Fighter Pilot Podcast

Have you ever wondered what it takes to keep a 70+ year-old aircraft in the air, who funds its maintenance, or how you could be involved to help keep the legacy of the aircraft, pilots, and maintainers alive for future generations to experience? Well, wonder no more!

On this episode, Ms. Leah Block joins us to discuss the Commemorative Air Force, from where it started, to how it's structured, the aircraft on hand, and the fascinating projects in the works, both in the air and on the ground. Following Ms. Block is Mr. Moreno "Mo" Aguiari, who provides perspective as a C.A.F. member and also discusses his role at Warbird Digest magazine.

During the administrative portion of the show we offer some birthday greetings, announce a special new partnership, and answer a listener question comparing fighter and commercial aircraft navigational systems.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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This time last year we heard from Martin "Opus" Richard who was airborne in an F-15 Eagle over Manhattan during the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01.

This year, on the 20th anniversary of that fateful day, we hear from Tim "Conk" Conklin of the Colorado Air National Guard who was also airborne, only in an F-16 Viper and over Denver and Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado, far from the actual attacks.

While we now understand who was behind those events and the extent of their plans, the fog of war present during the early hours of the attack was almost fatal for "Bob," the unwitting general aviation pilot who took off prior to the attacks and returned only hours later to a much different world...

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The Marines—God bless 'em—have a reputation for making do with whatever equipment, weapons, and tasking that comes their way and, to their credit, usually do a damn fine job accomplishing the mission with whatever they have. This goes for Vietnam-era assault helicopters originally operated by the U.S. Army.

On this episode, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Major Travis "Jayhoon" Denny joins us to explain why the Bell AH-1 Cobra makes such an effective platform for the core Marine mission: supporting the grunts on the ground. As a Weapons and Tactics Instructor and experienced pilot in both the AH-1W and Z models, Jayhoon is well versed on the Cobra's unique capabilities and weapons systems, including the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile.

Listener questions and feedback addressed on this episode include the radars an AGM-88 HARM can target, thoughts on drones and drone pilots, and comments on our previous Tiger Cruise and A-3 Skywarrior episodes.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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Hornet, Eagle, Viper, Tomcat, Tiger, Raptor, Warthog, Moose... we've covered many colorfully-named aircraft here on the show and this week is no different with a discussion on the carrier-based nucular strike aircraft that served mainly in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and aerial tanker roles from the mid-50's well into the 2000's. That's right, get ready for the 'Whale.'

On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Rick Morgan joins us to discuss the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior, formerly known as the A3D which was derisively thought by some to mean "all three dead." Having literally written the book on the Skywarrior, Rick defends the A-3's honor and explains its extensive role in carrier-based operations during a pivotal half century that saw the end of the Cold War.

Listener questions answered on this episode include Top Gun-style tower buzzing in real life, a proposed episode on service academies, and a look at why the Blue Angels wear boom mics instead of traditional oxygen masks.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode is dedicated to the memory of the VQ-2 crew of Ranger 12.

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Not every aircraft can be (or should be) an attention-grabbing 9G fighter or Mach 3 spy plane. Scores of unheralded support planes play vital military roles including the movement of critical supply. Without timely and sufficient beans, bullets, and bandages provided by cargo planes like the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, no military campaign gets far.

On this episode, U.S. Air Force Major Courtney "Voodoo" Vidt joins us to discuss the "Moose" as the C-17 is affectionately known. A weapons school graduate and demonstration pilot, Voodoo knows the ins and outs of this aircraft and the way it is employed in humanitarian and military roles all over the world, even from austere dirt airfields.

Listener questions answered on this episode include a what happens when a higher-ranking non-pilot officer gives a direct order which conflicts with the pilot's actions or decisions, and how crashes of sensitive aircraft are handled to ensure tech secrets do not end up in the wrong hands.

