Originally Posted by White Overalls
However, when it comes to a decision between B and C they are, as they have worked on both, are all experienced on other types and can offer comparitive opinions accordingly.
If we are talking about choice for UK carrier operations then do we have Fleet Air Arm pilots testing these aircraft? I have seen images of an RAF pilot but so far nothing about any Navy pilots. Is it correct to suggest that no Royal Navy pilot will take to the skies until 2013? If so then the decisons will be made long before any Navy pilot gets to fly this aircraft.
I ask this question because of the experience, knowledge and most important, expertise of these pilots in the area of carrier operations. It has been stated elsewhere that we have Royal Navy pilots flying the F-18 from the decks of US carriers, these pilots will have expert knowledge of both conventional carrier operations and STOVL, surely if we are seeking opinions from pilots then these are the very best people to offer that advice? They may well have flown the SHAR as well as the latest Harriers so have an all round picture to compare the advantages, disadvantages of various types. what experience do the current UK pilots of the F-35B have to fall back on regarding conventional carrier ops vs STOVL? This is not a silly case of trying to score points, it is a sensible question asking about the expertise of pilots who are no doubt highly experienced, highly qualified and well respected RAF pilots, but what experience do they have to answer questions regarding suitability of aircraft for carrier operations?
Why did we not put a Fleet Air Arm pilot into this first aircraft if we are still undecided and need expert information to help answer any outstanding questions?