Brian Abraham
7th Jul 2005, 08:21
Dear Dorothy,
I recently received the following from a friend,
“Naval Aviator:
On a carrier, the Naval Aviator looks over at the Catapult Officer
("Shooter") who gives the run up engines signal by rotating his finger above his head..
The pilot pushes the throttle forward, verifies all flight controls are operational, checks all gauges, and gives the Cat officer a brisk salute, continuing the Navy / Marine tradition of asking permission to leave the ship.
The Cat officer drops to one knee while swooping his arm forward and pointing down deck, granting that permission. The pilot is immediately catapulted and becomes airborne.
Army:
If you've ever seen an Army helicopter pilot preparing for takeoff, you will note that the pilot gives the ground guy a thumbs up before he is given hover and takeoff signals. There are two theories about the origin of this gesture. One is that it is to show that the pilot has identified which of his fingers is the thumb so that he will be able to properly operate his controls. The most compelling theory says that this is to show the ground crewman that the pilot indeed knows which direction is up.”
I flew both planks and helos with the Navy, helos with the Army and planks and helos civilly. I’m confused, what gesture do I give before committing the sin of aviation. My wife suggests giving the sign of the cross, but I am an atheist.
Please help,
Brian
PS I’ve noticed the Air Force salutes – what does that mean?
I recently received the following from a friend,
“Naval Aviator:
On a carrier, the Naval Aviator looks over at the Catapult Officer
("Shooter") who gives the run up engines signal by rotating his finger above his head..
The pilot pushes the throttle forward, verifies all flight controls are operational, checks all gauges, and gives the Cat officer a brisk salute, continuing the Navy / Marine tradition of asking permission to leave the ship.
The Cat officer drops to one knee while swooping his arm forward and pointing down deck, granting that permission. The pilot is immediately catapulted and becomes airborne.
Army:
If you've ever seen an Army helicopter pilot preparing for takeoff, you will note that the pilot gives the ground guy a thumbs up before he is given hover and takeoff signals. There are two theories about the origin of this gesture. One is that it is to show that the pilot has identified which of his fingers is the thumb so that he will be able to properly operate his controls. The most compelling theory says that this is to show the ground crewman that the pilot indeed knows which direction is up.”
I flew both planks and helos with the Navy, helos with the Army and planks and helos civilly. I’m confused, what gesture do I give before committing the sin of aviation. My wife suggests giving the sign of the cross, but I am an atheist.
Please help,
Brian
PS I’ve noticed the Air Force salutes – what does that mean?