Former Harrier pilots must relearn instincts to master the F-35 on carriers

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 is training pilots to land the F-35B on amphibious assault ships after the Corps retired its last Harrier squadron. Pilots accustomed to the Harrier’s three-control system—direction, throttle, and nozzle lever—find the F-35’s automated hover and speed-control functions counterintuitive, often reacting with movements that make the aircraft accelerate. Maj. Travis Theimer, who logged nearly 700 Harrier hours, described the transition as “unlearning” muscle memory and emphasized repetitive practice to master the new hover approach.

Lt. Col. Michael Jones likened the change to moving from a unicycle to a bicycle, noting that while the F-35 simplifies basic flight tasks, it demands pilots process far more tactical data. The aircraft’s ability to conduct air-to-air, air-to-ground, and networked missions expands the Marines’ capabilities but also adds cognitive load for pilots still adapting to the platform.