Episode artwork by Janek Krause. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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Before COVID it was common for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers returning from deployment to stop and pick up a thousand or more "tigers." These civilian family and friends enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience of life aboard a carrier at sea, including an airshow unlike anything available back home. In 2003, show host Vincent's two brothers, Kai and Rocky, joined him for a week-long Tiger Cruise aboard USS Nimitz as they returned from an 8-month deployment which included combat operations over Iraq. Think they had a good time? You better believe it.

On this bonus episode we dust off a 2-year-old interview Vincent hoped to re-record due to audio glitches but because of Rocky's recent passing, that is not longer possible. Our producer did his best and some obvious audio issues remain, but it does not last the entire interview and the listener can still learn about Tiger Cruises while enjoying the obvious bond of three loving brothers.

We dedicate this episode to Marcello "Rocky" Aiello, 1968-2021.

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This being our 4th year in podcasting, episodes air on the 4's of each month, but this month the 4th falls on a major U.S. holiday so we're taking a little break. Cohost Boat welcomes Jell-O back to the show following his family setback and the two clear out the phone log.

For those of you who celebrate it, happy Independence Day!

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Some aircraft are, simply put, icons of their era: the Wright Flyer, the SR-71 “Blackbird”, and the F-22 “Raptor”, to name a few. All hold a special place in history and in the hearts and minds of the men and women who flew them or have dreamt about doing so.

On this episode, the last surviving triple ace of World War II, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Clarence “Bud” Anderson (R.I.P.), joins us to tell his story about his experience in one of the most famous icons of World War II: the P-51 “Mustang”. Be sure to check out Bud's book, To Fly and Fight: Memoirs of a Triple Ace.

Former F-16 pilot, and host of The Afterburn Podcast host, U.S. Air Force Major John “Rain” Waters, joins as cohost to lend a hand with his experience with the P-51, tell us about his podcast, and helps answer a listener question on low-altitude fighter formations in the aerodrome pattern.

Episode artwork by Janek Krause based on original photography by Rich Cooper. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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FPP cohost Boat provides an update on a family tragedy involving founder Jell-O. For more information visit FPP Facebook Page.

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The letter S seems to have an outsized presence in the name NASA. Space. True, the space program dominates NASA's media and Hollywood presence but there is a whole lot more to that less well known proceeding A. Aeronautics. From the X-1 which first broke the "sound barrier" to the X-59 Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator, NASA, and its predecessor NACA, plays an important role in flight research flying a dizzying array of military aircraft and one-of-a-kind prototypes.

On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Nils "Thrills" Larson joins us to explain the mission, history, and aircraft of NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center based at Edwards AFB, CA, and how it fits in with other NASA agencies. Episode 22 guest Becky "Wrecky" Shaw returns as cohost to lend a hand and explains how NASA and NOAA collaborate on flight research. 

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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Accomplished author Rowland White stopped by the show to discuss his fifth book, Harrier 809, Britain's Legendary Jump Jet and the Untold Story of the Falklands War.

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Imagine how different the world would be had the 13 American Colonies not declared their independence from Great Britain, or if Adolf Hitler had not been born, or if the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01 never happened. Clearly these were world changing events, but what about a three-day naval battle between the U.S. and Japan in early June 1942? Might that have altered the rest of the war against the Axis, and indeed the Cold War that followed?

On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain Kevin 'Hozer' Miller becomes our first return guest and helps explain the significance of the Battle of Midway. Having conduced extensive research in preparation for his historical fiction book, The Silver Waterfall, Hozer explains the the forces arrayed, the courage widely on display, and how a simple turn right instead of left may have altered the world as we know it today.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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Weasels are small, active predators with long, slender bodies and short legs. As a verb, 'weasel' means to achieve something by cunning or deceit. Replace "legs" with "wings" and both definitions aptly describe the mission of fighter jets seeking out and destroying surface-to-air threats, and the mindset of the pilots tasked to fly them.

