Pilot's manual for the Curtiss Tomahawk (cont'd)
Stuff in brackets [like this] has been added. Those beginning ES are by Erik
Shilling, a pilot with the
AVG 3rd Squadron.
SECTION 1
Pilot's Controls and Equipment
Introduction
This section gives the location and, where necessary, explains the
function of the controls and equipment in the pilot's cockpit.
NOTE: On aircraft Nos. A.H. 741 to A.H. 970 inclusive certain of the
electrical switches are "on" when in the "Up" position and care should be
taken to identify these. All switches are clearly marked "Off" and "On".
1. Cockpit - The cockpit is fully equipped and has the normal stick and
rudder pedal controls which are dealt with individually in the following
paragraphs. The sliding hood can be pushed right back from the cockpit and
is operated by a crank mounted on the upper right longeron. A pin on the
crank engages hole sin the drum and locks the cabin in the full back, full
forward and intermediate positions.
An emergency hood release is also fitted and is a lever painted red,
located at the top forward frame of the cabin roof. In case of an
emergency, while in flight, the entire enclosure may be released from the
fuselage by pulling on this lever. In the event of turnover on the ground,
pull the panel release handle and push open the emergency exit on the left
hand side of the cabin enclosure. This emergency exit may be operated from
the outside by means of a handle located on the lower rear left hand cabin
frame.
An emergency release which disengages the catches from the crank is
located at the top of the windshield and consists of a turnbuckle and wire
painted red. This eliminates winding the crank for rapid opening but the
enclosure must then be pushed back by hand.
A ventilator for the cockpit is operated by a push-pull control located
below the instrument board on the port side. When the control is pulled
out hot air is admitted to two vents,: one permitting hot air to enter
directly into the cockpit, the other deflects the hot air between the
windscreen and bulletproof safety glass, acting as a defroster, before
passing into the cockpit.
2. The seat is adjusted vertically by a lever on the starboard side of the
seat. The lever is moved upward and to the rear permitting the seat to be
raised manually. A release lever controlling the position of the pilot's
harness belt is provided at the port side of the seat. To operate, push
button on top of lever and move lever to rear locking position. This
permits free movement of the pilot in a fore and aft direction. A pilot's
relief tube is suspended from the bottom of the seat.
3. Control Column - The control column is of the conventional design. The
control column hand grip has two switches; the one on the top of the grip
is a push button and operates the landing gear; the other is a trigger
switch and operates the firing of the guns. [ES: Ours did not have the top
button. The hydraulic switch was a light weight switch just below the
pistol type control handle, and operated by the little finger.]
4. Rudder Pedals - The rudder pedals are of conventional design and they
are adjustable for leg reach by releasing a pin by means of the lever on
the inboard side of the pedal, and moving forward or aft as required.
5. Brakes - Brakes are operated by toe pedals and the parking brake lever
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