HORNETS buzzing across the skyline are an everyday occassion for most Port Stephens residents but it takes more than book smarts and an ability to withstand high G-forces to make a successful fighter pilot.

Wing Commander David Smith, commanding officer of Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit at RAAF Base Williamtown, has been flying for the RAAF for more than 20 years, the majority of that time as a Hornet pilot, and is the man in charge of training tomorrow's F/A-18 Hornet jet pilots.

"I grew up in Brisbane and seeing the Amberley airshows really sparked my interest [in flying]," Wing Commander Smith, who now lives at Corlette, said.

"It's not uncommon to have a 50-year-old fighter pilot. Once you get used to flying every day, it's very addictive."

Two fighter pilot courses are run each year with about eight students per course. All those students have already clocked years of service in the RAAF completing officer training, basic pilot training and mastering the "trainer" jet the Hawk, which is also based at Williamtown. The trainee Hornet pilots fly five to six times a week and log time in the jet simulator.

One of those now circling the skies above the Port is Flying Officer Shaun Hughes, who is part-way through the six-month Hornet pilots course.

FO Hughes, 27, joined the RAAF nearly four years ago after graduating from Newcastle University with a degree in mechatronic engineering.

After a stint at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia where he was awarded his wings, FO Hughes was among the top tier of pilots to be selected to train on the Hornet jets.

"It's hard but I'm enjoying it," FO Hughes said of the training.

"I enjoy going to work everyday. I like it because the guys on the course with me work well together and it's always good to work with quality people."

A big part of training pilots is the use of the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range, which has been the source of controversy recently due to noise complaints by local residents.