Meet the Pilots

Meet the F-35 Test Pilots

The elite voices behind the most advanced fighter in the world.

Ever wondered what it’s like to fly the world’s most advanced fighter jet? Go behind the visor with our elite F-35 Lightning II test pilots as they push the jet, and themselves, to the edge of innovation. They are aviators with thousands of flight hours, unmatched skill and nerves of steel. They don’t just fly the F-35. They shape it.

From stealth and speed to sensors and survivability, every capability is tested, tuned and perfected by this world-class team. Their feedback drives upgrades. Their instincts fine-tune performance. These pilots fly into the future, so our warfighters can dominate it.

Get to know the team powering the next generation of air superiority. 

 

Meet the Pilots

Shark
"SHARK"


SHARK has 11 years of experience flying the F-35, along with 14 years flying other platforms.

Fun Fact: In 2010, I was the 4th US Air Force pilot, and 14th person overall to fly the F-35.

 

Bundy
"BUNDY"


BUNDY has 11 years of experience flying the F-35, along with 28 years flying other platforms.

Fun Fact: I have completed 4 Ironman Triathlons.

 

siren
"SIREN"


SIREN has 4 years of experience flying the F-35, along with 19 years flying other platforms.

Fun Fact: I am fluent in American Sign Language.

 

Puff
"PUFF"


PUFF has 13 years of experience flying the F-35, along with 24 years flying other platforms.

Fun Fact: I believe I am the only person to have flown in the P-38 Lightning and the F-35 Lightning II.  This is also unique since my Grandfather flew P-38’s during WWII.

 

Hooch
"HOOCH"


HOOCH has 11.5 years of experience flying the F-35, along with 12 years flying other platforms.

 

Brick
"BRICK"


BRICK has 12 years of experience flying the F-35, along with 27 years flying other platforms.

Fun Fact: I love to cook – I make a phenomenal Osso Bucco served over Risotto alla Milanese.

 

Bobbitt
"BOBBITT"


BOBBITT has 8 years of experience flying the F-35, which is the only tactical platform he has experience in.

Fun Fact: I was an extra in Top Gun: Maverick.

 

Cujo
"CUJO"


CUJO has 1 year of experience flying the F-35, along with 27 years flying other platforms.

Fun Fact: My father taught me how to walk...and fly!

 

Dutch
"DUTCH"


DUTCH has 7 years of experience flying the F-35, along with 19 years flying other platforms.

Fun Fact: There's a street and subway station in NYC named after my late relatives. 

 

 

Pilot POV

Learn more about the F-35 fighter jet from the perspective of the pilots who fly it everyday:
f-35 pilot helmet

 

From high-speed maneuvers to cutting-edge tech in action, this story gives you an exclusive look at how the F-35 stays ahead of tomorrow’s threats.

Read the full story now and experience the F-35 like never before.