Contatto

English translation: Contact

12:50 Jul 13, 2018
Italian to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Aerospace / Aviation / Space / Novel about history of aviation
Italian term or phrase: Contatto
Hi,
I am translating an historical novel about avion history and the experiemental flights.
This is the context: they are ready to start the engine and in the dialogue they use the word: "Contatto!". Considering that at the time there wasn't an "aviation terminology", would you translated with "Start the engine!"?
Thank you for your help.
Maria Hansford
Canada
Local time: 21:06
English translation:Contact
Explanation:
I've seen this in various historic films.

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Note added at 27 mins (2018-07-13 13:18:19 GMT)
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"You started the engine by having someone crank, or spin, the propeller. The pilot turned the switch to the "On" position, and then called out, "Contact!" when he..."
https://books.google.it/books?id=6Fy9YxOp8FEC&pg=PA214&lpg=P...
Selected response from:

Fiona Grace Peterson
Italy
Local time: 02:06
Grading comment
Sorry for the late selection.
Thanks
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +1Contact
Cedric Randolph
4Take off!
Lisa Jane
4Contact
Fiona Grace Peterson


Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


24 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +1
Contact


Explanation:
This is what was said because the pilot had to close a switch before the assistant would turn the prop

Cedric Randolph
Italy
Local time: 02:06
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in ItalianItalian
PRO pts in category: 14

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  philgoddard
2 hrs
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25 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
Take off!


Explanation:
I think it depends on the timing here:

If this is just before they lift from the ground it could be Take off! or possibly "Ready for take-off!"

A WW2 pilot may have said "chocks away!"

If it is a command, your translation of Start the engine! would work or if it is the pilot speaking and confirming his operations then "Engine started!" or "ignition!" is plausible too. More context could clarify this.

Lisa Jane
Italy
Local time: 02:06
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in ItalianItalian
PRO pts in category: 4
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

24 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
Contact


Explanation:
I've seen this in various historic films.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 27 mins (2018-07-13 13:18:19 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

"You started the engine by having someone crank, or spin, the propeller. The pilot turned the switch to the "On" position, and then called out, "Contact!" when he..."
https://books.google.it/books?id=6Fy9YxOp8FEC&pg=PA214&lpg=P...

Fiona Grace Peterson
Italy
Local time: 02:06
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 12
Grading comment
Sorry for the late selection.
Thanks
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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