They would be better served, they say, using a five-member crew on one hose line, rather than two four-member crews to move the same single line.

Each entry will consist of a five-member crew - two drivers, a crew chief, a tire changer and a timer.

If there is a strike, fire officials will staff all engine companies operating in busy areas of Manhattan with five-member crews, according to the plan.

The initial delay in today's launching attempt came as the five-member crew was conducting last-minute checks before the mission to launch a communications satellite.

Mr. Hauck, 45 years old, piloted a shuttle mission in June 1983 that was the first to include a five-member crew.

The Coast Guard ended its search today for the five-member crew of a lobster boat that has been missing for 11 days.

Expected to be among the most competitive of the five-member crews will be those from Sweden, France and Belgium.

He said having a five-member crew was essential in stretching the hose quickly and dealing with a fire most effectively.

One member of the five-member crew, a flight attendant, was blown out of the plane.