Ask pretty much any F-16 pilot who transitioned from another fighter and they will tell you they were behind the aircraft for at least the first 100 hrs in the plane and they did not become truly proficient until 3-400 hrs.
the pilots could perform several “relatively technical” maneuvers, including landing ..........................
The evaluating USAF instructors had between 1500-2200 hours in F-16s.
I have a co-worker who is retired Air Force. He once told me learning to fly any of the jets isn’t difficult. Mastering the weapons systems effectively and efficiently under high stress is what’s difficult and pilots wash out at.
So true you don’t just jump from a MIG29 to an F16. I think its about a 6-12 training period.