Wings of Freedom: B-17G Flight Deck

B-17G Flight Deck

Here is the flight deck, where the pilot and copilot, usually 1st Lieutenants, flew the plane and commanded the rest of the crew. The pilot was in command, but the copilot acted as an executive officer. Both were equally skilled pilots; in the event the pilot was injured or killed, the copilot was completely capable of taking over and completing the mission. The copilot would often fly the plane for part of the long trip to ease the strain on the pilot. The B-17 is a large plane, and in the days of fully manual controls, it might take the strength of both men to keep the plane under control in bad weather or if it was heavily damaged.

B17-G Flight Deck

The copilot also acted as a second set of eyes for the pilot, keeping track of the gauges while in formation. The copilot often had additional training as a bombardier and/or navigator, so he could take over one of those positions if necessary.

Carl M. Clark Plaque

Near the flight deck of this plane is a small plaque in honor of Major Carl M. Clark (1918-2002), a B-17 pathfinder pilot who flew 30 missions over Germany in World War II and went on to be a B-17 instructor. During his career he flew over 200 different B-17s.

B17-G Top Turret

B17-G Top Turret

Directly behind the flight deck is the flight engineer's position. The flight engineer was an enlisted man, usually a Sergeant or higher, and was responsible for monitoring the plane's condition and making any in-flight repairs that might be necessary, typically as a result of battle damage. Above the flight engineer's station is the top turret, with two .50 caliber machine guns, which the flight engineer typically manned.

Looking up into the B-17G Top Turret

View from the B-17G Top Turret

Here is a look up into the top turret from below, and a view from inside the top turret towards the rear of the plane. The top turret was an important gunner position, as it could cover all directions from above, where the enemy were more likely to attack from, including in front, giving additional cover to the bombardier's position. If the flight engineer was busy with other duties, such as making repairs, one of the other gunners would take over this important position.

Continue to B-17G Bomb Bay…