Well in the series he expert in driver destroid crane and mover. And from what I heard all mech controller in Macross are universal standard , which means Hayate already expert in VF Battleroid mode. Only he need to learn how to fly fighter. At least in Delta Movie more realistic as Hayate ALREADY newly joined Xaos and trained pilot before setting start.
Like how Alto able to take control VF-25 using Civilians student EX Gear as he did mention control system are universal standard.