Spend a few years as a pilot and aircraft checkouts become second nature, those hours spent with an instructor to learn the ins and outs of a new machine so you can head off toward that next dramatic destination on your own. Every once in a while though the act itself of checking out becomes the adventure as a recent story from The Star and Stripes explained about some young USAF pilots.
Becoming a U-2 Pilot
Key Takeaways:
- The U-2 "Dragon Lady" is a unique, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft known for its demanding solo flights and continued strategic importance despite its age.
- The Air Force is experiencing a significant pilot shortage, impacting its ability to staff specialized aircraft like the U-2.
- To address this, the Air Force is shifting its U-2 pilot recruitment strategy to allow younger, less experienced pilots to qualify earlier in their careers.
- This new pipeline will be initiated experimentally with a few selectees, with future continuation depending on their success.
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