Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer

3. "Skills:" the fighter pilot who can max-perform his aircraft and its systems has an advantage. "Max-perform" means rapidly accelerating or decelerating, turning to g-limit, or aerodynamic limit, to put his aircraft in the best position to both 1) employ weapons, and 2) minimize the opponent's weapons opportunities, has an advantage. There is the "Welcome to Top Gun" scene where Tom Skerrit says "You'll fly faster than before----and more dangerous." That line is ridiculous---fighter flying isn't about faster---it's about smarter. Most traditional "dog fights" are done at relatively low speeds....but the g-load and aerodynamic load are high.

Max-performing the system means being able to rapidly move the switches, knobs, and widgets in the cockpit so as to bring ordnance to bear on the bad-guy in a fleeting moment. It means knowing which weapon is the best for the shot, at that moment.