They "fly" machines, in which they are riding.

Oops! Did it again. They "maneuver" multi-million dollar airplanes, in which they are sitting.

Damn. "Sitting" is also passive. Here we go again. They "control" the flight surfaces of the heavier-than-air craft which are taking them straight into the face of the enemy with the goal of inflicting all manner of damage and returning home safely with themselves and their airplane intact.

Oh, s--t! That "returning home safely" didn't happen. OK - They "pilot" their craft into harm's way and return.

Oops. Didn't return. Plane a total loss. Well, it's tough to be PC according to neocons. Now these are the people who talk about "surrender", the "death tax" and other slurs on the English language.

Ironic.

Arf