Pilot Training Manual for the B-17 Flying Fortress

Headquarters-U.S. Army Air Forces. Revised May 1945. Punch and clipbound in stylized titled coloured pictorial wrappers. Small 4to. Classified "Restricted" and marked as such on each page. Introduction by General Hap Arnold , Commanding General of the Army Air Forces Profusely illustrated with photographs, drawings, schematics, diagrams ( some fold-out ), cutaways, etc. Arguably the most famous aircraft of the Second World War the Boeing B-17 ( Flying Fortress ) was the spearhead of the American daylight bombing offensive in Europe from beginning to end , as well as serving in every other theatre of war. No single aircraft type contributed more to the defeat of the Luftwaffe, which enabled tangible expression to be given to the controversial U. S. policy for the strategic assault of Germany by day in the face of formidable political argument as well as desperate enemy opposition. Few other aircraft of the war gained the universal affection of their aircrew over so long an operational periods did the B-17 ( Green ). This manual served the dual purpose of training checklist and working handbook for B-17 pilot airplane commanders. Graphically intensive, the manual covers all aspects of the Flying Fortress from operational duties and command to construction, flight, navigation, weaponry, emergencies, etc. A very rare, highly prized memento of aviation and military. history Owners ink signature to front cover. Ink stamp of Salem Army Airdrome HQ dated 1945 to title Page and inside rear cover. Usual rust offset from metal binding pins to front and rear inside covers.Binding pin protruding slightly onto front cover. Mild sporadic soiling to rear cover.Light wear to edges. A crisp, bright Very Good copy of this original, rare relic of Aviation History.