Warbird flight engineers

JDK · **Posted:** Wed Nov 14, 2012 7:22 pm

Just as a matter of curiosity, I'm wondering which current or recent warbirds require a flight engineer as part of the flight crew. (Please NOTE - I'm not asking which types has flight engineers originally.)

So I understand B-29 Fifi has a FE, as do the CWH Lancaster and BBMF Lancaster.

The Martin Mars has a FE station.

However I don't think the Collings or CAF B-24 operate with a FE (comment?)

I'm not aware of any PBY / Catalinas that haven't been changed to two pilot operation. Again, anyone know different?

Do any of the big W.W.II transports operate with a FE?

Input appreciated!

JimH · **Posted:** Wed Nov 14, 2012 8:15 pm

Collings operates the B-17, B-24, and B-25 with a flight mechanic...we require an A+P onboard during all flights. There is no F/E position on the 17,24, or 25. It's always nice to have a third set of eyes.

Jim

JDK · **Posted:** Wed Nov 14, 2012 8:43 pm

Thanks Jim. So not an FE at a FE flight station with controls, but a technically qualified third crewmember. Interesting.

Obergrafeter · **Posted:** Wed Nov 14, 2012 8:58 pm

The FE on the 29 is a FAA required position. Don't know of any others, although I would guess the Mars is also mandated???

Richard Woods · **Posted:** Thu Nov 15, 2012 5:39 am

The US operated Shackleton required one until it was retired. There's a dedicated position in a Shackleton for a flight engineer.

JDK · **Posted:** Thu Nov 15, 2012 5:44 am

I don't know the paperwork, but the Mars' FE position is, I was told while aboard, a critical part of the operation.

Thanks, Richard, I'd have missed the Shack.

Any others?

PJ · **Posted:** Thu Nov 15, 2012 8:05 am

The PV-2 Harpoon has one to transfer fuel and oil and act as another set of eyes. Also for emergency hydraulic operation.

PJ
PV-2 Harpoon "Hot Stuff"
www.amhf.org

The Inspector · **Posted:** Thu Nov 15, 2012 8:53 am

JDK wrote:

I don't know the paperwork, but the Mars' FE position is, I was told while aboard, a critical part of the operation.

Thanks, Richard, I'd have missed the Shack.

Any others?

I recall hearing or reading somewhere that the FE on the MARS' position is some 35 feet aft of the flight deck. And in service wasn't the 'Engineer/Crew Chief 'on the 17 and 24 a side job for the top gunner?

hercrat · **Posted:** Thu Nov 15, 2012 9:43 am

Some pics from the Philippine Mars in 2011.........

The FE's station.........

......and his view forward. Sorry, didn't measure it!

b29flteng · **Posted:** Thu Nov 15, 2012 10:50 pm

The only warbirds, flying, requiring an FE is the B-29, Mars, C-121, Lancaster, and hopefully in the near future, a C-97. These aircraft had an FE panel seperate from the pilots panel and had his own set of throttles except for the Lancaster.

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