The Aerodrome Forum - View Single Post

Barrett · 10 December 1998, 02:34 PM

Jeni: THAT's one explanation that seems to have eluded most researchers...
Actually, as I understand it, Noonan was solely responsible for nav, not for fuel consumption (though presumably he kept an eye on it--I sure would!). Based on some of Earhart's previous flights, there's reason to believe that perhaps she mismanaged the mixture and/or propeller pitch for optimum cruise configuration. Basically, tho, ask yourownself if you'd undertake a transoceanic flight with relatively little experience in a new airplane, relying on an alcoholic navigator to hit a TINY island some 2,500 miles from takeoff. Maybe Noonan was a recovering alcoholic and was fully capable, but the combination of pilot and navigator does NOT inspire confidence.

10 December 1998, 02:34 PM	#12 (permalink)
Barrett Forum Ace of Aces Join Date: Aug 1998 Location: The American West Posts: 4,809	Jeni: THAT's one explanation that seems to have eluded most researchers... Actually, as I understand it, Noonan was solely responsible for nav, not for fuel consumption (though presumably he kept an eye on it--I sure would!). Based on some of Earhart's previous flights, there's reason to believe that perhaps she mismanaged the mixture and/or propeller pitch for optimum cruise configuration. Basically, tho, ask yourownself if you'd undertake a transoceanic flight with relatively little experience in a new airplane, relying on an alcoholic navigator to hit a TINY island some 2,500 miles from takeoff. Maybe Noonan was a recovering alcoholic and was fully capable, but the combination of pilot and navigator does NOT inspire confidence. __________________ You will not rise to the occasion: You will default to your level of training.