What percentage of chance did an airman have of surviving WWII?
During the whole war, 51\% of aircrew were killed on operations, 12\% were killed or wounded in non-operational accidents and 13\% became prisoners of war or evaders. Only 24\% survived the war unscathed.
What was the average life expectancy of a ww2 pilot?
Life Expectancy The average life expectancy of a spitfire pilot during the Battle of Britain was an astonishing four weeks. During the battle, 544 British RAF pilots died.
What were the odds of surviving WW2?
| War | Percent surviving |
|---|---|
| WWII | 70 |
| Korea | 75 |
| Vietnam | 76 |
| Persian Gulf | 76 |
How do you bail out of a B-17?
Each crew member must know (1) his duties, (2) through what hatch he is supposed to exit, and (3) how to bail out, open his parachute, and land. As airplane commander, your first responsibility is to be sure that your crew is thoroughly trained, by regular ground drill, in the proper procedure for bailing out of the B-17.
How many B-17s were shot down in WW2?
In the infamous “Black Thursday” raid of 14 October 1943, B-17 gunners claimed 288 German fighter aircraft kills whereas in actuality about 40 were shot down. Meantime 60 B-17’s were lost to all causes (including flak).
Could a B17 bomber shoot down a Bf109?
Quite likely: The B17 shot down more German fighter planes than any other allied aircraft. A German fighter pilot attacking a B17 bomber formation faced a concentrated stream of fire from the bomber formation. One 50 caliber bullet in the cooling or oil system would bring the BF109 fighter plane down.
What are the rules for bailing out of an airplane?
Procedure of the entire crew in bailing out of the airplane must be almost automatic. Each crew member must know (1) his duties, (2) through what hatch he is supposed to exit, and (3) how to bail out, open his parachute, and land.