Do Fighter Pilots Fly Different Jets? USAF Fighter Pilot Answers

One of the more common questions I get is: Do you get to fly different jets? In this video I answer that as well as if it's possible to switch from cargo aircraft to fighters and vice versa.
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[@bionicsjw]

One of my high school classmates flew A-10s out of UPT the after his active duty commitment was up he became an airline pilot and got a contract with the AZ Nat. Guard flying F-16s and was a Instructor pilot in the Lawn Dart as he called it. I also have a friend that Was an F-15 pilot. He went to medical school became a Flight Surgeon to stay in the jet. During the 90s he was one of only 3 flying Flight Surgeons in the Air Force. There was a female Raptor pilot at Langley who I was told transitioned to the F-35.

[@demarcus1341]

You should get in touch with C.W. Lemoine, he's a retired F/A-18 pilot and also big in the air sim community.

[@demarcus1341]

@@captainhoratius8192 yeah I saw him asking about sim in one of his previous videos and thought I would mention mover!

[@scottyboi6467]

@@captainhoratius8192 that would be awesome

[@saintvalleyhappy89]

And jello from the fighter pilot podcast

[@VisibilityFoggy]

CW also flew the Viper and currently flies the T-38. So he's on his third airframe.

[@HoodiEMusic777]

Thank you for your service. Lots of respect for you.

[@cosmicwakes6443]

Hoodie Dropping bombs on poor people is such an honourable career path.

[@HoodiEMusic777]

@@cosmicwakes6443 They only drop bombs on people who threaten the security of our great nation. And those fighter pilots work tirelessly for you to live a good life. So the least you could do is have some respect.

[@notloc777-_-6]

@@cosmicwakes6443 do you have a brain?

[@siplt2946]

@@notloc777-_-6 no he doesn’t

[@dreamr616]

Love your videos, Hasard! You’re a real credit to the Air Force and our service men/women all over the world. Really enjoy your in-depth knowledge of the jets and what it takes to fly them. Keep up the great work! Btw, my son-in-law attended the USAFA back when you were there (2006-10) and said he remembered you as a real hardworking and decent classmate.

[@viper4639]

always makes me happy to see the notification from youtube that says "new video from Hasard Lee". love your content.

[@barryklinedinst6233]

I loved my 4 years in the USAF . It's in my blood for life

[@Account64000]

@Bassel Hany wait idk if this is true for America but for Britain you have to stay for 12 years so he could be lying

[@kayakutah]

@@Account64000 That is not the case in the U.S. Over the years, the commitment lengths have varied, and they vary between enlisted, officers and specialty.

[@grantluisi6049]

Glad you brought up the guard! Seems to be the best kept secret in the military if you want a fighter. I was picked up by a unit last year and am going through the process to get to UPT. Loving the content!

[@williamhoge4258]

I had a great career with being either MR or MC in the T-38, A-37, O-2, three models of the F-111, and finishing in the A-10! We need more people to change aircraft to exchange knowledge and not get stuck in one aircraft.

[@anotherHelldiver]

That’s a long line,thank you for your service

[@joeclay9745]

Very interesting video explaining all this stuff. I work as a water services contractor for the British military. So I see the lightnings and typhoons in the background occasionally which is cool. That's what it's like for us. And the water industry from my experience is bit like just work for another paycheck. Low expectations and enjoying the current situation as much as I can are key to me also

[@jayprather6954]

Hey I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for putting all this information out there.

[@n1msu]

I can imagine it must be tough on the guys who have to fly drones when they're able to fly the real thing. Although still massive respect. A fighter jet sized UAV is no less challenging I'm sure. Thanks for your videos and insight Hasard.

[@ahab8035]

Not sure why you popped up in my feed. But I worked with you at the 80th. Awesome to see you doing this, I will continue to watch and follow. WIG!!

[@HasardLee]

Crush em!

[@boopsmagoops1231]

Thank you for the information and your service.

[@ellisalexander4885]

Thanks for the great video Hasard, my son currently pilots the Viper and was recently selected to transition to the F-35 at the end of this year! Thanks for the great content.... keep it coming!

[@dinon.cirese4836]

Hi Hasard, thanks for sharing this video and the dedication you show every single time in your YT channel. I want to ask you one question. What do you think about becoming a test pilot ? Is the selection process tough ? 🥂 Dino.

[@jjahlfeld2528]

Thank you for your service. I always have loved aviation since I could breathe.

