This project is a bit of an experiment. To speed the process of making manuals available and because many take some time to find, I've decided to start releasing manuals individually. To this end I am about to replicate the A-26 Pilot Training Manual and Operators Handbook for the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engines. I thought I had a good service handbook, but it was missing a few pages and sets this project back a little bit - but it is progressing, slow but sure.

It is a single CD but the unique aspect of it is that the PTM had color on almost every page. I bit the bullet and scanned the entire PTM in color and at high resolution. The penalty is that the files are larger and slower computers and lower resolution monitors will feel it. The end result, however, is that when printed on a color inkjet printer, you get pages that look awesome! They look almost exactly like the original manual itself. I have to recommend a color inkjet for this as the results are amazing. Depending on response, this is a process that I will most likely continue as the look and feel are wonderful.

The 135-page PTM was scanned from an original Pilot Training Manual for the Douglas A-26 Invader (AAF Manual 51-126-1) which was printed in November 1945. There are pictures or diagrams on almost every page and lots of detailed information. It's a beauty.

The introduction states it is the text for your training as an A-26 pilot and airplane commander. Topics cover pilot familiarization with the airplane, capacities & limitations, engines, electrical, hydraulics, flight operations, autopilot, armament, gunnery, bombing, inspection, cruise, formation flight, landings, emergencies, bailout and ditching, etc.

Watch these pages for availability information, sample pages, tables of contents, etc. I put this one on the fast track because it is so interesting, I had the opportunity, and the quality of the original manuals were so good.