they were rated as incompetent buffoons.
That's not quite true.
"Atta began flight training on July 7, 2000 and continued training nearly every day. By the end of July 2000, both Atta and Shehhi did solo flights.
Atta earned his private pilot certificate in September, and then he and Shehhi decided to switch flight schools. Both enrolled at Jones Aviation in Sarasota; however, both took training there only for a brief time.
They had problems following instructions and were both very upset when they failed their Stage 1 exam at Jones Aviation. They inquired about multi-engine planes and told the instructor that "they wanted to move quickly, because they had a job waiting in their country upon completion of their training in the U.S." In mid-October, Atta and Shehhi returned to Huffman Aviation to continue training.
In November 2000, Atta earned his instrument rating, and then a commercial pilot's license in December from the Federal Aviation Administration.[15]"
Yes, it's from Wikipedia but it's backed up by sources, as indicated.
I've learned something today. Some of them were more qualified than I originally thought.
And they managed to hit their targets on the first try with such precision that it puts all other airliner pilots to shame? Yeah, riiiiight.
If you know how to use a yoke (covered at low level) and know how to set and maintain a heading (also covered at low level) then flying an aircraft into a large target in good weather conditions isn't the most difficult task in the world. If a private or commercial pilot can't do that, then only god knows how they got qualified! Sure, if it was an Airbus and not a Boeing, it could be different because Airbuses use a sidestick as opposed to a yoke. Though, I can't really comment further on that because I have no experience with Airbuses. (not that it really matters here anyway)
Just in case you're interested, I've attached two photos. One of the Cessna 172 cockpit, and one of a 767.
Cessna 172:
Boeing 767:
The outlines are a little rough but here's the key:
Green: Essential controls and/or instruments (See similarities?)
1. Yoke
2. Rudder
3. Instruments (Speed, Artificial Horizon indicator, Altitude, Heading etc etc)
Red: Essential controls and/or instruments (Requires some further study as it's not covered at PPL level)
4. MCP (Used to engage/disengage autopilot. Also used to set altitude, heading and air speed while auto pilot is engaged.)
5. Throttle quadrant. On the right of it, you will see the lever use to set the flap position.
Blue: Redundant controls and/or instruments (Functionality not needed/used for said case)
6. Radio stack. This is used for tuning into radio frequencies. It's also used for setting a Squawk code. (Unique identifier used by ATC)
7. EICAS displays. This shows things like the engine temperature, performance, thrust rating etc etc. Any reported problems appear on these screens too. While important, these are not directly needed for the purpose of changing altitude, setting & maintaining a heading or for manoeuvres.
8. This is a navigational display. It shows the same data as shown on number 3. Very useful as they provide enhanced clarity. (they're turned off in the photo) That said, the terrorists probably used the backup gauges (3) instead as that's what they would have been more familiar with.
Not shown: Overhead panel of 767 (Functionality not needed/used for said case)