[@cmsheth09]

Unlearning... That's an interesting concept. Thanks for sharing Hasard

[@miguellombana9847]

I just found your channel and now have to wonder how many times did I look up from my pool and see Hazard flying over my house on final for runway 3 at Luke .. love the channel!

[@gregory46236]

Thourghly enjoy your videos. My username as you can tell is my favorite older fighter. 20 years ago I worked in home Healthcare as an oxygen driver. One of my patients was a WW2 fighter pilot and flew the P51. Thanks again. Your videos are very informative. Stay safe and thanks for your service.

[@anonanon2841]

Good stuff, Hasard. I'm curious: do fighter pilots ever request transfers to heavies or others due to neck problems or the like?

[@yasirbhojani]

Hi Hasard! Ever since I came across the video "why has the F-35 received so much negative attention", I have become a huge fan of yours and find your videos extremely informative! I work in IT so some of your videos talking about next gen. aircraft development linked to Agile thinking, Machine Learning (AI) and Project Management makes me believe you're an amazing teacher! I know you take questions sometimes and make videos off of that, so two things that have always intrigued me are how the Chaffs work and what they actually look like to a naked eye, as well as how do towed decoys work. Would really love if you could make a video explaining different types of countermeasures and what they do. Nevertheless, I always look forward to your videos! Thank you!

[@stephenhampton7444]

Hey I talked to a F-15C pilot who flew KC-10s before he flew eagles at a air show once!

[@MistorGator13]

Man, I don't mind your notifications popping up on my screen. I don't. Good stuff always

[@innocenteze8262]

I've been loving your videos

[@atomicfpv4510]

Awesome pilot much respect subbed right away

[@BudFunOne]

I really appreciate you videos. Thank you

[@ramberto7785]

I LIVE near LUKE. You probably fly over my house everyday! Would love to meet you at LUKE DAYS next month!

[@macmac3374]

Man I miss that flight line. Working weekends and BSing with the maintainers was fun.

[@afcgeo882]

Nights, weekends, holidays... Whenever your sup calls, really.

[@SomeDudeSomewhereOverThere]

Thanks Hasard. I always wondered about this and one more thing: Is there friendly banter competition between fighter,bomber and heavy pilots?

[@Flight.Companion]

Great video Hasard, thanks for sharing. Same question we have in airlines, switch planes? well depends.

[@kayakutah]

I'm prior Navy and got commissioned in 1977, so I'm sure things have changed. After T-2/TA-4 training, I flew the RF-8 Crusader, one cruise, then the F-14A two cruises. Then went to shore duty as an Adversary at VF-126 at Miramar flying the A-4E/F and F-16N (with some flying the F-5E as well) simultaneously, so you may have a flight in the A-4 followed by a flight in the F-16N. Then to the reserves (while flying for Delta Air Lines out of Salt Lake City) flying the A-4 Superfox (a stripped down A-4M). Retired from the reserves in 1997 after 20. All of my time was at Miramar, after training. Very worthwhile!

[@1236superman]

Question: What kind of training and supplies are you given in the event you have to eject? Are you able to break down or use anything off your seat once you land?

[@Zatracenec]

After ejection, I think the seat goes its way (after parachute opening sequence) and after landing You wont be able to find it anywhere near Your position.

[@LRRPFco52]

There's a survival kit in the seat, including a new GAU-5A/A (break-down quick barrel change M-4 basically.) Not sure how extensively they've been distributed or what seats got that. There's survival gear on the vest as well.

[@jamesholt7340]

Don't need anything because we will never go to war since we can't even afford to help Americans during a pandemic.. If we can't afford stimulus checks we defiantly can't afford to go to war..

[@LRRPFco52]

@@jamesholt7340 War is more likely during unsure times of instability, especially when illegitimate powers holding office are controlled by enemies foreign and domestic.

[@jamesholt7340]

@@LRRPFco52 which country has illegitimate powers in office?

[@killa704]

That intro is fyre ✈ 🛩 🔥

[@bpweber]

Awesome, thanks!

[@friendofenkidu3391]

My son is a Marine Corps O-1 in initial pilot training at NAS Pensacola. According to what he's heard, the majority of new Marine Corps pilots are currently being assigned to the V-22 Osprey.

[@HasardLee]

Congrats, it's a great airframe with unmatched capability

[@justalpha9138]

Each aircraft and unit has a purpose: the military is one giant team

[@friendofenkidu3391]

As a follow-up to my initial posting, my son did well in primary flight training and was assigned to a different aviation platform (not the V-22).