On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, New York Times-best selling author, and speaker Dan "Two Dogs" Hampton joins us to explain the Wild Weasels mission, mindset, and aircraft from the role's conception through repeated Middle Eastern conflicts to modern day. Credited with 21 confirmed SAM site kills, Two Dogs gives a master class on the weapons and mindset of this Air Force specialty.

Questions answered on this episode include who provides the training for U.S. Navy F-16 pilots, how married students fare in flight training compared to their unmarried peers, thoughts on age limits for entering flight training, and justification for the introduction of new 4th Gen aircraft like the F-15EX Eagle II.

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One of the perks of living in a modern society is the plethora of institutions that contribute to its citizens' well being. One such organization is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force that searches for and finds lost citizens, provides comfort in times of disaster, works to keep the homeland safe, and educates and inspires tens of thousands of young people to a life of service.

On this episode, Major Roy "Tater" Knight, 1st Lt Jerry "Cookie" Camp, and two young cadets of the California Wing of the Civil Air Patrol join us to discuss this the history, mission, and opportunities for those who participate in the CAP. Since its formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen Airmen has been committed to service to America and, indeed, a former guest and CAP alumnus who went on to a career flying F/A-18s in the Marine Corps returns as cohost.

Questions answered on this episode include the different colors of ink in military flight logbooks, whether the painting of a low-flying F-14 Tomcat kicking up two columns of water is accurate, and whether it is difficult for fighter pilots to calculate all the maneuvers they must make in flight.

Episode artwork by Janek Krause. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez and announcements by Clint Bell.

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Here on the FPP, most aircraft series episodes featuring U.S.-designed warplanes have two-part titles comprised of the aircraft's designation and name, like the recent F-106 Delta Dart or forthcoming P-51 Mustang. So what's up with episode 111?

On this episode, we explore why the General Dynamics F-111 never received an official name in addition to all our usual aircraft series questions, and we do so with our first Australian guests to grace the show: Air Marshal Gavin "Leo" Davies and Air Vice-Marshal Stephen "Mero" Meredith join us from the Royal Australian Air Force. Because of these dignitaries, no announcements or listener questions are covered. 

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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Fighter Pilot Podcast founder and host Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello was recently a guest on the Memories of a Moonbird podcast, hosted by Daniel Scherl.

For those who remark that we learn plenty about FPP guests but don't know very much about Jell-O, here's your chance!

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What do you do when it's not Bomber Month but you have an amazing, single-piloted, four-engine World War II bomber to discuss? You call on your Warbird expert, 'Boat'!

On this episode, Mr. Leon Evans joins cohost Trevor Boswell to explain the oft overshadowed Avro Lancaster. Designed in England and produced in both England and Canada, this unique World War II bomber primarily flew night missions with two-thirds of its fleet being lost to hostile action. Decades later, only two of these iconic warbirds remain airworthy.

Be sure to support the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. If you find yourself in Ontario, Canada, stop by and visit their displays and consider booking a once-of-a-lifetime ride on their Lancaster, 'Vera,' or one of their other amazing warplanes.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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The Soviet Union's 1957 launch of Sputnik was a shock to the West. As a result, U.S. leaders vowed that, from that time forward, the U.S. would be the initiator and not the victim of strategic technological surprises. From that decree came the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or what is simply known as 'DARPA.'

On this episode, U.S. Air Force Colonel Daniel "Animal" Javorsek, the program manager for DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution program, joins us for a master class on technology advancements in warfare and the ongoing efforts to automate air-to-air combat and build human trust in AI as a step toward improved human-machine teaming.

Listener questions answered on this episode include training tracks for U.S. Marine Corps F-35B and C aviators, autopilot functionality on modern fighters, and why we feel it necessary to include a disclaimer on every FPP episode.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Steve "Smokey" Ladd stops by the show via Zoom to discuss his memoir, From F-4 Phantoms to A-10 Warthogs.

Enter to win a free copy of this book here.

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We're taking a pause from our normal routine to catch up on podcast happenings and clear out the listener question bag.

