Bill Sowers - Brazilian Catapult OfficerI (Bill Sowers) want to thank the guy that recommended me for the Brazilian Catapult Officer job. As you know, working on the flight deck was never work for me, only fun. I was surprised when they called and asked if I would like to go on a one-time mission and teach them how to launch airplanes off an old catapult. I asked if they knew that I was 60 years old and the response was " I didn't ask how old you are, I asked if you could do it". I didn't hesitate-I said "Hell yes" and left 3 days later. Our American crew consisted of: Catapult Officer (shooter) - Bill Sowers LSO - Curt Francis Test Pilot - Lieutenant Dan Cannini Catapult Hook-up - Rich Villareal Safety Observer - Don Ussery The BS-4 catapult had not shot an airplane in 40 years. The interlock circuit was non existent and there was no ratchet and pawl protection. After about a 40-50 no loads I was sure that I could get one shot off and if need be pull the spears back with a tractor for the second one. To my joy the old jigger system worked well and it was not needed. The all American boy bridle arrester was not used, Kay and Associates had earlier decided to use throw-away bridles. The linear launch valves were controlled by the old adjustable carrot instead of metering rods and the dry steam receivers had excellent drains. ( I was concerned about water collection reducing steam volume). There were rumors that the cylinders may collapse and jam the spears but the precautionary no loads and study of the dead load program convinced me again, that I could get at least one shot off. There was no Catapult Officer station and the deck edge lights were inoperative. There were also no wind direction or speed gages. I decided to establish a close rapport with the non-English speaking catapult captain and have him be my eyes for all the sensors. I used the ship's flags for wind direction and trusted the Captain and air boss to give me the wind-over-the-deck (WOD). Launch bulletins were a little different than ours and they were in Portuguese but they were sufficient after a couple modifications. Dan Cannini the Lockheed furnished A-4 test pilot was great. He was concerned about the shot as it was only a 150 cat with a less than that power stroke. We discussed his anticipated first shot at length and decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and loaded the bulletin for a 20 knot excess end speed. We practiced hook-ups and suspends till it was second nature. We also took our time in determining the hold back location. I could not read the brass elongation indicators so the crew removed the access plate and shined them every morning - try that with our Navy. On January 18 we shot the first catapult shot in the history of the Navy of Brazil. It was near 100 degrees F. and I made wind corrections for temperature and elongation. The time for truth had come. We went to first ready and hooked Dan up followed quickly by stand by and fire. What a great sight it was to see him soar gracefully into the air. The catapult shot 10 knots faster than I had anticipated and the opportunity to back off in our excess was available. After discussion with the test pilot we decided to leave everything as it was because under these circumstances the pilot was just along for the ride until he got out from the ship a considerable distance. We thought this would be to our advantage when the Brazilian and Argentine pilots took their turn. We shot American test pilot Dan Cannini ten times to prove that air operations could be done on this old ship and then followed with 5 more shots for the three Brazilian and one Argentine pilot. One Brazilian pilot got an extra shot. It was a great feeling of accomplishment for the Brazilian Navy and they were intensely proud to join the world attack carrier club. I was a celebrated hero and their Admiral stated that "on this day Brazilian Navy Aviation history was born". It was a great day for them and their country. They were not nearly as proud as I was. For a 60 year old man to have this opportunity once again was one of the greatest feelings of my life. To have safely and successfully pulled them into the carrier club was a satisfying plum.  Photograph from Bill Sowers |