NASA's Jupiter-exploring Juno spacecraft is scheduled to launch atop an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Friday, August 5 at 11:34 am ET.
Some fortunate pilots get the opportunity to live out their inner Maverick in a transport jet. Sometimes, it's done with prior practice and planning; sometimes, not so much.
Once in awhile, it happens; but all flight decks are staffed by two equally trained and highly capable pilots, removing any cause for concern by the public.