A Pilot's View

Boeing test pilot Steve ‘Bull’ Schmidt is a calm, cool and collected man, traits just off the production line, to determine if the new aircraft can safely do what they were designed to before the military customer takes delivery. “Flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet is the culmination of a lot of work that their efforts and the team overall.”

Schmidt has made more than 400 including the T- 45, F- 15, T- X and F/A-18. The next jet to be added to Schmidt’s extensive aviation resume? The Block III Super Hornet! I’m really excited to see what the nextgeneration Super Hornet can do,” he said. “As a pilot, I’m most looking forward to seeing how the conformal fuel tanks and advanced cockpit system operate in the skies. Those two capabilities are game-changers for US Navy pilots.”

capability upgrades that include enhanced network capability, longer range, reduced radar signature, an advanced cockpit system and an enhanced communication system. The 6,000 hours to 10,000 hours.

Schmidt began flying the F- 14 in 1984 for the US Navy. He retired from the Navy after 20 years, which included completion of the Naval Test Pilot School and Naval Fighter Weapons School, or Top Gun. Between the military and Boeing, Schmidt says years, but still relishes his profession.