Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum - About "spare" American fighter pilots

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canonne

20th February 2006 14:48

About "spare" American fighter pilots

Stutying US archives or reading American books, "spares" pilots are often or always mentioned. Normal.
But who was "spare" ? Where and how long time did the "spare" had to wait ? Did he wait in his plane ? nearby ? Did his started engine like ohers before take off ?

Sorry for these ingenuous questions ...
Phil.

Graham Boak

20th February 2006 15:28

Re: About "spare" American fighter pilots

They would take off with the other pilots, and stay with the formation until reaching some pre-agreed point. Then they would fill gaps in the formation caused by aircraft aborting because of various problems, or return home.

shooshoobaby

20th February 2006 19:13

Re: About "spare" American fighter pilots

Graham's explanation is right on. Bomb Groups also had spare aircraft.
Cheers

drgondog

21st February 2006 06:53

Re: About "spare" American fighter pilots

Graham is correct. In addition, Relay's would frequently go aloft in a pair and orbit over Channel to 'relay' radio traffic from the Type 16 Contollers to the Fighter Wing.

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