Last time I checked, military pilots dont maintain their own aircraft. That function is done by a ground crew led by a crew chief who jealously guards his/her turf. And flying aircraft doesnt really translate into understanding the rather odd world of momentum management and short range orbital mechanics required to accomplish an EVA like this. The first instance of this dichotomy was way back on Gemini with Grissom getting in trouble followed by Dr. Aldrin showing the world how to do it.
Those AA figureheads have undoubtedly have hundreds of hours in the pool as the Astronaut Office requires it. They are both allegedly smart. But there's nuthin like experience and intuitive understanding of the physics you're engaged in, along with tactile experience known as “wrenching”.
“. And flying aircraft doesnt really translate into understanding the rather odd world of momentum management “
Flying aircraft is all about momentum management!