I joined my outfit as an F/E. Or should I say Pilot Engineer, not as a professional F/E, so I know my level of expertise was no greater than those who faced forward, insofar as AC systems were concerned. What was patently obvious tho' was the advantage that that extra pair of eyes, ears and hands conferred upon the operation.. .Now that I have ascended to the dizzying hieghts of skipperdom, I dont miss the "panel" per se, but I could seriously use that extra pair of eyes etc. back, in any form.
Carnival Beas'