USAF F-16 Demo Pilot Removed

[Gary]

They were only making a big deal last week, as she was the first female solo demo pilot.

Viper Demo Team friends and family, please see a message below from the 20th Fighter Wing commander.

I removed Capt. Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team yesterday, because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team.

I know that loss of confidence is a common response from the Air Force, whenever someone is removed from a command position, and I think it’s important to understand why we take this approach.

We have thousands of Airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect. As good people, like Capt. Kotnik make mistakes, I want them to have the opportunity to learn from them without being under public scrutiny, and to continue to be a part of this great service. They’ll be better for the experience, and in turn, we’ll be better as an Air Force.

In these types of situations, I never forget that we’re dealing with real human beings, that I care deeply about, and that we are charged to take care of. This will be a difficult time for Capt. Kotnik, but she’s surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way.

It was exciting to have the first female demo team pilot here at Shaw, but I’m also just as excited about the many other females that are serving with great distinction across our Air Force. I’m proud to serve with them, and I’m inspired by them. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East.

Maj. Waters, last season’s Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. We’re looking forward to another amazing season with this team.

Col. Derek O’Malley
Commander, 20th Fighter Wing

https://www.facebook.com/ViperDemoTeam/

[rh226]

What a two-faced so-and-so.

He says "without being under public scrutiny", but posts this on Facebook.

Regardless of what she has done, the poor woman is now going to go through Hell.

[Thunder]

Until all the details are known it's hard to pass any judgement on anyone involved. The Colonel must have his reasons and I would imagine that any kind of press release weather it be through the papers or in this case social media would have to go through the proper channels and meet with approval from above.

[ColintheCaterpillar]

What a two-faced so-and-so.

He says "without being under public scrutiny", but posts this on Facebook.

Regardless of what she has done, the poor woman is now going to go through Hell.

Yep. Not the best statement ever.

[wolfie138]

it's the Facebook of the Team, it's entirely fair an explanation is given there.

lol at "going through Hell". if that makes her go through Hell she has no place being a fighter pilot.

[Agent K]

it's the Facebook of the Team, it's entirely fair an explanation is given there.

lol at "going through Hell". if that makes her go through Hell she has no place being a fighter pilot.

And you base that statement on your experience as a fighter pilot?

[ColintheCaterpillar]

it's the Facebook of the Team, it's entirely fair an explanation is given there.

lol at "going through Hell". if that makes her go through Hell she has no place being a fighter pilot.

Do you know what the issues were? Any disciplinary or workplace competence issue you hope would be personal-in-confidence, and certainly not to be released to the public.

For a country so good at PR, the USAF has failed massively here.

[stuie492]

This had to turn into a plane spotter knowledge death match lol...... She was removed from command simple as that

[ColintheCaterpillar]

This had to turn into a plane spotter knowledge death match lol...... She was removed from command simple as that

Who said all of us were spotters.

You've hit the nail on the head though; that's all the press release needed to say. Instead the supervising officer decided to do the press release equivalent of unzipping his fly and waving the contents of his pants around.

[Nighthawke]

Pathetic - is that the best accusation you can come up with? It may not be the British way of doing things but it is the American way. Open and honest instead of hiding behind smoke and mirrors.

[ColintheCaterpillar]

Pathetic - is that the best accusation you can come up with? It may not be the British way of doing things but it is the American way. Open and honest instead of hiding behind smoke and mirrors.

We’re you referring to my post as pathetic?

I don’t think personal disciplinary information needs to be in the public domain.

[Thunder]

Unless of course you’re the face representing the AF and very much in the public eye, which she was.

[Vulcan74]

Like any job, but especially in this case if you not up to par then the powers that be will have to let you go!!. Whether a pilot or train driver.