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The 'Warbird Series’ opens with a discussion on the iconic Lockheed P-38 Lightning. Designed by the legendary Kelly Johnson, the Lightning was the only two-engine, propeller-driven pursuit fighter of World War II, and former U.S. Air Force Captain, and WWII veteran, Marshall Hannah (R.I.P.) joins us to explore this distinctly unique aircraft. You won't believe his story of training, combat, and so much more!

Warbird Series host, Boat, answers a listener question on pilot medical readiness, flight surgeon involvement in determining whether a pilot is “fit to fly”, and what kinds of medicinal products fighter pilots may be issued to enhance their concentration.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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It is said that warfare is simply diplomacy by other means. As such, nation-states agree to various customs and laws to govern warfare in an effort to minimize destruction, avoid targeting non-combatants, and maintain other humanitarian and worthwhile practices.

On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain Shannon Kopplin, Judge Advocate General Corps, joins us to explain how the law of armed conflict came about, how it influences modern warfare, and why a known enemy aircraft might be declared a 'bandit' or 'hostile,' based on the rules of engagement.

Listener questions answered on this episode include combat fatigue in recent conflicts, whether downing WW2 V-1 rockets constitute an "aerial victory," details of the previous French-U.S. carrier interoperability demonstrations, and whether we will eventually feature Air Force PJs on the show.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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Author Brad Elward shares details of his latest book, TOPGUN, The Navy Fighter Weapons School: Fifty Years of Excellence, which offers a unique illustrated history of this iconic institution and is a precursor to Brad's 700-page authoritative history on the school, due out later this year.

Enter to win a free, autographed copy of this book here.

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What does a world-renowned, award-winning aviation photographer do when COVID decimates his aviation photography travel company? He reimagines his business and turns to the web to help other photographers be their best.

UK-based Rich Cooper first picked up a camera at age 7 and had one of his photographs featured in a magazine four short years later. Now he offers an online experience that will help others take their aviation photography to the next level through workshops, how-to videos, virtual gatherings, and more.

Want to up your aviation photography game and collaborate with other enthusiasts with similar passions? Sign up for a COAP online membership and follow COAP on Facebook (centreofaviationphotography) and Instagram (@centreofaviationphotography). You'll be glad you did!

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The 'Century Series' concludes with a look at the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. Retired U.S. Air Force Major Bruce Gordon joins us—not as cohost this time but as the star of the discussion on the big brother to the F-102 Delta Dagger that served well into the late 80's. Single engine, mach 2-capable, ground-based data link, and nuclear air-to-air missiles... the "Six" is the quintessential 'Century Series' interceptor.

Listener questions answered on this episode include how far in advance training pipelines are shut down before an aircraft is retired, what goes through a naval aviator's mind when lining up on the catapult, why general aviation aircraft focus on airspeeds whereas military use AOA, and more. Check out Bruce's book Spirit of Attack here.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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The 'Century Series' nears the end but not before an in-depth look at the Republic F-105 Thunderchief. Cohost Trevor 'Boat' Boswell takes the lead on this episode, joined by retired U.S. Air Force Colonel John Morrissey for a discussion on the Vietnam-era fighter-bomber that earned the nickname "Thud" for its high mishap and shoot down rate.

Listener questions answered on this episode include whether fighter pilots incur financial penalties for training mistakes--like notionally downing a fellow good guy or neutral airliner, when the show will begin featuring episodes on warbird fighters, and where nuclear strategic bombers would return after releasing their weapons in the event the Cold War ever went hot.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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The 'Century Series' speeds by with a discussion on the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, a mach 2-capable interceptor designed by the legendary Kelly Johnson. Former Canadian Armed Forces Captain Rob "Flecko" Fleck joins us to explore this distinctly shaped Cold War fighter with guest cohost Bruce Gordon adding his usual color to the discussion.