[@justalpha9138]

@@friendofenkidu3391 Interesting!

[@cubbyjo]

It would be interesting to see the cars the news pilots are flying. When I lived near Shaw we joked that you could pick the pilots by their land vehicles. F-16 pilots had little sporty cars and fast Japanese motorcycles. A-10 pilots had nice pickups and Harleys.

[@madhurjyachoudhury2296]

Thank you sir for your information...👍👍

[@ero1456]

Heart doctor here , but jealous of your experiences. Thank you for serving.

[@HasardLee]

Lots of respect for what you do

[@justalpha9138]

Dude, you have a LOT of importance. Don't be jealous at all, because you're doing something that is contributing immensely to the health of everyone, fighter pilots like him included!

[@heavyizthacrown-5842]

Thanks for the info man. I wondered if pilots fly the exact same aircraft everyday.

[@jake.spencer]

Hard to switch outside of the respective "type" without going to the guard. We have a guard KC-135 guy here that started in TACP, then went to F-15's, and now flies the tanker.

[@ch.3.mist123]

Lots of good info.

[@swaters4524]

Awesome...what a life you've made...envy and respect! More respect than envy lmao...✌

[@NoFredAgain]

Do you have any study methods for the steep learning curve of pilot school? Maybe a video idea🙂

[@iriminage1196]

Hi Hasard, could you please re-post a short video you made about operations 'armchair' planning and debriefing. It was very informative and inspirational and I cannot find it anywhere. Thanks.

[@vexmorphs7020]

I’ve been interested in becoming a fighter pilot but I seen that they only get 20 hrs of flight a month, what do pilots do on their own downtime?

[@danf16dcc38]

I agree you dont hear to many pilots switch air frames. I had a f15 pilot go to the f16. Funny part was he was a big guy and had a hard time getting used to the squeeze of the f16 cockpit

[@nobodyspecial7185]

When my dad went to Vietnam in 66 as a fac,. He was current in five aircraft. O-1s, t-28's and a couple other fac birds and was still current in F-100's having been Tac eval in Europe... good thing cause his orders were changed in route and flew 100's with the 308th in RVN.

[@sjones6274]

Interesting about the 0-6 + sr officer training. Didn’t know, makes sense.

[@ericp9990]

Great video! I have a question. When airforce pilot are flying (in-transit) from the US to a theatre of operations. Are the jets armed?

[@afcgeo882]

No. The aircraft are armed only for armed sorties (combat or training). When ferrying, they usually get additional underwing fuel pods. No one needs the weight or risk of flying with munitions if not needed. Also, the bombs and missiles are VERY expensive.

[@ericp9990]

@@afcgeo882 thanks

[@doranish123]

Nice video. How common is it to be dual rated? I assume if you went back to the F16 there would be some type of check ride?

[@arnoldmayii3563]

Fascinating

[@mikemarley2389]

Incredible people ,pilots.

[@evandramko3027]

Hi, is it possible for a pilot who has tracked t1s to redo upt and track t38s? Is there any other way a pilot can retrack to fighters? Thank you!

[@---ir6sr]

What is more challenging to learn in a new aircraft? The actual flying characteristics, the electronics or weapons systems?

[@simonsaucy]

ive been concidering join the USAF Reserves but havent found a lot of info on it. what is it like being a pilot but only in the reserves? and how much time a week/ month on average would you say you spend with the airforce? and how much of that time is flying?

[@christiankeen1644]

Love your channel. Went to School with Bear.

[@HasardLee]

nice, good dude

[@jayski9410]

I've always wondered how some guys wind up in the more unusual aircraft like the SR-71 or U-2. Or the aircraft that the Air Force doesn't want to admit to. I've heard that the F-117 was flying for years before the public knew about it. And those exotic development programs must still have things in the hopper today which we'll learn about someday. But somebody is flying them now.

[@IMStrever]

TP stalls get pretty wild 🏴‍☠️

[@terrellfair9812]

Can you talk about what it takes to become a pilot. Im currently an avionics tech in the airforce and im actually becoming more interested in flying the more i work

[@justalpha9138]

He's made a video on the requirements

[@minokafonseca3229]

Raptor what a dream. When i was young was the hornet . ( f35 too fancy).

[@crakker347]

U should make a video with CW lemoine he was an F/A-18 pilot and it would be really cool to see u and him in a video together

[@chrismaas8466]

I can see everything you are saying about learning a new aircraft.

