On 06 Feb 2004 22:10:24 GMT, (BUFDRVR) wrote:

do you think fighter and bomber pilots (in
general) have a completely diffferent mindset in regard to the final
missions of a tour? I know they're different breeds to begin with

I've often heard this, and I have trouble believing it. Usually the "fighter
pilot" lable is defined as agressive, unshakeable and highly skilled (someone
correct me if that's not the generalized definition). I know numerous bomber
pilots (and navs!!) that meet that criteria and some fighter pilots who do not.
The only difference in plying our unique trades is that my "wingmen" fly in the
same jet with me.


BUFDRVR

Absolutely! Read the chapter in When Thunder Rolled, titled "Pilots
Flying Fighters". I learned long ago that "fighter pilot" is a state
of mind. The day I stood on the ramp at Edwards enroute to another
base and watched a B-52 come down initial and fly an overhead pattern,
I said, 'that guy is a fighter pilot'. Similarly, I've known a lot of
folks over the years who had the assignment, but weren't fighter
pilots--simply pilots who flew fighters.

I do like your "generalized definition" though.


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
Smithsonian Institution Press
ISBN #1-58834-103-8