Listener questions answered on this episode include whether downing an unmanned aircraft constitutes an "aerial victory," why medical requirements differ between the U.S. Air Force and Navy, whether prior military experience is required to become an Air National Guard pilot, if technology renders obsolete second crew members in fighter jets, and more.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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Since there was no F-103 to speak of and we spent episode 100 congratulating ourselves, the 'Century Series' continues this week with a discussion on the North American F-100 Super Sabre. Retired U.S. Air Force Major General Richard Goddard joins cohost Trevor Boswell at the Museum of Aviation in Robbins, GA to discuss this respected and fearsome aircraft. And as usual, our guest cohost Bruce Gordon returns to add some color to the discussion.

No listener questions are answered on this episode due to having a distinguished visitor guest. Concerned listeners may have wondered if their sound systems were failing but the poor audio quality was our fault.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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The 'Century Series' continues with a discussion on the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger. Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Ray Janes (R.I.P.) joins guest cohost Bruce Gordon to discuss this humble early 50's-designed interceptor that was the foundation of the more widely-known F-106 Delta Dart.

Listener questions addressed on this episode include the future likelihood of civilian-owned 5th Gen fighters, loaded jets diverting without ordnance safety pins, keeping static aircraft free from debris at airshows, whether manned fighters will still be a thing a few years from now, and much more.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

We dedicate this episode to Lt Col Janes, 1932-2021.

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The 'Century Series' kicks off this week with a discussion on the McDonnell F-101 Voodoo. Retired Royal Canadian Air Force Major John "Stace" Stacey joins guest cohost Bruce Gordon to discuss this late 1940's-designed interceptor that was once equipped with nuclear-tipped air-to-air missiles and a tactical nuke for a planned one-way mission should the Cold War ever turn hot.

Listener questions addressed on this episode include a challenge on the show's claim that recent guest Caesar "Rico" Rodriguez is the "only man to down three enemy planes in the past 40 years," why the F/A-18 does not start with the single push of a button like the F-35, who decides which Navy squadrons transition to new jets when, and whether external drop tanks and empty rocket pods can be dropped on targets.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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It was a busy holiday season and we want to introduce everyone to former USAF fighter pilot Bruce Gordon since he'll be back to help with the coming Century Series episodes. So enjoy this audio replay of our late-November Happy Hour discussion and we'll be back on the 14th for episode 101 on the F-101 Voodoo!

This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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Most of us, most of the time, focus our energies on where we're going and rarely, if ever, pause to consider where we've been. Not so on this episode of the Fighter Pilot Podcast—it's our 100th! And so we're taking a look back at some of our greatest moments during our three years in show biz.

That's right, on this episode we discuss listener favorite episodes and guests, the most downloaded episodes, shows that surprised you the most, and much more with our usual host Jell-O and a cast of characters you already know and love. Before wrapping up, our friend and podcasting mentor Rob Kibbe returns to help wrap out our look back and then—as has become our annual tradition—helps look forward at the year to come.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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We're taking a break this week and instead replaying portions of our summer 2020 Happy Hour discussion with retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Cesar "Rico" Rodriguez, the real "only man to shoot down three enemy planes in the last 40 years" (come on, Ed Harris, pfft.)

The full video discussion can be found on our found Patreon page and be sure to check out Jamie Hunter's article about Rico at The Warzone.

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Situational awareness is a precious commodity, especially in armed conflict where the 'fog of war' invariably confuses and distracts commanders. Dedicated aerial platforms are vital to collecting the information needed to ensure warfighters have as accurate a sense of the real world as possible. For Naval Aviation, the key enabler in this regard is the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye.

On this episode, former U.S. Navy lieutenant commander and Hawkeye test pilot Jonathan "Gersh" Ulbricht joins us to describe the longest consecutively serving carrier-based airplane in Navy history. And since so much of this platform's mission is based not on the pilots up front but on the flight officers inside, our former Air Intercept Communications episode 31 guest, now-Captain Alan Schiaffino returns to help us understand the Hawkeye from an NFO's perspective.

