Some extracts from the CV of one of the people our resident armchair pilot sees fit to dismiss as "armchair Top Guns" and "retrospective heroes":Former RAF fast jet pilot, Squadron display pilot, Test Pilot for over 20 years, Test Pilot Tutor at ETPS, almost 9000 hours on over 120 types, and a highly respected civvy display pilot - for more years than I can remember.
Awards:
Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air - for operational flying,
Air Force Cross - for his work as a test pilot,
Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators Derry & Richards Memorial Medal - awarded to "a test pilot who has made an outstanding contribution in advancing the art and science of aviation." (1999, first mil pilot to receive this prestigious accolade.)