Great points Equaliser - one often hears quotes along the lines of 21 year old guys let loose in high powered twin engine fast jets. Must be remembered, and as a former RAAFie trash hauler, I hate to say it - the best off RAAF pilots course get selected for knucks. Once proven on the very intense pilot's course, they then go to a very, very intense intro fighter course, and then super intense and very long operational course, followed then by the Cat system. I know you said all this, but I just want to reiterate to those not in the know, a B Cat fast jet driver has slaved his guts out, been scrutinized very intensely and has to prove himself for quite a few years. They earn it. I got offered a shot at the Hornet as a re role in 1992 but said no. I was just too lazy, and I enjoyed just haulin' grunts and drinikin beer under a coconut tree. Oh.....and I don't think I was talented enough either.