Ejection Lessons from an F-35: Insights from Lt. Col. Tyler Shaver

Update Understanding the F-35 Ejection Incident The upcoming EAA Aviation Museum Speaker Series promises to offer insights into a high-stakes moment in aviation history with Lt. Col. Tyler Shaver's recounting of his emergency ejection from an F-35 during a training flight gone awry. As a seasoned pilot with a diverse military background, Shaver brings a wealth of experience, having moved from flying the F/A-18 variants to the cutting-edge F-35C. Critical Decision-Making in a Crisis Shaver’s experience of having seconds to decide whether to eject underscores the intense pressure pilots can face. In a mere 23 seconds during a hover maneuver, he had to contemplate multiple ejection attempts as critical systems failed. “You go into making sound decisions at the appropriate time based on the information available,” he explained. This highlights the importance of procedural knowledge and confidence in the aircraft's systems, which are vital not only during emergencies but throughout a pilot's career. As evidenced by the recent incident involving Col. Charles “Tre” Del Pizzo, such split-second decisions can be the difference between life and tragedy. Del Pizzo's aircraft continued to fly without him for more than 11 minutes, leading to widespread scrutiny and complexity surrounding the concepts of pilot error and aircraft reliability. Lessons Learned: Knowledge, Confidence, and Faith During his presentation, Shaver plans to share key takeaways from his harrowing experience: knowledge, confidence, and faith. “There's a certain level of knowledge for us as pilots, crucial whether you’re flying a Cessna 172 or a $110 million fighter jet,” Shaver noted. He emphasizes the necessity of understanding not just the aircraft, but also the ejection seat systems and their limitations—something that has proven pivotal in past incidents where time was of the essence. A Broader Context: Ejections and Aircraft Reliability Shaver's talk also opens up discussions about the recent F-35B ejection experienced by Col. Del Pizzo, which resulted from a series of mechanical failures compounded by adverse weather conditions. Investigations into that incident revealed significant issues with pilot training and system failures that led to his ejection. The complex interplay of human factors and equipment reliability is a central theme in aviation safety discussions today. Reflecting on these incidents, many experts advocate for improved pilot training that includes scenarios involving equipment failures and emergency procedures to better prepare aviators for high-pressure situations. Future Steps: Navigating Aviation Risks and Challenges For aspiring pilots, the EAA Museum's Speaker Series is an invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the unpredictable nature of flying advanced military jets. Shaver’s discussion of risk management and emergency preparedness is essential for future aviators, highlighting the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and adaptability to enhance safety and performance in challenging situations. Join Us for the Discussion On November 20 at 7 p.m., don’t miss Lt. Col. Tyler Shaver's enlightening talk. The speaker series is more than just a recounting of a near miss; it's a window into the complex world of military aviation, where every second counts and where knowledge, confidence, and faith play crucial roles. Follow the EAA's programming for more insights and stories from the aviation world—this is an event aviation enthusiasts won't want to miss!