The fielding of automated flight controls and weapons systems in fighter aircraft from 1950 to 1980 challenged the significance ascribed to several of the pilots' historical skillsets, such as superb hand-eye coordination--required for aggressive stick-and-rudder maneuvering--and perfect eyesight and crack marksmanship--required for long-range visual detection and destruction of the enemy. Highly automated systems would, proponents argued, simplify the pilot's tasks while increasing his lethality in the air, thereby opening fighter aviation to broader segments of the population. However, these new systems often required new, unique skills, which the pilots struggled to identify and develop.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- The myth of the fighter pilot -- Sabres over Korea : "Every Man a Tiger" -- Phantoms over Vietnam : The "GIB" -- Eagles over Nellis : "A Fighter Pilot's Fighter" -- Conclusion.