BEagle
Very interesting and as you say, a privilege.
re SAMXXV, I don't think many believe what he writes. After all, you only have to watch the James May / U2 Flight to see the whole process from start to finish to have some semblance of an idea of what goes on. And that's without even going to Youtube where multiple close up U2 Landings and take off's are shown.
SAM
With all the top class hardware the Yanks have, why would anyone do a flying job they didn't like when so many other "you beaut" options are available ? Especially if they are so young like you suggest ?