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C-17 Facts: Everything You Need To Know

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C-17 Facts: Only 3 Crewmembers

C-17 pilots, C-17 Facts
Majs. Miguel Lutman (left) and Chad Manning, both C-17 pilots from the 326th Airlift Squadron, discuss mid-air refuelilng procedures during a training mission Dec. 4, 2010, over the skies of New Hampshire. The pilots flew about 20 feet behind the KC-135 to stay inside the refueling window and refueled at a speed of about 440 miles per hour.
Staff Sgt. Dani Shea, U.S. Air Force

The large aircraft is operated by only a crew of three. The pilot, co-pilot and loadmaster are the three positions necessary to deliver the rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. Having a crew of three reduces manpower requirements, risk exposure and long-term operating costs. A standard crew of five are added for aeromedical evacuation missions. Medical crew, which include two flight nurses and three medical technicians, may be altered by needs of patients.