Gaining An R.A.F Pilots Brevet In WW II

[Petet]

We have a copy of the duties and responsibilities of the flight engineer as set out by the Air Ministry in 1942 for the four engined heavy bombers and flying boats. They read:

• to operate certain controls at the engineer’s station and watch appropriate gauges as indicated in the relevant Air Publications;
  
• in certain types of aircraft, to act as pilot’s assistant to the extent of being able to fly straight and level and on a course;
  
• to advise the captain of the aircraft as to the functioning of the engines and the fuel, oil and cooling systems, both before and during flight;
  
• to ensure effective liaison between the captain of the aircraft and the maintenance staff, by communicating to the latter such technical notes regarding the performance and maintenance of the aircraft in flight as may be required;
  
• to carry out practicable emergency repairs during flight;
  
• to act as stand-by Gunner.

If there are any flight engineers out there watching in, but who would love to put fingers to keyboard, it would be great to hear what these meant in practice ... why were you watching the gauges, what practicable emergency repairs could you make .

In essence, a personal view of a typical flight from the time of reaching the aircraft to the end of the flight would be brilliant.