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fandomhigh2008-05-21 10:35 pm
crazypilotman.livejournal.com) wrote in fandomhigh2008-05-21 10:35 pm
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Flight and Flying; Thursday 5/22
Murdock had the Danger Shop all set up, and was standing just under the fuselage of the only aircraft around. Though it was fairly large in size, it had a rather old-style appearance.
“Afternoon class,” Murdock greeted cheerily. “Today’s session is going to be just a bit different. We’ll be working as a crew instead of with individual aircraft. Flying one of the most famous bombers in history. Well, Earth history, at least.”
“The Boeing B-17, nicknamed the Flying Fortress.” He reached up and thumped the undercarriage of the plane. “This plane is considered to be the first true mass-production aircraft. First built in 1934, it didn’t see large scale service until 1941, when the United States Air Force ordered more for use in bombing runs during World War II.”
“The B-17 dropped more bombs than any other aircraft type during that war. It even saw service with the British Royal Air Force. It was sturdy, well-built and could fly long-range missions at high altitudes.”
“There’s a few things you should know about this aircraft, and the reasons why I chose it for today’s class. Unlike many modern aircraft, the B-17 did not come with climate controls. When cruising at high elevations, crew members connected to oxygen storage tanks housed at various locations throughout the plane. Bomber jackets were not a fashion statement, boys and girls. They were a necessity. As were wool or fur-lined gloves and boots. It gets pretty darn cold at 20,000 ft(6km) and frostbite becomes a real possibility.”
“The point of today’s exercise is in three parts.” He ticked off numbers on his fingers as he spoke. “One, to learn how to operate an aircraft in a crew setting. Two, how to manage and maneuver a craft that is both large and slow in responsiveness.” He glanced up at the plane briefly and smirked at his students. “Believe me, this baby has about as much grace in the air as a lead brick. And third, maintaining control, calm and wits in less than comfortable conditions.”
“During the course of our run, everyone will take a turn at the controls. While the B-17 doesn’t have autopilot, it does have dual controls, one for the lead pilot and one for the co-pilot. So we’ll switch off in mid-flight by rotating people through. As someone will have to man the controls at all times.” He smiled brightly. “Or else we all go down. Ready?”
(ocd is up!a'comin. plz wait. same routine as last time; up for awhile, sp tomorrow, blah,blah. and *no* I did not plan it this way, it just happened. Fandom landing outside of Normandy just has good timing. weird)
“Afternoon class,” Murdock greeted cheerily. “Today’s session is going to be just a bit different. We’ll be working as a crew instead of with individual aircraft. Flying one of the most famous bombers in history. Well, Earth history, at least.”
“The Boeing B-17, nicknamed the Flying Fortress.” He reached up and thumped the undercarriage of the plane. “This plane is considered to be the first true mass-production aircraft. First built in 1934, it didn’t see large scale service until 1941, when the United States Air Force ordered more for use in bombing runs during World War II.”
“The B-17 dropped more bombs than any other aircraft type during that war. It even saw service with the British Royal Air Force. It was sturdy, well-built and could fly long-range missions at high altitudes.”
“There’s a few things you should know about this aircraft, and the reasons why I chose it for today’s class. Unlike many modern aircraft, the B-17 did not come with climate controls. When cruising at high elevations, crew members connected to oxygen storage tanks housed at various locations throughout the plane. Bomber jackets were not a fashion statement, boys and girls. They were a necessity. As were wool or fur-lined gloves and boots. It gets pretty darn cold at 20,000 ft(6km) and frostbite becomes a real possibility.”
“The point of today’s exercise is in three parts.” He ticked off numbers on his fingers as he spoke. “One, to learn how to operate an aircraft in a crew setting. Two, how to manage and maneuver a craft that is both large and slow in responsiveness.” He glanced up at the plane briefly and smirked at his students. “Believe me, this baby has about as much grace in the air as a lead brick. And third, maintaining control, calm and wits in less than comfortable conditions.”
“During the course of our run, everyone will take a turn at the controls. While the B-17 doesn’t have autopilot, it does have dual controls, one for the lead pilot and one for the co-pilot. So we’ll switch off in mid-flight by rotating people through. As someone will have to man the controls at all times.” He smiled brightly. “Or else we all go down. Ready?”
(ocd is up!