Can Civilians Fly Modern Military Fighters Without Training?

It's an intriguing question whether civilians without any military background can fly modern military fighter jets. Just how close is the reality to the dizzying displays of air combat seen in movies and games?

The Myth of 'Just Getting In'

Jared Isaacman, a striking example, owns and flies his own MiG-29 and F-16s owned by his company, Draken International. This raises the question - can an untrained person 'just get in' and fly a fighter jet successfully? To provide a comprehensive answer, we need to consider a few critical factors.

Untrained vs Trained: A Major Contrast

For an untrained individual, the odds of successfully flying a modern fighter plane without proper training or even exposure to flight simulators are astronomically low. In fact, it's so unlikely that the possibility can be considered practically non-existent.

Take, for instance, a simple aircraft like a Cessna 152. Even with minimal training, an untrained person might manage a successful take-off, a short flight, and a survivable landing. However, the scenario shifts dramatically with modern military fighter planes like the F-16 or F-18.

Year-Long Training: The Reality for Fighter Pilots

According to a detailed report by the Washington Post, it takes about one year of rigorous training to teach someone to operate a fighter plane like the F-16 proficiently. This training involves taking off, flying from point A to point B, and landing without crashing.

Becoming a Fighter Pilot: A More Complex Pursuit

Becoming a fighter pilot goes beyond just flying a plane. It requires a blend of physical and mental rigor. Physical fitness is paramount, with fighters needing quick reflexes, high tolerance to G-forces, and exceptional stamina and endurance. Mental acuity and tactical understanding are equally important, as fighter pilots must learn to use weapons, engage in aerial combat, and handle complex maneuvers.

Why Isn’t It Simply Accessible?

The idea of 'just flying' a fighter jet also overlooks the fact that modern military aircraft are not available for casual use. These planes are not kept in public places like Walmart with engines running; they are high-level military assets protected by strict security measures. Furthemore, acquiring and maintaining even surplus fighter jets is a complex and legally restrictive process.

Conclusion: The Road to Becoming a Fighter Pilot

From a civilian perspective, becoming a fighter pilot is not a path open to those without military service. While with enough money and time one could attempt to buy and maintain a surplus fighter jet, the reality is that the military is the only legitimate avenue for civilians looking to fly operational fighter jets.

However, for those interested in aviation and the thrill of piloting a fighter jet, options like civilian flying schools, flight simulators, and even specialized training programs can provide a taste of the skills and experience required for a career in aviation.

Remember, the path to becoming a fighter pilot is a long and demanding one, but it's a journey that's well worth pursuing for those with the right aptitude and dedication.