[@ryanparrott7389]

Thanks Hazard love the videos, why isn't it common to see people that want fighters to switch from guard to active IOT avoid things like getting assigned heavies or FLIPPING? Thanks!

[@HasardLee]

If they're a guard fighter pilot, they've already made it. Guard to Active rarely happens

[@formateuramzal1567]

What is your take about the F-135 engine problems that were recently revealed in the press ?

[@formateuramzal1567]

@Lotad-Is-Hungry ! ?

[@sledairsoftandgaming4578]

@Lotad-Is-Hungry ! the F 135 is a engine used in the F-35 I believe

[@alanmoncus2331]

I've wondered that being a truck driver, OTR is mine, day cabs, do a good pre trip, and handle it, I would imagine it would be alot about experience

[@gundamdunham7479]

Do aspiring military pilots have to fill-up something called a dream sheet, where they can write down what kind of assignment they want to have & where they want to be assigned to, as well as what choice of aircraft they want to fly after flight school? If anyone graduates on top of their class in pilot training, are they given a choice of whichever airframe they want to fly & wherever in the world they want to be assign to? After pilot school, do you have to go to a base where they do training for a particular aircraft before being given your desired operational assignment?

[@HasardLee]

Yes, you fill out what you want. Your ranking mixed with the needs of the AF are what assignment you get

[@awes0men0b0dy9]

That the brick mania f35 in the background or some kinda model f35?

[@Barry_Al]

Hasard, Can you speak about the F-18s in the airforce and the difference in them from the F-16?

[@gundamdunham7479]

Only the Navy & Marines fly F-18s, u noob! It depends on which model. If it's the ordinary Charlie Delta Hornets (F-18C/Ds), then it's the Navy or Marines (most likely just only the Marines, unless the Navy hasn't retired them yet), if it's the Super Hornets (F-18E/Fs), then it's exclusively in the Navy.

[@freedomfan4272]

F18 is a Navy/marine aircraft "The ready room" and "C W Lemoine" are former F18 pilots if you have questions about that aircraft

[@francoisaganiivnube6070]

You, Sir, made me want to be a fighter pilot.

[@justalpha9138]

Him, alongside Top Gun Maverick are making me consider it. Pretty crazy.

[@geoluc2357]

Hello from France 🇨🇵

[@HasardLee]

🍻

[@MaloPiloto]

I flew GA aircraft for 22 years : Cessnas, Pipers and Grummans. All flew between 115 and 135kts/hr. Those aircraft were plenty challenging enough for me! Fighter jets? Respect for those folks who fly them.....

[@bryanbosques4001]

Good Afternoon Sir, I’m an AFROTC cadet aspiring to be an AF Fighter Pilot. I have an idea on what I have to do to get a pilot slot, but I would like to know on how to get a Fighter Pilot slot at the academy. I would really appreciate Sir if you could help me with this question. V/r,

[@eliasamario4484]

I will try to become a f35 pilot in Norway. Do you have any tips on how to get in the airforce

[@sebastiannikkolas8497]

Airforce pilots are humble and professional

[@IDesignish]

As a fighter pilot can you also fly a regulare jumbo yet?

[@julians7268]

... but crossing streams is so much fun! Me and my buddies do it atleast once a month.

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Feast or famine. My father was an AF pilot (40s-60s), I was an AF pilot (70s -80s) and listening to your talk I see not a damn thing has changed. I suspect it never will.

[@alanmoncus2331]

Oh, I thought like say a specific model within the fleet, I would still imagine the same 2 aircraft had their own personal intricacies IDK

[@stephenpalfy8226]

You can volunteer for the u-2.

[@TheFlatlander440]

What about the option of flying experimental aircraft for say the Skunkworks? I understand they are always looking for experienced fighter pilots after their tours are up.

[@HasardLee]

The major contractors all have their own test pilots. Usually they were test pilots in the military first

[@kevoskryptoklik98]

HARSARD-OUS material never looked so eye appealing. Handle with care. 😉

[@icu_corey_rn_903]

In a perfect world if I could pick I’d chose the raptor every time

[@dc5050]

What f-35 model is that on the desk behind you?

[@kcbroncohater]

I've been flying dcs for a year now and it makes me happy to hear that it takes a year, or a year in a half to get use to it in real life. Haha.

