6 minutes ago, HappyDaze said:

Let's ask Russel K from Independence Day.

Or the neo-cavemen from Battlefield Earth that learned to fly Harriers in no time.

Yes, because Independence Day is known for it's dedication to real world accuracy in it's avionics 100% accurate in every way...yep

10 minutes ago, KungFuFerret said:

I think a better comparison would be to ask if the Air Force, upon learning that you've flown a prop plane for a few years, would give you just a cursory level of training before flying a jet fighter. Since that is the real world comparison most often used for these star wars vehicles.

Definitely a better comparison. On this we agree.

9 minutes ago, HappyDaze said:

Let's ask Russel K from Independence Day.

Or the neo-cavemen from Battlefield Earth that learned to fly Harriers in no time.

Russel Casse was a Vietnam War Veteran who served as an F4 fighter pilot before becoming a "Crop duster". So he actually did have fighter jet experience prior to the events of ID4.

1 hour ago, KungFuFerret said:

Yes, because Independence Day is known for it's dedication to real world accuracy in it's avionics 100% accurate in every way...yep

So, very much like Star Wars then.

the T-16 is basically a trainer craft. much like the T-38. so it is more along the lines of letting a guy who has extensive experience flying a trainer aircraft take part in a battle for survival. And the book talks about them testing him in a trainer first and him doing well.