Did you have to be an officer to be a pilot in ww2?

The United States Army Air Forces originally favoured officer pilots and the few enlisted pilots were usually civilian-qualified. The Flight Officer Act of 1942 created the warrant officer rank of flight officer. All enlisted pilots were promoted to that rank and the rank of flight sergeant was discontinued.

What did a flight engineer do in ww2?

The flight engineer on a B-17 was essentially a flying ground crewman. His job was to monitor mechanical operation of the aircraft.

What was the crew of a Lancaster bomber?

seven
A Lancaster Bomber had a crew of seven: pilot, navigator, bomb aimer, flight engineer, wireless operator, mid gunner and rear gunner.

Why was the B-24 Liberator called the flying coffin?

A World War II aircraft unofficially known as a “Flying Coffin” has been found in Italy. The heavy bomber Consolidated B-24 Liberator earned its nickname when crew members found it difficult to fly, thanks to its “stiff and heavy controls,” Discovery News reports.

What does a NFO do?

A naval flight officer (NFO) is a commissioned officer in the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps who specializes in airborne weapons and sensor systems. NFOs are not pilots (naval aviators), but they may perform many “co-pilot” functions, depending on the type of aircraft.

How long did it take to learn to fly a Spitfire?

On average it took between 18 months to two years (200-320 flying hours). The pathway taken to becoming a pilot also changed during the course of the war.

What did flight engineers do?

Flight engineers are a part of the flight crew. They check systems before flight, help develop flight plans, and continue to perform checks while the aircraft is in flight. Their focus is to ensure that there are no mechanical concerns, and they monitor the engines, mechanical systems and fuel levels during the flight.

What happened to the flight engineers?

The remaining professional flight engineers were forced to retire along with second officers who were over age 60. The remaining junior second officers were furloughed. While some were recalled after three years, most were laid off again. The average wait for recall to the airlines was about ten years.

When did Airlines stop using flight engineers?

Elimination. Starting in the 1980s, the development of powerful and small integrated circuits and other advances in computers and digital technology eliminated the need for flight engineers on airliners and many modern military aircraft.

What is the difference between a Halifax and Lancaster bomber?

The main limitation was that the Halifax spread it over six compartments while the Lancaster had a single compartment (having been designed to be able to carry torpedos) which allowed it to carry much larger bombs than the Halifax. Range, ceiling and speed were similar with the Lancaster having the advantage.

What happened to Willow Run after the war?

Willow Run Airport was built as part of the bomber plant. The airfield passed into civilian hands after the war and is now controlled by Wayne County Airport Authority. Willow Run Airport has remained active as a cargo and general aviation airfield. Since 1992, it has been home to the Yankee Air Museum.