Fighter Pilot Retention: Profession vs Occupation
Abstract
The fighter pilot of today has changed considerably from the youthful white-scarfed, crumpled-hat tiger who was the symbol of the hot pilot during WWII. The present day Mach two fighter requires a mature individual with a keen sense of responsibility and judgement. The complexities of modern day aircraft coupled with the limitation of the single seat pilot, (in most cases), impose severe demands on mental and physical stamina. The fighter pilot's life is a lonely one: he must act as radio operator, navigator, and weaponeer, in addition to his normal duties as pilot. He must be capable of flying thousands of miles over vast expanses of water, rendezvousing with tanker aircraft and, through air refueling, remain aloft for as long as 12 hours, accomplishing his mission under all types of adverse weather conditions. This is only a prelude to his primary task - to develop skills and know-how of performing a variety of combat functions. He must be capable of delivering the full spectrum of explosives, from firing guns to attacking targets with thermonuclear megaton weapons. To establish a high degree of proficiency in all phases of the tactical mission requires a rigorous and continuous training schedule. The tactical fighter pilot must fire air-to-air, air-to-ground rockets, missiles, and guns and develop the techniques to glide, dive, and skip bombing, and master several specialized delivery techniques for nuclear weapons.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA384395
Entities
People
- Mark T. Mckenzie
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College