B-17 Pilots Manual.pdf

p-13. rORCED DESCENT AT SEA14.As complete evacuation of the airplane should not takeover 30 seconds, preflight practice drills should be participatedin by all crews who are to make a flight overwater, or whose operations are generally over water.Each crew member will acknowledge the commandover the interphone.2. I"~ ~- I",,~..'.."./"--~~=-; :.~~THEN PULL THE.BLUELIFE RAFT HANDLESIN ,.HE RADIOCOMPARTMENTA complete and careful inspection of emergency equipmentshou Id be made before each long over waterflight. Check life rafts, emergency kit bags (provisionsl,and emergency radio equipment. The kit bags andradio are stored aft of the radio compartment.'The bombardier after acknowledging the command,will jettison bombs, or bomb bay tanks if more thanhalf full, and close the bomb bay doors. If there is notsufficient time to release the bombs and close the bombbay doors, ascertain that the bombs are "SAFE" andleave the doors closed.36When it becomes evident that the airplane is to beforced down at sea due to lack of fuel, or that an altitudeof at least 1,000 feet cannot be maintained, thepilot gives warning over the interphone.WARNING!This command must, if possible, be given while thefuel supply is still sufficient for 15 minutes of flight.The chances for a successful landing are much greater,if power is used.~/.-/;~~The navigator will determine the position and informboth the pilot and the radio operator. He will takewith him the instruments necessary to make simplecomputation while on life rafts.44