[@justalpha9138]

VTOL VR is one of my favorite games atm, and it's actually made me consider joining the Air Force because I really do enjoy how much I need to learn and adjust on top of the tense atmosphere it can sometimes provide alongside the fun, energetic atmosphere.

[@SandMartin]

What do you like to fly in peacetime more? (do not fight) F16 or F35 ?

[@HasardLee]

I like the F-35

[@johncast9565]

Be honest Hazard...you ever watch the videos of The Jedi Transition?

[@LeoH3L1]

I think everyone knows why times will get tough....

[@bryansmith94]

Hey when they "scramble the jets" how do you guys do like a pre flight check and all that?

[@Zektano]

When jets are scrambled they are most likely shut down on a "ready state" meaning that the necessary preflight checks are done beforehand saving crucial time when the scramble is required

[@ztbi]

Very interesting stuff. I have so many questions. Can the f22 dog fight? Can a f16 out turn a f22 and f35? I heard someone say the best reliable fighter we really have is the hornet. Is that true?

[@elmo-nu2qm]

The f22 is a very good dogfighting jet but would probably shoot the enemy before that.

[@vagosg53]

Hi from Greece ( mirage 2000, rafale, f16)

[@anotherHelldiver]

Speaking of the Guard,do they fly overseas combat missions,or are they homeland defense. Same thing with the Air Force reserves.

[@SCWgreg]

Do you ever switch between one F16 to another F16, or one F35 to another F35... and find that one plane behaves differently than another - even tho it’s the same airframe?

[@RaymondTusk74]

Different Blocks of F-16 are noticeably different to an experienced pilot due to different weights, engines, and digital versus analog flight controls. However a younger pilot probably wouldn’t notice too much.

[@SCWgreg]

@@RaymondTusk74 yeah I was curious because even one car to another, sometimes one rattles a bit more, has a nuanced squeak, or shimmy in the steering ... even tho they should be the same. Manufacturing differences on the line. But little differences to us could be big differences at these speeds and maneuvers.

[@afcgeo882]

@@SCWgreg Within the same block, no. Airplanes are maintained to very specific standards. That goes double for fighters and bombers. The tankers/cargo are a little more tolerant, but still, you won’t feel any difference. It’s the same for airliners.

[@jacobkopec6368]

Hi i worder if I can be fighter pilot with my height - 190cm its i think 6,2ft isnt it too high?

[@popcorn32145]

But what about moving jets within the same kind? or is X S/N jet your jet only?

[@ichexistierenicht3768]

My question is, is it allowed to listen music with ,,in ear headphones" or a ,,Bluetooth speaker" while you flying "slowly" or "relaxed" in your jet?

[@itsmattgreene]

Hasard why did you switch from the f16 to the f35? Was it because you wanted a change or because you wanted the newest technology? Why?

[@terrancecooley3165]

My favorite aircraft will always be the f-15, f-22, A-10 and B-2 stealth bomber

[@harris9784]

Plz give your opinion on comparing the F16 to F35? Just sheer performance and agility!! Personally, the Viper is just a marvelous aircraft.. Also, what's your opinion on how many more years will the Viper be expected to stay in front line service.. Thank you sir..

[@milisha98]

As stated by Lt Col Ian 'Gladys' Knight: 'The F-16 is a small lightweight fighter; this meant we had great sustained high-speed turning performance and simple handling characteristics. Simply pull back on the stick and the aircraft will give you it's maximum performance. On the flip side we've always had to make do with limited fuel and payload, and sluggish slow-speed manoeuverability. The F-35 is a larger aircraft; it carries twice as much fuel and three times the payload. Consequently it loses energy a bit faster than the F-16 at higher speeds. But slow speed handling is amazing. We can continually point the nose at the adversary even at ridiculously low speeds, which is a great capability to have in combination with high off-boresight missiles and helmet mounted sight. You have to be careful at higher speeds because pulling back on the stick the aircraft will give you as much alpha as it can but it will bleed a lot of energy in the process. It's up to the pilot to recognise when to try and maintain speed and energy and when to give that away to prosecute with missiles and guns. I typically tell new pilots that the F-35 sits somewhere between the F-16 and F/A-18 when it comes to within visual range manoeuvring.'

[@justindraggss]

What happens if during pilot training, you get moved on the heavy flight track rather than the fighter flight track? Is there a way to change your path if you do not want to fly heavies?

[@justalpha9138]

That is a good question

[@Shadx27]

Hope you get to ride a T-7A. I can see why they are being pushed now.