Snowbird wrote:

I can tell the difference between someone who is in over their head
and someone who isn't. It is obvious on the radio, just like you heard
with that other aircraft.


Well, I guess my point is, it was obvious to one controller

Yep, the one not being trained.


-- but
not to the first controller, and not to me.

I wouldn't think so.



Seems like cause for a bit of "benefit of the doubt" in the air,
to me.

There are other factors too. Is he flying a single engine like a 172 or
a cherokee? Does he sound young or old, etc?