Understanding the Best Pilots: Beyond Marketing and Myth

One theme that emerges from the book and movie The Right Stuff is that often, the pilots recognized as the best are not the ones who get the most media attention or are marketed as such. The question, 'who are the best pilots?' and 'how do you know?' can be refined to better address the critical aspects of pilot performance and their suitability for specific missions.

Considering Mission-Specific Piloting Skills

Exploring this topic requires a more nuanced approach. When evaluating pilots, it is crucial to consider the nature of their mission. For instance, is the pilot involved in military operations, commercial airline training, or test flying experimental aircraft? The best pilots are those who excel in the specific roles and missions they are assigned.

Air Force vs. Navy: Often, there is a debate about the relative abilities of Air Force and Navy pilots. While Air Force pilots might argue that they are the best for certain missions, Navy pilots have their own impressive track records. Both groups are highly skilled, but their strengths lie in different domains. It is unfair to generalize and compare the best of each without considering their specific roles. Performance in Different Roles: A superb gumshoe bomber pilot might not excel at conducting test flights in experimental aircraft, and vice versa. Similarly, a pilot who excels in facing the challenges of commercial airline training may not be the best at handling high-speed test flights. Skill sets vary, and the best-suited pilot for a specific mission depends significantly on the particular demands of that mission.

The Case of Test Pilots Versus Astronauts

The Mercury 7 astronauts, such as John Glenn, suffered from a lack of recognition in comparison to test pilots like Chuck Yeager and Scott Crossfield. This discrepancy highlights a broader issue in how pilots are perceived and celebrated. Although the Mercury astronauts performed an important role in space exploration, the test pilots were responsible for pushing the boundaries of flight technology, dealing with unstable and dangerous aircraft, and setting new speed and altitude records.

Test Pilots’ Accomplishments: Test pilots, by nature, are often superior pilots. They undergo rigorous training and must demonstrate exceptional skill and expertise. Their roles involve flying experimental aircraft and conducting groundbreaking missions, which require a high degree of skill and courage. Mission Frequency and Expertise: Yeager and Crossfield were not only accomplished test pilots but also worked on missions that were repeated and frequent. This frequent exposure to similar tasks and missions allowed them to develop a level of expertise that was unmatched. They often engaged in dangerous and complex missions that pushed the limits of both technology and human endurance.

Chuck Yeager and Scott Crossfield’s roles in these missions were inherently different from those of the Mercury 7 astronauts. When Yeager was considered for the astronaut program, he turned it down because he felt it was a "spam in a can," implying that it lacked the challenge and excitement of actual test flights. By their nature, test pilots were constantly pushing the boundaries of what was possible, whereas the Mercury astronauts were flying in a more controlled and routine manner.

Personal Reflections on Pilot Training and Skill Level

Having undergone airline training myself, I was amazed at the level of skill and precision required by other pilots and myself. Procedures in airline training are extensive, and performing them perfectly is challenging. When compared to the near-flawless execution I witnessed, my own performance seemed subpar. Just like an Olympic gymnast performing after a perfect score, the bar is set extremely high, and competing feels like a uphill battle.

Simulation Partners and Role Models: The quality of a pilot’s performance is often influenced by their simulation partners or role models. For instance, having an Israeli army officer and a US Army pilot as simulation partners was both inspiring and challenging. These individuals are likely experts in their field, and working with them forces one to constantly improve and strive for excellence.

Conclusion: Finding True Breadth and Depth in Pilot Expertise

Identifying the best pilots involves more than just marketing and public recognition. It requires a deep understanding of the specific missions and tasks they undertake. Military test pilots like Yeager and Crossfield were not just celebrated for their skills but also for their frequent and repeated missions, which gave them unique opportunities to refine and prove their abilities. Recognizing the best pilots means acknowledging their unique contributions and the complex nature of the missions they undertake.