Why did RAF keep using its own Pilot's Notes/manuals when better ones available?

[DavidIsby]

1. All services have their own requirements for written documentation and manuals that they preserve with great zeal.
2. Recently, the DoD arranged the transfer of about two dozen USMC UH-1N helicopters to the USAF. While the USAF operate the same helicopters and the USMC helicopters all came with their manuals, the differences were considered such that it was one of the reasons the USAF decided they'd only operate about three and send the rest out of Davis-Monster to provide homes for unemployed gila monsters.
3. Compared to the US and Germany, Britain (not just the military) is manual adverse. They were running steam locomotives in Britain since the 1820s, but it was only in 1946, with the creation of British Rail and the need for standardization that anyone prepared a manual.

[MW Giles]

Suggested reasons for RAF doing its own manuals

1. The RAF had a standard format, which once you are familiar with it, makes finding the right section easier

2. The aircraft in RAF service were fitted with different kit from their US counterparts

3. British and US units of measurement are different, particularly when it comes to gallons - the US Gal is significantly smaller (20%) than an Imp Gal. Equally boost pressures were measured differently in Hg v psi and tons are not the same either (2000 lbs v 2240lbs).

4. The Americans do not know how to spell properly (color, thru, etc; I ask you) and terms vary airfield v aerodrome, radio v wireless

5. The RAF manuals were written by AM not the manufacturer

Just some suggestions

Martin

[japercaper]

Originally Posted by MW Giles

4. The Americans do not know how to spell properly (color, thru, etc; I ask you) and terms vary airfield v aerodrome, radio v wireless

What's 'wrong' with 'I ask you'?

TomT
American

[RCnoob]

Originally Posted by MW Giles

Suggested reasons for RAF doing its own manuals

5. The RAF manuals were written by AM not the manufacturer

Just some suggestions

Martin

What is AM? Indeed I have seen no indication that the manufacturers wrote the RAF manuals.
The Americans had an odd system. Each manufacturer wrote a manual for the aircraft, but the official USAAF manual was a completely different document. Initially the US Navy used the manufacturer's manual, but then they switched to the USAAF approach.
Roger

[Larry deZeng]

What is AM?

Air Ministry. During World War II and after it was usually abbreviated as AirMin.

[RCnoob]

Originally Posted by DavidIsby

1. All services have their own requirements for written documentation and manuals that they preserve with great zeal.

3. Compared to the US and Germany, Britain (not just the military) is manual adverse. They were running steam locomotives in Britain since the 1820s, but it was only in 1946, with the creation of British Rail and the need for standardization that anyone prepared a manual.

Thanks. Number 3 is particularly interesting. Do you know a source for the Brit Rail anecdote, and anything else about British being averse to manuals?

I have written up several pages on the topic of RAF manuals compared with American ones. I will post them and a link to them soon, and see what people think.