Dating to 1950, this U.S. Navy film depicts the job description for the Plane Captain for an Aircraft Carrier type plane (:08). Plane captains are attached to squadrons aboard the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carriers and are responsible to ensure that every aircraft is mission-ready. Plane captains assigned to line divisions perform maintenance and daily checks on every aircraft.
The film begins with a Navy or USMC F-80 Shooting Star making an attack run on a bridge in enemy territory. The plane then lands at an air base. The Plane Captain is responsible for the pilot’s life (1:31), as well as the care for more than a half million dollars worth of Navy aircrafts. (The “flying dump truck” A-1 Skyraiders [actually the AD-2 model based on tail #122243 shown at 7:20] and F2H Banshees are shown lining up on the runway.)While the pilot’s responsibility is the flight of the craft, the plane becomes the plane captain’s responsibility once on the ground (2:55). This team of two is a part of the larger team of the squadron (3:07). Behind them, are the squadron facilities; the maintenance and repair shop, stores containing supplies, fuel, ammunition, etc (3:45). Taxiing the plane is also his responsibility and he must provide clear signals to the pilot (4:30). The majority of his job will entail preparation for the following day’s missions (5:05). The first step will be to take the pilot’s discrepancy report and, if there are any serious issues, ground the plane and correct them (5:13). This process will require more than refueling, it is vital to discover what else the plane may need (5:54). A comprehensive checklist will be utilized throughout the pre-flight inspection (6:04). Every component part must be inspected, especially landing gear, which take a heavy beating daily (6:36). Any problems recognized will be noted on the inspection form (7:52). This process and completed form will determine what must be done to prepare for the following day (8:51). The maintence cheif will assign the squadron facilities and authorize materials and personnel required for the job (9:33). Parts and material will be drawn from the shop store and the plane captain will closely supervise all work completed (9:39). Specialists such as aviatian mechanics (10:05), electricians (10:12), or electronic technitions may be assigned (10:37). After any issues have been corrected the certificate is signed and turned in (11:19). The film nears it’s end and viewers are left with the notion that where ever Navy planes are teamwork exists as well (12:55).
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
