Aviators and Their Machines

Afterburn

This flow follows how aircrews depend on complex aircraft and one another, moving from routine operations through damage, combat, and recovery.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Launch Requires Trust Launch Requires Trust from "Afterburn". Launch Requires Trust A carrier launch is collective work Tom Mason prepares for a catapult launch while flight-deck crews check aircraft, weapons, weight, and…

Launch Requires Trust from "Afterburn". Launch Requires Trust A carrier launch is collective work Tom Mason prepares for a catapult launch while flight-deck crews check aircraft, weapons, weight, and…

Launch Requires Trust A carrier launch is collective work Tom Mason prepares for a catapult launch while flight-deck crews check aircraft, weapons, weight, and equipment. The pilot is briefly a passenger in a system operated by hundreds of people. Technology cannot remove risk Aviation depends on precise calculations and human judgment. The launch scene establishes the trust between cockpit and deck crew that becomes crucial when damaged aircraft later return.

A Trap Goes Wrong A Trap Goes Wrong from "Afterburn". A Trap Goes Wrong Wayne carries the image home Edward Wayne returns to the carrier distracted by the apparent destruction of an American helicopter.

A Trap Goes Wrong from "Afterburn". A Trap Goes Wrong Wayne carries the image home Edward Wayne returns to the carrier distracted by the apparent destruction of an American helicopter.

A Trap Goes Wrong Wayne carries the image home Edward Wayne returns to the carrier distracted by the apparent destruction of an American helicopter. He overcorrects on approach and misses the arresting wires, forcing a bolter. Skill includes recovery The failed landing is not treated as a permanent judgment on his ability. His landing officer and fellow aircrew help him reset and return to the carrier safely on another pass.

Moss Is Hurt in Combat Moss Is Hurt in Combat from "Afterburn". Moss Is Hurt in Combat A missile damages the Tomcat Dixie evades an AA-9 missile, but its detonation peppers his aircraft with shrapnel.

Moss Is Hurt in Combat from "Afterburn". Moss Is Hurt in Combat A missile damages the Tomcat Dixie evades an AA-9 missile, but its detonation peppers his aircraft with shrapnel.

Moss Is Hurt in Combat A missile damages the Tomcat Dixie evades an AA-9 missile, but its detonation peppers his aircraft with shrapnel. His RIO, Kevin Moss, slumps forward and does not answer. The aircraft must still land Dixie tests the damaged controls and flies toward the carrier with low fuel and a disabled wing mechanism. The emergency becomes a test of both piloting skill and commitment to the injured man aboard.

A Negative-Turkey Landing A Negative-Turkey Landing from "Afterburn". A Negative-Turkey Landing The wing mechanism fails Dixie's wings remain swept back, forcing him to approach at a higher speed than normal.

A Negative-Turkey Landing from "Afterburn". A Negative-Turkey Landing The wing mechanism fails Dixie's wings remain swept back, forcing him to approach at a higher speed than normal.

A Negative-Turkey Landing The wing mechanism fails Dixie's wings remain swept back, forcing him to approach at a higher speed than normal. The aircraft shudders, and the ship's crew prepares for an unusually difficult recovery. Crew and pilot cooperate Dixie catches an arresting wire and brings the damaged aircraft aboard. The deck crew and medical personnel immediately assist him and Moss, turning a technical emergency into a collective success.

Flynn Ejects Over the Sea Flynn Ejects Over the Sea from "Afterburn". Flynn Ejects Over the Sea Damage forces a decision Antiaircraft fire hits Joyce Flynn's Tomcat while she attacks the blocking force.

Flynn Ejects Over the Sea from "Afterburn". Flynn Ejects Over the Sea Damage forces a decision Antiaircraft fire hits Joyce Flynn's Tomcat while she attacks the blocking force.

Flynn Ejects Over the Sea Damage forces a decision Antiaircraft fire hits Joyce Flynn's Tomcat while she attacks the blocking force. An engine fire makes it unsafe to approach the carrier, particularly while it is taking on fuel. Recovery is still possible Flynn and Hacker aim for open water and eject, where a rescue helicopter can reach them. Their survival depends on the same carrier support system whose aircraft they have just defended.

Saturday, October 31, during morning flight operations

Saturday, October 31, after the Georgia interception

Thursday, November 5, during the first air battle

Thursday, November 5, after the damaged Tomcat reaches the carrier

Saturday, November 7, after the Arsincevo strafing run