Originally Posted by
155mm
Since we've hired Harrier pilots in the past, I don't see why we excluded Osprey aviators in the first place! The wording makes it sound like gross weight was the reason but it is not. Certainly a move in the right direction when considering types of flight time.
A brief history of powerlift:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powered_lift
Out of curiosity, a quick question for powerlift pilots. Was your background for selection to these type of aircraft typically rotorcraft, fixed wing, both or direct entry? Impressive to say the least!
FWIW the AV8B was not powerlift until the Osprey came along. The FAA put it in the powerlift category and the AV8B was somehow dragged in with it. Right or wrong initially, both aircraft are getting relief by the FAA with a % of time to be counted as FW now.
AV8B pilots are selected out of the jet pipeline from flight school. Osprey pilots were initially sourced from all airframes, both rotor and jets from the fleet. Next CH-46 squadrons were transitioned to Ospreys along with slots being awarded from flight school.