How many flight hours did ww2 pilots have?

Flight Training Aircraft Each pilot had 65 flying hours of primary training and 75 hours of both basic and advanced training. During the war, each phase was reduced first to 10 weeks and then to nine weeks.

How did ww2 fighter pilots go to the bathroom?

During World War II, smaller aircraft such as fighters were fitted with devices known as “relief tubes”. These consisted of a funnel attached to a hose that led to the outside and which could be used for urination.

How did ww2 fighter pilots navigate?

Much of it was done with maps, a compass, radar (if the plane was really advanced), and a fair bit of guesswork. During World War II, some new navigation technology, like radio beacons, helped navigators bring their planes home.

Which pilot has the most kills in ww2?

Luftwaffe
While serving in Germany’s Luftwaffe in World War II, Erich Hartmann flew more than 1,400 missions in the Messerschmitt Bf 109, enabling him to score an astonishing 352 kills.

How long was fighter pilot training in WW2?

The time taken to qualify as a pilot could vary. At the start of the war it could be as little as six months (150 flying hours). On average it took between 18 months to two years (200-320 flying hours). The pathway taken to becoming a pilot also changed during the course of the war.

How do fighter pilots navigate?

The primary instrument of navigation is the magnetic compass. The needle or card aligns itself to magnetic north, which does not coincide with true north, so the pilot must also allow for this, called the magnetic variation (or declination). The variation that applies locally is also shown on the flight map.

Who was the best fighter pilot?

Erich “Bubi” Hartmann Erich Hartmann is the most successful fighter pilot of all times – with 352 kills. A number that will never be surpassed. His nickname “Bubi” means “little boy” – and it’s easy to find out why he was called like that. He was also called “The black devil”.

What was the first B-17 bomber to land in Germany?

The first Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bomber operated by German forces, in KG 200 markings. This B-17F-27-BO (41-24585; PU-B) was crash-landed near Melun, France by a crew from the 303d Bombardment Group on December 12, 1942 and repaired by Luftwaffe ground staff.

What happened to the b17f-42-30336?

[ Via] B17f-42-30336 landed in a field at Norholm Estate near Varde Denmark on 9.10.1943 after developing engine trouble, the crew baled out and the pilot landed the plane. The Germans captured the plane and later test pilot Hans-Werner Lerche flew the plane out of the field to Esbjerg Airfield.

How many German fighter pilots died in World War II?

German day and night fighter pilots claimed roughly 70,000 aerial victories during World War II, 25,000 over British or American and 45,000 over Russian flown aircraft. Their losses, on the other hand, were high as well ― approximately 14,800 day and night pilots lost their life and 6,900 were wounded in action.

What was the code for the German U-7 bomber?

The Germans captured the plane and later test pilot Hans-Werner Lerche flew the plane out of the field to Esbjerg Airfield. It was then flown on to Rechlin for evaluation, it was given the code 7+8 and is known to have been flown until Dec 1944.