I believe one of the Marine "pilots" identified as being there, being picked out of a picture line up, was actually a Corporal stationed at Quantico. Don't know if that's the gospel or not.
I do know the Lead Blue Angel was relieved early in the season and hounded for a year before being cleared and allowed to finish the second season. He was denied promotion to Captain, which he eventually received
well after he retired.
One of our airline's pilots was on active duty at Cherry Point in the timeframe of Tailhook and tried to take an ATP checkride at the appropriate FSDO. The FAA rep told him naval aviators did not meet the morals clause and she would not give the checkride. He went to the manager who profusely apologized and saw to it he was administered the ride. Even though I watched Tailhook from the sidelines it was definitely painful.
I do know the Lead Blue Angel was relieved early in the season and hounded for a year before being cleared and allowed to finish the second season. He was denied promotion to Captain, which he eventually received
well after he retired.
One of our airline's pilots was on active duty at Cherry Point in the timeframe of Tailhook and tried to take an ATP checkride at the appropriate FSDO. The FAA rep told him naval aviators did not meet the morals clause and she would not give the checkride. He went to the manager who profusely apologized and saw to it he was administered the ride. Even though I watched Tailhook from the sidelines it was definitely painful.