My ‘chip' comment was a gentle tease, hence the
, because I know your views on mil pilots. In the context of this discussion, I disagree. I wouldn't presume to comment upon ex-mil pilots flying an airliner or flying in an airline environment. Although, as you've probably guessed, I disagree with the conclusions you think can be drawn from the backgrounds of pilots involved in airshow incidents/accidents, I entirely agree that's a different discussion and not this thread.
We'll have to agree to disagree about mil pilots. Being 'good' isn't good enough to get you a fast jet seat, or to keep you in it. The "certain standard" is exceptional ability, even compared with others who've got through the 'Wings' stage without being chopped - no mean feat in itself.
It's possible I've just been lucky with my ex-mil FI's, but there haven't been any exceptions, either f/w (RAF) or rotary (AAC).
My comment about getting a command and the Airbus stick was meant as a joke. Curiously, although >90% of my s/e f-w flying over the years has been stick, I've flown the Airbus sim at Toulouse and the BA 747-400 sim at LHR and found the side-stick much more difficult. It's a stick, but doesn't entirely operate like one. It might just have been me, and I did spend a few hours in the 747 sim and only about 45 mins in the Airbus. Both were a challenge for me as a PPL of course!
Tudor
(You're right about Nigel - he's ex helicopters.)