B-17 Flying Fortress Crew Positions
The ten men who made up the crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress were each specially trained for their position. Most were unaware of the death and destruction they would soon be facing as they flew their Fortresses into combat.
Click on each of the crew positions on the B-17G Flying Fortress to learn more about their duties.
Copilot:
Copilot's duties and responsibilities on B-17 Flying Fortress
The Fortress, like other American medium and heavy bombers, was designed to carry two pilots, a requirement of all multi-engined US Army
aircraft. Other airforces considered this a waste of skilled manpower but the policy was thoroughly proven by the Americans in combat. The rigors of close formation flying for long periods of time would place tremendous physical and mental strain on a single pilot. For that reason alone the co-pilot or “guy in the right seat” was essential. There were many occasions when one pilot became a battle casualty and the presence of the second pilot saved the crew as well as the aircraft.
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| Pilots had to fly tight formations with the B-17 if they were to survive in combat |
Prior to the start of a mission, after a ground inspection of the airplane, the crew would wait for the signal from the tower to start the engines. Once the signal was received the co-pilot would read the prestart check. Upon completion of the checklist the co-pilot would prime and start each engine. The engines would be warmed up at 1000 rpm. Prop feathering was checked at 1500 rpm. Each engine was then run up to test magnetos and turbos.
As the B-17’s started moving into position the crew would be watching for the tail number of the aircraft they would follow for take-off. Once their assigned plane was spotted the co-pilot would release the parking brake and roll on to the taxiway. The tail wheel lock situated on the cockpit floor was operated by the co-pilot and would have to be unlocked and locked often during taxiing, particularly on curved perimeter taxiways. When their time came for take off, the pilot would line up the plane and the co-pilot would lock the tail wheel. At this critical stage, the co-pilot had to keep his eyes on the instruments, as the pilot advanced the throttles. The co-pilot followed through with the throttle controls, taking them over from the pilot as soon as maximum power was reached. Normally, with a full bomb load, every bit of runway was used.
After takeoff, the pilot would call for gear up and as the co-pilot actuated the landing gear switch, he would also apply the brakes to stop the wheels from spinning. Once assembled in the formation, the co-pilot normally flew the plane as much as the pilot. The pilot in command had to have his eyes glued to his lead aircraft, even during fighter attacks and flak. The pilot that wasn't flying monitored the instruments and intercom.
After the bombing run on the return leg from the mission and when out of danger, the formation could loosen up. In the landing pattern, the co-pilot lowered the gear and flaps for touch down. Upon reaching the dispersal point the co-pilot would verify that all switches were off before leaving the aircraft.
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| The flying ability of the pilots was often tested to safely bring home a damaged bomber and its crew |
