With Apologies to our Army and Air Force friends.
Military Aviators
Naval Aviator: On a carrier, the Naval Aviator looks over at the
Catapult Officer ("Shooter") who gives the run up engines signal by
Rotating his finger above his head. The pilot pushes the throttle
Forward, verifies all flight controls are operational, checks all
Gauges, and gives the Cat officer a brisk salute, continuing the
Navy/Marine tradition of asking permission to leave the ship The Cat
Officer drops to one knee while swooping his arm forward and pointing
Down deck, granting that permission. The pilot is immediately
Catapulted and becomes airborne.
Air Force Pilot: We've all seen Air Force pilots at the air force base
Look up just before taxiing for takeoff and the ground crew waits until
The pilot's thumb is sticking straight up. The crew chief then
Confirms
That he sees the thumb, salutes, and the Air Force pilot then takes
Off.
This time-tested tradition is the last link in the Air Force safety net
To confirm that the pilot does not have his thumb up his ***.
Army Aviator: If you've ever seen an Army helicopter pilot preparing
For
Takeoff, you will note that the pilot gives the ground guy a thumbs up
Before he is given hover and takeoff signals. There are two theories
About the origin of this gesture. One is that it is to show that the
Pilot has identified which of his fingers is the thumb so that he will
Be able to properly operate his controls. The most compelling theory
Says that this is to show the ground crewman that the pilot indeed
Knows Which direction is up.:eek:
Military Aviators
Naval Aviator: On a carrier, the Naval Aviator looks over at the
Catapult Officer ("Shooter") who gives the run up engines signal by
Rotating his finger above his head. The pilot pushes the throttle
Forward, verifies all flight controls are operational, checks all
Gauges, and gives the Cat officer a brisk salute, continuing the
Navy/Marine tradition of asking permission to leave the ship The Cat
Officer drops to one knee while swooping his arm forward and pointing
Down deck, granting that permission. The pilot is immediately
Catapulted and becomes airborne.
Air Force Pilot: We've all seen Air Force pilots at the air force base
Look up just before taxiing for takeoff and the ground crew waits until
The pilot's thumb is sticking straight up. The crew chief then
Confirms
That he sees the thumb, salutes, and the Air Force pilot then takes
Off.
This time-tested tradition is the last link in the Air Force safety net
To confirm that the pilot does not have his thumb up his ***.
Army Aviator: If you've ever seen an Army helicopter pilot preparing
For
Takeoff, you will note that the pilot gives the ground guy a thumbs up
Before he is given hover and takeoff signals. There are two theories
About the origin of this gesture. One is that it is to show that the
Pilot has identified which of his fingers is the thumb so that he will
Be able to properly operate his controls. The most compelling theory
Says that this is to show the ground crewman that the pilot indeed
Knows Which direction is up.:eek: