What makes a flying ace?

A flying ace, fighter ace or air ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The exact number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an ace is varied, but is usually considered to be five or more.

What determines a flying ace?

The term 'ace' is generally taken to mean any fighter pilot credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft. Lone aerial combat provided an outlet for acts of personal bravery. The aces were seen as chivalrous heroes engaged in honest and impressive one-to-one fighting.

Who was the last flying ace?

50 years ago, between May 10 and August 28, 1972 Captain Richard “Steve” Ritchie, Reidsville, NC 's native son, became the only United States Air Force pilot to achieve Ace status (*). He will likely be the last.

Does the US have any ace pilots?

American Fighter Aces Association is a non-profit organization which recognizes the 1,450 combat American pilots (referred to as Aces) who have had five or more aerial victories in combat.

Who is the highest fighter ace of all time?

Erich Alfred Hartmann (19 April 1922 – 20 September 1993) was a German fighter pilot during World War II and the most successful fighter ace in the history of aerial warfare.

What's An "Ace" Pilot?

Who was the deadliest pilot in history?

Erich Hartmann is the most successful fighter pilot of all times – with 352 kills. A number that will never be surpassed. His nickname “Bubi” means “little boy” – and it's easy to find out why he was called like that. He was also called “The black devil”.

Who is the oldest living fighter ace?

In 2013, Anderson was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. He turned 100 in January 2022. Anderson's hometown Auburn honored him with a grand celebration. He is the last living American triple flying ace of WW2.

Are there any female ace pilots?

From these emerged the world's only female fighter aces, Lydia Litvyak and Katya Budanova. Born in Moscow in 1921 Lydia (or Lilya) Litvyak began piloting light aircraft at the age of just 15.

How many kills for ace pilot?

A flying ace, fighter ace or air ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat.

Who has the most kills as a fighter pilot?

While serving in Germany's Luftwaffe in World War II, Erich Hartmann flew more than 1,400 missions in the Messerschmitt Bf 109, enabling him to score an astonishing 352 kills.

Who is the American pilot with the most kills?

Known as the “Ace of Aces,” Major Richard Ira Bong is credited with the downing of an impressive confirmed total of 40 enemy aircraft. Top Image: Major Richard Bong courtesy of the US Air Force.

How many Ace pilots are there currently?

The American Fighter Aces Association currently recognize 1,442 fighter pilots as Aces.

What fighter jet has the most kills?

F6F Hellcat

Hellcats were credited with 5,223 kills, more than any other Allied naval aircraft.

Who was the best pilot ever?

What is the hardest pilot rating?

The airline transport pilot (ATP) is the most advanced pilot certificate one can obtain, and it's necessary for those who want to fly commercial airliners for a living.

Do ace pilots get a medal?

Background. This medal is a bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medal presented to the American Fighter Aces in recognition of their heroic military service and defense of our country's freedom throughout the history of aviation warfare.

Are Blue Angels TOPGUN pilots?

Some current and former Blue Angels pilots have gone through TOPGUN; however, it is not a prerequisite.

What is a triple ace pilot?

Triple-ace in a day

To achieve this a pilot must have destroyed 15 enemy aircraft in a single day. This has been achieved by only five pilots, all from the Luftwaffe: Hans-Joachim Marseille shot down 17 Allied fighters in three sorties over North Africa on 1 September 1942.

Has an F 15 been shot down?

“The lore of the F-15—its' got 104 air-to-air kills and it's never been shot down in combat,” said Lt.

What are female pilots called?

Women pilots are called "aviatrices".

What are female fighter pilots called?

Women pilots were also formerly called "aviatrices" (singular "aviatrix"). Women have been flying powered aircraft since 1908; prior to 1970, however, most were restricted to working privately or in support roles in the aviation industry. Aviation also allowed women to "travel alone on unprecedented journeys".

Who was the youngest ace?

On June 19, his 55th mission and first as an element leader (which meant he was in the shooting position), he made his first kill. His fifth victory came on June 30, 1953, making him a flying ace. He was the USAF's 36th ace and the youngest ace of the war at 24 years and 4 days.

When was the last dogfight?

According to Smithsonian Magazine, the last ever dogfight occurred in 1969 over Central America between Honduras and El Salvador. With that said, the aerial tactics used during WWII are still considered by many to have won the war.

Which country has best fighter pilots?

Greek pilots are frequently voted by their NATO counterparts as being the best in the world. It is recalled that Squadron Leader Anastasios Andronikakis was named NATO's best pilot in 2021. The 'best warrior', Andronikakis, is the one who NATO fighters would like to have by their side in a situation where necessary.