Reply #8: Probably easy money for an experienced 757 driver or any commercial pilot.

[Old and In the Way]

But I'm pretty sure the Hans Hanjour that we've come to know couldn't have done it. I've set/saved the parameters in MSFS2002 (777, cruising speed- 450kts @ 7000 feet, approaching from the WSW approx 5 minutes from Washington, DC). I used the approach that has been published on the 'net.

It always takes me many attempts to finally hit the Pentagon. It takes a combination of banking, air brakes, throttle, flaps, etc.....and it is quite easy to destroy the airframe in mid-flight. I've died a few horrible deaths that way :-).

The angle that 77 hit the Pentagon is particularly difficult because it requires an extreme tight bank over Reagan Airport to get any shot at lining up for that bearing. Thing is, trying to hit on that bearing, dropping 7000 feet, gives you no room for error. I've never gotten a hit from that angle...the closet I've come is from a direction straight on over the helicopter pad.

I guess he could have been 'lucky', but given his Cessna skills, I really doubt he was the pilot that managed to pull it off.