What about SR-71 (420 hrs)

Sorry. Not superior enough.

True. How else do you explain this question at the bottom of the "pilot info" page on pilot credentials:

I think you get to interview them if you flew that

Funny. We hired a UAL-furloughed ex-Marine into my guard unit 8-9 years (flew Hornets). We sent him off to KC-135 school, where after a few weeks he decided he wants to come home because the training was ridiculous and it apparently didn't meet his standards. So we brought him home and got a waiver to initial qual him in house, which is something rarely approved. We barely got him through our program. The guy had issues with checklists, CRM and aircraft control. One of the scariest landings I've ever witnessed (from the jump seat) was his truly. He wound up leaving for some MPA staff job and actually worked a 20 yr AD retirement out of the deal. My point being; although this may have been an extreme case, not all fighter pilots have "The Right Stuff".

Since we've gone a bit off topic (myself included) and stir the pot even more...Hornets fly themselves and crash to land; you are correct not all pilots have the right stuff, I am sure all of us have thrown a bad pass or two or for the AF types missed brick one in the evil Talon (I actually put it in the under run trying to hit that damn brick).

Good movie!!

There are no ex-Marines, only former Marines. They are USMC for life, or so I am told.

As to the F/A-18 part of it....he has no excuse there. Having flown that jet myself, it is very easy to fly indeed (flying being the key word). However, like many single-seat military jets, managing the tactical workload...now that's where you earn your paycheck.

[emoji848] Well, it is Altus... Maybe he didn't like pick-up-taco or scooters.




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Yes. I'm sure that was it. I think we managed to keep that out of his waiver request, though.

I caveat my story with: Each MDS "community" has their own mission/aircraft specific skills/qualifications that supports being an excellent aviator. I'm not saying one makes a better pilot than the other. I just find it interesting AA is a little unique in that their app specifically asks if you've ever been a fighter pilot.