Interwar naval pilots fly without parachutes, brakes, or modern instruments

Low ceilings kept these aircraft inside turbulent weather, while open cockpits exposed their crews to it. Rudimentary instruments, no parachutes or dinghies, and the absence of wheel brakes placed heavy demands on judgment and familiarity with the machine. John's course notebook included wireless procedure, aerial photography, and meteorology because reconnaissance and spotting were central naval aviation tasks. RAF personnel maintained the aircraft, and RAF ration arrangements continued for their personnel serving afloat. Naval pilots also held equivalent RAF rank under the divided system. John remembered receiving both his naval lieutenant's rank and the RAF rank of flying officer.