Originally Posted by
USMCFLYR
Absolutely I beieve that some can do the job and some can't.
I believe some can do that job is given enough time to train, and others can't in a strictly control timeframe.
I believe some can do parts of the job - for instance flying from point A to B but not all can be firefighting pilots (different environments, skill sets, etc...).
I wonder how the great *perfect aviator in the sky* computer at NAMI for instance weights the difference degrees. Being that the USAF seem to prefer technical degrees for their aircrew scholarships when I was in AFROTC, I'd say the institution has a preference.
While I'd agree the branches have a preference, if you were ever a UPT instructor, you don't see that translate to success one way or another. So, my observation even within the subset of people who select pilot on their dreamsheet, there are variations within that group in ability, drive, motor skills, 3D thinking, multitasking etc.
I've seen Aero Engineers wash out in 9 T38 rides and I've seen 2.0 history majors DG their class.
Additionally, after pilot training, some initial slow learners sharpen their skills to a fine point and some initial fast learners start to coast.
I don't think the degree, the aviation aptitude tests, or 1000 hours in a 172 are predictors of military pilot success. You have to have the hands and the head.