i would never skimp out on your planesman, he is the heart and soul of your SS.

check out the thread i started in the KM section, covering planesman
http://www.navyfield.com/board/view.asp?Num=168546&Sort=A04&Order=re_upday&PageSize=20&Page=2&Ctg_1=&Ctg_2=&Ctg_3=

class on time, go with +15 pot or elite, and BVE him, if you can... its great when i run
out of air behind enemy lines, pop a smoke, dodge a few shells, and resubmerge with enough
time to sink another BB or 2, that air reload time is critical!

what does a planesman do??

i would imagin that if u dont then ur air recharge is going to be let down bad.
and unless ur supports skills on him are actully good i dont see how itd be worth
while?