Air-group readiness was a prerequisite for testing the carrier itself. Aircraft had to be in production before commissioning so the navy could train aircrew, exercise deck handlers, and expose problems in the ship's aviation systems. A service learning carrier operations also had to expect accidents and write-offs, which required replacement aircraft beyond the nominal embarked complement. A force of fourteen Fi 167s could not equip the ship while supporting all of those tasks, revealing a basic mismatch between hull construction and aviation preparation.
Notable Point · 12:01-13:28
A carrier air group had to exist before Graf Zeppelin entered service
Carrier trials, pilot training, and expected accident losses required production aircraft before commissioning.