Listener questions include when we might cover the B-36 Peacemaker, fighter pilot fitness, and why the F-14 Tomcat uses spoilers in lieu of ailerons. If you're into rotary-wing sure to check out The Low Level Hell Podcast.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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Bomber Month concludes with the North American B-25 Mitchell.

This week, Larry Kelley discusses the World War II bomber that was the first to strike the Japanese homeland in the infamous Doolittle Raid of April 1942. Mr. Kelley describes all the usual 'aircraft series' topics and what it took to personally acquire the B-25J Panchito that is part of the Delaware Aviation Museum.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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Former U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight leaders Captains Ryan "Guido" Bernacchi and Eric "Popeye" Doyle join Fighter Pilot Podcast host Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello for a discussion on the team's transition to the Boeing F/A-18E and F-model Super Hornets following 34 consecutive years flying the F/A-18A-D Hornet.

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Bomber Month marches on with our first foreign bomber to be featured: the Avro Vulcan.

This week, retired Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Martin Withers joins us to discuss this British Cold War-era strategic bomber that found notoriety for a long-range strike on an enemy airfield in the opening hours of the Falkland Islands War. Martin was part of that strike and went on to fly a Vulcan at airshows until its final sundown in 2015.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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Here on the Fighter Pilot Podcast it’s once again Bomber Month!

First up this year is the venerable Boeing B-29 Superfortress and joining us is Allen Benzing of the Commemorative Air Force B-29 / B-24 Squadron based in Dallas, Texas. Once an enlisted U.S. Air Force airman, Al worked his way up through civilian flying and is now a Superfortress aircraft commander and instructor for the CAF. Not only that but he knows a thing or two about the B-29's role in WW2 and shares it here with guest host Trevor Boswell.

Check out the CAF's B-29 tour schedule here.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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Surface-to-air missiles, or SAMs, are sometimes also called "flying telephone poles" because of their sheer size. ...whatever you call them, these deadly weapons are widely proliferated and credited with downing hundreds of allied aircraft since their first widespread use during the Vietnam conflict.

On this episode, U.S. Navy Captain and former TOPGUN instructor Thomas "Jethro" Bodine concludes our two-part series on surface-to-air threats with a look at SAMs. We cover types, guidance methods, and countertactics before Jethro regales us with a story of the harrowing night he dodged several SAMs over Iraq in the F/A-18F Super Hornet's combat debut.

Guest cohost "Crunch" returns from last week's AAA episode to help explain SAMs and answer listener questions on survival suits, military—civilian pilot certificate equivalency, and low level routes.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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Buck Wyndham was a junior Air Force pilot when Operation Desert Storm kicked off in early 1991. Learn of his harrowing missions which are chronicled in his new book Hogs in the Sand.

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Anti-aircraft artillery. Air defense artillery. Flak. Ack ack. ...whatever you call it, there is no dispute that the firing of guns, cannon, and artillery at aircraft is a significant threat to said aircraft. Add to that the simplicity, reliability, and proliferation of these weapons and suddenly you have a real concern for military forces.

On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain and former TOPGUN Surface-to-Air Threat and Countertactics subject matter expert Craig "Crunch" Snyder begins a two-part series on such threats with a look at AAA--what it is, the various projectiles, the types of fire, and more.

Cohost "Boat" offers a U.S. Air Force perspective on the subject and helps answer listener questions such as military pilot career progression, the muscle memory challenges associated with returning from an aircraft carrier deployment, nuclear strike in fighter squadrons, and future episode suggestions.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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A short discussion with Dave "Bio" Baranek on his latest book: Tomcat RIO, a Topgun Instructor on the F-14 Tomcat and the Heroic Naval Aviators Who Flew It.

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You might think that by now, in the early 2020's — with advanced satellites and unmanned aerial systems so prolific — that we wouldn't need to go through all the trouble of spending days preparing a pilot for a manned spy mission in the upper reaches of our atmosphere wearing what amounts to an astronaut suit in a plane that enjoys only a few knots between stalling and over speeding. Think again.

