Nearly There
"As for not knowing the basics, do you really think they would be flying if they didn't.."
Yes, is the answer.
It has been well established that introduction of automatics etc., in modern a/c, that basic flying skills have erroded to an alarming extent. To me those pictures have proved it.
I started (still learning) 39 years ago so I have a fair idea from observation if a pilot is handling a situation correctly not. Please don't try and baffle me with science.
All I can really add is this. Thank God for nosewheel a/c
