This is a small glitch so don't get mad if it's fixed with a patch.(still working with me though)
Ok if you have this high level pilot and you want to save him you need good timing. When the craft is getting shot at and it loses all it's life and starts to fall, use the draging select box on the craft and select it. You will not really select it but instead you will hear the pilot say "ejected!" and see him paradrop to safty. It takes a little practice but it's a usefull little glitch when your being USA.