On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Michael "Lips" Phillips explains why the 60-year-old Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady remains in such high demand today, often times being tasked at the highest levels of government. As an aircraft series episode, Lips discusses the variants, armament (or not), and performance of this aircraft while also describing what it was like to fly, which began a day before the mission.

Past guest Tra "Fish" Calisch returns as cohost and helps answer listener questions on how search and rescue missions are initiated, whether Air Force aircraft could land on a carrier (they do have tail hooks, after all), and what sounds F/A-18 crews can hear in the jet when on an aircraft carrier flight deck.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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Few aircraft elicit such reverence and respect as those that can be counted on to respond at a moment's notice when a downed aviator or embattled ground unit cried for help. In the Vietnam conflict, the aircraft that provided hours of on-station time with dozens of weapons stations, and was responsible for saving hundreds of lives, was none other than the venerable Douglas A-1 Skyraider.

On this episode, former U.S. Air Force captain George Marrett joins us to cover the usual 'aircraft series' topics and goes deep on the Skyraider's "Sandy" mission in Vietnam, having flown nearly 200 such missions himself. George's extensive experiences are expertly captured in his many books on everything from the Sandy missions to test piloting and even Howard Hughes, which was adapted for the feature film, The Aviator, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Learn more about the Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles, CA here.

Mr. Paul Wood of the Warbird Heritage Foundation returns this week as guest co-host to describe flying his Skyraider and helps answer listener questions on rain intrusion in the cockpit, FOD concerns for jet engines, and service wings insignia.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCarPlace Podcast Network.

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Threats to military forces and infrastructure come from overt enemy actions, terrorist acts, and training accident, but mother nature poses a threat too. Packing the energy of dozens of nuclear weapons, a hurricane destroys almost everything in its path--whether military or civilian. And like any other threat, a clear understanding of the "enemy" is necessary.

On this episode, Lt Col (select) Mark Withee and Capt Garrett Black, both of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and members of the 53d Weather Reconnaissance Squadron based at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, join us to describe the nuances of flying into destructive storms to glean as much information about the storm's path and propensity to intensify. Far from haphazardly flying through a storm, the Hurricane Hunters' specially-modified WC-130 Hercules is perfectly suited for the mission.

Guest cohost Becky Shaw returns to the show to describe NOAA's hurricane flying and answer listener questions such as the impacts of weather on flying close air support, the firing of actual missiles in training, and the etymology of the word "pickle" in releasing air-to-ground stores.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCarPlace Podcast Network.

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A brief discussion on the American Volunteer Group with Sam Kleiner, author of Flying Tigers, The Untold Story of the American Pilots who Waged a Secret War Against Japan.

If you enjoy reading military aviation history, you'll enjoy this great book.

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Martin "Opus" Richard was a Massachusetts ANG F-15 pilot on September 11, 2001. Most of us are familiar with the events of that day and the thousands of lives lost, but what was it like for fighter pilots whose mission it was to stand alert and respond to threats against our nation? Opus reflects on this and the larger meaning of that fateful day.

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We're taking a break after cranking out four episodes for Army Aviation Month in August. Instead, former Air-to-Air Weapons guest and occasional cohost Trevor "Boat" Boswell returns to help clear out some of the many listener questions that accrued.

Ever wonder about Mode 1 carrier landings, what pilots eat before extended overwater flights, and whether military aircraft distress frequencies? All that and more is here in this intermission episode...

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Retired U.S. Navy Commander Guy "Bus" Snodgrass, our former Air-to-Air Mission Planning episode guest, returns to the show to update us on his latest book project: TOPGUN's Top 10: Leadership Lessons from the Cockpit.

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'Army Aviation Month' wraps up with an in-depth look at the lethal AH-64 Apache. CWO4 Tim "Dorothy" Settle of the U.S. Army joins us to discuss this tank-busting helicopter including the variants, armament, performance, crew operation, and more. Designed for the Cold War, the Apache has enjoyed tremendous success in numerous conflicts from Desert Storm to Afghanistan.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by The MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.

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