Marine pilots face major adjustments switching from retired Harriers to F-35s

The short version

• Marine Corps pilots transitioning from the retired Harrier jump jet to the F-35 must actively unlearn ingrained flying instincts and muscle memory.[Business Insider]
• The service retired its final operational Harrier squadron this year, requiring experienced aviators to switch platforms.[Business Insider]
• Officers report that former Harrier pilots often struggle with landing deceleration, initially accelerating and climbing over pads in the F-35.[Business Insider]

Key facts

• The Marine Corps retired its final operational Harrier squadron this year.[Business Insider]
• Pilots transitioning from the Harrier to the F-35 must unlearn deeply ingrained instincts and muscle memory.[Business Insider]
• Maj. Travis Theimer reported that former Harrier pilots typically accelerate and climb over the landing pad during their initial F-35 deceleration attempts.[Business Insider]
• Lt. Col. Michael Jones likened the aircraft transition to moving from riding a unicycle to riding a bicycle.[Business Insider]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Marine F-35 pilots who switched over from the Harrier jump jet have had to unlearn almost everything they knowBusiness Insider metered