Mon, Feb 07, 2011
'Magic' Buus: "I Think The Fleet Is Going To Love This
Airplane"
After a series of extensive ground and simulator training
events, Lt. Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus completed the first flight by a
U.S. Navy test pilot in an F-35 on Thursday.
F-35C File Photo
"The flight was very enjoyable and went off without a hitch,"
Buus said. "I'm very blessed to be on this program, and it's a
testament to the designers and engineers that this airplane flies
so well. I'm looking forward to getting a few more hours, helping
the team knock out test points, and delivering this airplane to the
warfighters. I think the fleet is going to love this airplane."
"This is a great milestone for the Navy and naval aviation,"
said Vice Adm. David Architzel, Commander of Naval Air Systems
Command. "Having Navy test pilots flying the future of the fleet is
a testament to the unique skill set provided by our test pilot
school here at Pax River. Technology has come a long way, and our
test pilots today are doing a great job getting the technology and
capability out to the front lines."
The F-35 flight control and pilot interface is designed to
reduce workload through automation and integration, allowing the
pilot to focus on warfighting. For new Navy and Marine Corps test
pilots at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, advanced flight
simulators provide test pilots the ability to complete their first
F-35 flights solo, a first for naval aviation, and will be the
model for F-35 pilot training for the fleet.
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