Athlete's and Pilots

[HarryShadow]

I had this conversation recently in my squadron and am curious what others think about athlete's being "better" pilots than non-athletes???

 

[Spooky 2]

Pure popycock. What could you be thinking? Now on the other hand if you are flying F18's, F16's (notice I did not mention the mighty C130), or something similar, Yea physical conditioning is certainly a part of the equation. But simple stick and rudder is not a physical trait, it's a learned skill. What type of athlete might you be thinking about when you consider this trait?
Nothing I have said here is meant to demean physical conditioning, something we should all aspire to. Now where did I put those munchies?

 

[HarryShadow]

Pure popycock. What could you be thinking? Now on the other hand if you are flying F18's, F16's (notice I did not mention the mighty C130), or something similar, Yea physical conditioning is certainly a part of the equation. But simple stick and rudder is not a physical trait, it's a learned skill. What type of athlete might you be thinking about when you consider this trait?
Nothing I have said here is meant to demean physical conditioning, something we should all aspire to. Now where did I put those munchies?

Our conversation focused on individual aptitude, the ability to learn and digest information, constant progression, and overall “dudesmanship.” We didn’t discuss physical conditioning (though there are obvious benefits to being fit in the cockpit, regardless of what you fly). As far as what type of athlete we were thinking about…just athletes in general.

 

[McGillicutty]

FWIW most of the guard interviews I went to, the board ended up picking a competitive high school/college athlete.

Personally, I like flying with crews having athletic experience because it gives me something to talk about.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Traits that make good athletes equate well to traits that make a good pilots. Not saying sissy boy non-athletes like Spooky 2 can't be good pilots, even though they say things like "poppy cock" and get their hand-eye coordination from playing scrabble.

 

[scarface]

At one time, many years ago, it was highly thought of. (Yes, I know I'm ending a sentence in a preposition.) The original Army Air Corps pilots in WWI were just about all athletes or race car drivers. Or at least that's what I've read.

 

[Spooky 2]

Traits that make good athletes equate well to traits that make a good pilots. Not saying sissy boy non-athletes like Spooky 2 can't be good pilots, even though they say things like "poppy cock" and get their hand-eye coordination from playing scrabble.

dang you outed me. You are funny! Now can someone tell me about "dudesmanship" is that anything like being a swordsman?

 

[Deuce130]

I had this conversation recently in my squadron and am curious what others think about athlete's being "better" pilots than non-athletes???

Depends on what you mean by Athlete. Most guys who spout the athletes are better rhetoric were intercollegiates at the Air Force Academy. If that were the case, however, they'd go to UPT in greater numbers than the cadet wing at large - which doesn't happen. And, most of the time, their particular definition of Athlete is only extended to others who played intercollegiately. Most of the cadets at the zoo (myself included, I think) can be considered athletes. I tried to walk on my freshman year and most of the cadet wing played some kind of sport in high school and continued to stay in shape. I'd call those guys athletes, too. Sure, stay in shape and have some kind of natural athletic ability and you may be a better pilot. Hone your early leadership development as a team leader, team captain, or just plain "pin your ears back and go" type of person, and that may translate into leadership in the air. "Dudesmanship" is often perfected in practices, locker rooms, and long bus rides in high school. Things the non-athlete may not experience during math club meetings or after school chess competitions. All that aside, I've met too many non-athletes who make the grade as a pilot to agree with such a broad generalization. Soooo.... who was the "Athlete" at the 9th SOS (or 550th??) who won't let go of the glory days??

 

[KarmaPolice]

dang you outed me. You are funny! Now can someone tell me about "dudesmanship" is that anything like being a swordsman?

Dudesmanship is a higly technical, much misunderstood term. To sum it up, it has a lot to do with having a "baby's arm". And if your not familiar with that term, you'll need to google it. So it does relate to being a swordsman, of sorts.

Good thing you don't take offense to my kidding. I just have issues, as my mom beat me at scrabble as a child, over and over again.

 

[HarryShadow]

Now can someone tell me about "dudesmanship" is that anything like being a swordsman?

It's a sad, sad day for the man's book of terminology!!!