Got this one from my Dad, retired W-4 (Avionics/AT) WW2 vet:
Naval/Marine Aviator
granting that permission. The pilot is Immediately catapulted and becomes airborne.
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.
Air Force Pilot
We've all seen Air Force pilots at the base look up just before taxing 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, smartly 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 a**. View attachment 79833
Naval/Marine 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, ("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.
granting that permission. The pilot is Immediately catapulted and becomes airborne.
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.
Air Force Pilot
We've all seen Air Force pilots at the base look up just before taxing 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, smartly 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 a**. View attachment 79833
