Striking by Night - Pilot

Crew - Pilot

Personal particulars

Height - Heavy bombers 1943- 5ft 7in tall
Other - inside leg of 41in

A combination of alertness and steadiness – promptness in decision – imagination , sense of humour – punctuality - attention to detail – power of observation good education and all round interests in mechanical bent and a love of flying. Strong personal and a gift for leadership.

Training

He generally had about 200 hours of flying before he took command.

Physical position and conditions in plane

Location of pilot

He had a high – backed seat on the LHS of cockpit. His parachute pack served as a hard cushion.

Only piece of armour protection is behind the pilot, protecting his head.

In front:

Panel instruments for monitoring flight
Controls and switches
Dials, switches and markings glowed with radial paint to overcome problem of darkness
The controls for the elevator and ailerons.
Pedals for rudder control were on the floor in front of him.
No power assistance!

On his right:

Four throttle levers
Propeller speed control levers

Responsibilities

He had dual responsibility…flying and leader of crew/regardless of rank. Example was key to confidence….therefore essence of leader. Authority and /discipline were essential in air…had to maintain authority on ground, too.

In flight duties

Along with engineer -

Started engines
Cockpit checks: set altimeters, check instrument vacuum settings, check temp ad pressure settings, bomb doors closed, radiator shutters opened, auto-pilot off, check hydraulic pressure, set compass, set trim settings, propeller pitch fully fine, set fuel selection, booster pumps on, set flaps for takeoff.
Taxi along runway – difficult in itself! Balancing between the correct power settings and brakes pressure made it very difficult to keep plane on runway.