alfadriver wrote: In reply to WildScotsRacing: Just out of curiosity (on this interesting tangent) at what point in that training did the other pilots "wash out" and become C47 or some other kind of pilot? And I assume that bomber flight training was totally different- since they are multi engine.
Generally, the aircraft classification a pilot was ultimately assigned to was determined by the instructors about half-way through Advanced training in the AT-6. By that point, it become obvious which students had the right combination of aggressiveness, subtlety of control, and sheer stick-and-rudder talent (all of which were further honed by instruction into fighting skills) to be a good fighter pilot. The rest still completed the AT-6 sylibus because that airplane is so danged good at making you a better pilot, but were sent to other types for operational training.