A Random Bit of Research
Jo and I have begun working on Steel Blues, the proposed sequel to Lost Things, which means I've been re-reading the owner's manuals for a 1929 Ford Trimotor. Along with such advice as "Engine Instruction Book Should be Carefully Studied" (capitalization as in the original) and "do not use brakes unnecessarily," I found the following:
"When flying on all three engines, it is possible, through reckless or incompetent handling, to put the ship into a position - such as a steep climbing turn near the ground - where, should the lower engine fail, there would be great difficulty not only in maintaining the altitude already gained, but in preventing a turn toward the engine which has stopped. The solution to this problem does not lie with the builder of the plane." (emphasis mine)
No, it really doesn't. And even in 1929, it was important to spell this out.
"When flying on all three engines, it is possible, through reckless or incompetent handling, to put the ship into a position - such as a steep climbing turn near the ground - where, should the lower engine fail, there would be great difficulty not only in maintaining the altitude already gained, but in preventing a turn toward the engine which has stopped. The solution to this problem does not lie with the builder of the plane." (emphasis mine)
No, it really doesn't. And even in 1929, it was important to spell this out.