How WWII Pilots Mastered Flownight Visual Blindfolding Without Crashing
It is often said that you cannot fly without seeing where you are going. However, during World War II, some pilots managed to fly their planes with their eyes closed while flying behind closed canopies. This article explores the techniques and training that enabled these brave aviators to fly not only with their eyes closed but also without the aid of modern instruments.
Introduction to WWII Aviation
The aviation industry during World War II faced unique challenges due to the extreme weather conditions and dense mist that often obscured visibility. Pilots needed to develop not only advanced skills but also physical and mental resilience to navigate through foggy or night conditions.
Background on Canopy Materials and Design
The canopies of WWII aircraft were typically made of Perspex (plexiglas), which provided a clear and durable viewing surface. Despite these advancements, visibility was still limited, and some pilots found ways to continue their missions even with their eyes closed. How?
Why Flying Blind Is Possible, but Not Recommended
Aviation professionals agree that flying without visual checks is dangerous and is not recommended. In fact, using no visual checks would effectively render instruments obsolete. This is because visual reference points are essential for coordination and spatial awareness. However, during World War II, the circumstances required pilots to develop their sense of spatial orientation to the extreme level.
A personal experience highlighted the challenge: "one time I got severe vertigo flying on a foggy night." This aligns with the general principle that a significant part of piloting requires continuous visual input. However, some pilots in the heat of war had no choice but to rely on instruments and trained instincts to navigate their aircraft.
Techniques for Blind Flying
Several pilots, such as Greg Pappy Boyington, documented their efforts to stay awake and alert during flights even with their eyes closed. Boyington details the installation of makeshift devices to simulate proper flight control without relying on visual cues.
In his autobiography, Boyington describes installing metal 'eyes' in his cockpit and using heavy rubber tubes to simulate the feel of the stick. This jury-rigged autopilot mechanically trimmed the aircraft, allowing him to rest briefly. These techniques showcase the ingenuity and adaptability of WWII pilots in extremely challenging conditions.
Training and Ground Tests for Blind Flying
Before any pilot was cleared to fly in a combat situation or under extreme conditions, they underwent a thorough blindfold cockpit check in ground training. This was done to ensure that the pilots had developed the necessary skills to operate the aircraft without the need for constant visual reference.
Despite the modern advancements in cockpit design, WWII cockpits were often poorly designed, lacking the advanced features seen in today's aircraft. This forced pilots to rely on their training and physical conditioning to maintain control even in the most challenging situations.
Conclusion
While the idea of flying with one's eyes closed may seem absurd to modern pilots, the bravery and skill demonstrated by WWII aviators led to the development of advanced navigation techniques and the enhancement of pilot training. These pilots not only survived but also mastered the art of blind flying in the interest of their missions and survival.