MPN11 (#8),
Yes, it does look like a bit of a dog's dinner, doesn't it ? But all is made plain by Jobza Guddun's (#2) find of the training video of "How to fly a B-17 in Three Easy Lessons" (my exaggeration). Odd, that you have to take it off in a three-point attitude, thought only VVs did that - but then, they did everything in three-point position (except when going straight down).
Still confused ? - Join the Club !
But this only serves to enhance the charm of these two good old "Dukes of Hazard" characters as they bumble their way through getting airborne effortlessly in the B-17, floating around and putting it down perfectly with consummate ease. They make it look so simple ..... and you nearly want to look for the cuspidor on the floor !
Of course this must be very old film, and the pilots ex 8th Air Force veterans who could fly the B-17 in their sleep.