For every man in the flying crew there are 10 who labour day and night in the ground crew ' to keep them flying ' . Like a swarm of ants these busy workers crawl over the giant craft , cleaning , oiling , testing , and overhauling . It is true that the Air Force is only as good as the men that service their planes . Aircraft mechanics become jealous of their planes they service , heartily dislike for other men who work on ' their ' ships .