How Fighter Pilots Survive Death-Defying Jet Ejections

In TV and movies, a fighter pilot ejecting from their jet comes across as a cut-and-dry procedure. Although it occurs in only a few seconds, ejecting is a complex and violent process that relies on a lot of luck. Even for fighter pilots who successfully eject, around 20% to 30% of them suffer some sort of spinal fracture. We spoke with Air Force veteran Lt. Col. Pete Smith, one of the few fighter pilots who has actually had to eject, to learn what really happens.