, prime person in charge of all aspects of operation. The establishment of
a very successful military used for both of the planes has made it possible to see why each job is part of a composite plan to use individual skills and knowledge to best advantage and to
gain ultimate values.
The concept is big enough that it actually varied in different areas around the world where the planes have been used to any extent.
We think, quite logically, of the person charged with
actually maneuvering of the craft from point. We are to call him the Chief Pilot - the main one, prime, first, Numero Uno, Senior Pilot. There is also a Second Pilot who is more than a stand-by or replacement if the Senior Pilot should become incapacitated or unable to function in any way. The Co-pilot is responsible for the elements which enables the Senior Pilot to perform well. They both check all safety factors and the Co-Pilot continues to observe such aids and report any variations to his senior. He is to be ready to take, over the actual control when asked to do so, either by the demand of circumstances or when requested to do so - when, for instance, the craft has been put automatic pilot. It was not uncommon for pilots to spell each other for catnaps on the small platform in back of their seats. When being "pilot" a person was "in charge of" the entire operation.
There was one other person had such a power. When a plane on a mission entered the actual bomb site and passed a pre-determined point called the "Point of Departure" the Bombardier took control of the plane until such time as, according to mission plans, the bombs fell way from the bomb racks. Control of the plane was the returned to the chief pilot much concerned with ground attacks and enemy aircraft.
The Navigator was at work seeking a safer path home. Gunners were alert, of course, at their posts.
The crews operated as a closely-knit unit.Very much dependent on one another with their very lives at stake it was a closeness unequaled.
Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-16-06 [c503wds]
