Flying High: 7 Ways to Survive a Fly on a B17
Imagine being on a B17 bomber plane during World War II, soaring through the skies at 30,000 feet. The roar of the engines, the rush of adrenaline, and the sense of duty – all while facing the threat of enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire. But what if you’re not just fighting for your country, you’re also fighting for your sanity due to a tiny, unwanted passenger: a fly?
Flies can be annoying at the best of times, but on a B17 bomber, they can be a serious distraction. With cramped quarters, limited resources, and the constant threat of danger, having a fly buzzing around your head can be maddening. Here are 7 ways to survive a fly on a B17:
1. Stay Calm and Focused
When a fly starts buzzing around your head, it’s natural to feel frustrated. But losing your cool can lead to mistakes, and mistakes can be deadly on a B17. Take a deep breath, focus on your tasks, and try to ignore the fly. Remember, you’re on a mission, and your priority is to complete it safely.
2. Use Your Surroundings to Your Advantage
The B17’s cramped interior can actually work in your favor when trying to evade a fly. Use the plane’s metal walls, narrow corridors, and bulky equipment to create barriers between you and the fly. With a bit of luck, you might be able to trap the fly or guide it towards an open window (just be careful not to get too close to the propellers!).
3. Employ the “Fly-Swatter” Method
Okay, this might not be the most elegant solution, but sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. Using a nearby piece of cloth, a glove, or even a book, try to swat the fly out of the air. Just be sure to aim carefully to avoid hitting any critical equipment or, worse, your fellow crew members.
4. Use the “B17 Breeze” to Your Advantage
When the B17 is flying at high speeds, the wind rushing past the plane can be quite strong. If the fly is buzzing around your head, try positioning yourself near an open window or a gap in the plane’s skin. With a bit of luck, the wind might just blow the fly out of the plane or at least away from your face.
5. Enlist the Help of Your Crewmates
You’re not alone on the B17 – you’ve got a team of highly trained crew members who can lend a hand (or a newspaper). If the fly is driving you crazy, ask your fellow crew members to help you out. With a bit of teamwork, you might be able to corner the fly or shoo it away.
6. Take Advantage of the Plane’s Temperature
B17s can get mighty cold at high altitudes, and flies don’t like the cold any more than we do. If the plane’s temperature is dropping, use it to your advantage. Try to guide the fly towards a cold surface or a drafty area of the plane. The fly might just decide to find a warmer spot to hang out – outside the plane, hopefully!
7. Use the Power of Positive Thinking
Last but not least, try to look on the bright side. Having a fly on the B17 might be annoying, but it’s also a minor problem compared to the dangers you’re facing on a daily basis. Focus on the bigger picture, remind yourself of your mission, and try to find the humor in the situation. After all, laughter is the best medicine – unless you’re on a B17, in which case, a well-placed swat might be more effective!
🐜 Note: If all else fails, try to remember that flies are a minor annoyance compared to the real dangers of war. Stay focused, stay calm, and keep your wits about you – and you'll survive even the most pesky of flies.
In the heat of battle, it’s easy to get distracted by minor annoyances like a fly on a B17. But with a bit of creativity, teamwork, and positive thinking, you can overcome even the most frustrating of pests. So the next time you’re soaring through the skies on a B17, remember: a fly might be a nuisance, but it’s not the enemy – and with the right mindset, you can conquer it.
What was the typical crew size of a B17 bomber?
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A typical B17 bomber crew consisted of 10 members: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, bombardier, flight engineer, radio operator, and four gunners.
How high could a B17 bomber fly?
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A B17 bomber could fly as high as 30,000 feet (9,144 meters).
What was the top speed of a B17 bomber?
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The top speed of a B17 bomber was approximately 260 mph (420 km/h).
Related Terms:
- B 29 Superfortress
- Consolidated B 32 Dominator
- Consolidated B 24 Liberator
- Short Stirling
- Boeing XB-15
- PB4Y-2
