The Fighter Pilot Podcast

FPP048 - Panavia Tornado

Wed, 22 May 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Anyone who watched early superhero shows years ago recalls opening scenes where bystanders gawking skyward exclaim, “Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird!…” “It’s a plane!” “It’s…” (…of course, we all know, it’s Superman!).

But when the subject of today’s episode blasts overhead, folks might similarly cry, “it’s a fighter!...” “It’s a deep interdictor striker!...” “It’s a reconnaissance craft!” …Well, which is it?

On this episode, retired Royal Air Force flight lieutenant Cameron Mckay (and his alter ego, “Dangerman”) joins us to explain that the Panavia Tornado is all of those, and so much more. Jointly designed by the UK, Italy, and—at the time, West Germany, the Tornado admirably served these three nations and Saudi Arabia for over four decades, seeing action in numerous armed conflicts. Today, the aircraft is on its way to retirement but the “Fin,” as aircrew lovingly referred to it, is still a favorite.

During the listener question segment Jell-O (Sunshine is away) discusses F/A-18 angle of attack probe contingencies, mission specialization among US Navy and Marine Corps VFA squadrons, and ‘newbie’ yellow shirt considerations.

Opening audio taken from an actual Tornado strike on an Iraqi airfield during the 1991 Gulf War. Opening “attack song” and closing “fighter song” composed and performed by Jaime Lopez. Special thanks to Clint Bell Productions for the bumper announcements.

FPP047 - A-6 Intruder

Sun, 12 May 2019 05:00:00 +0000

They say fighter pilots make movies while attack pilots make history. So, what happens when a former attack pilot writes a book—his first ever—that so accurately and engagingly captures Vietnam combat operations that it ends up on President Reagan’s desk before soaring up New York Times’ best seller charts? That’s right, they make a movie out of it.

On this episode, the Fighter Pilot Podcast is honored to host world renowned author and retired US Navy Reserve Commander Stephen “Cooter” Coonts. With nearly 50 aviation-themed books to his credit—including his out-of-the-gate runaway success, Flight of the Intruder—Mr. Coonts not only regales us with how he came to be such a prolific writer but, oh yeah, continues us along our aircraft series with a detailed explanation of the Grumman A-6 Intruder.

At the end of the discussion Mr. Coonts offers a sneak peek into what projects he is working on next, including a diversion from his typical fictional accounts for his latest work, Dragon’s Jaw, due out May 14, 2019 and available here.

Due to having a distinguished visitor on the show, there is no listener question segment on this episode. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. Episode artwork by Janek Krause.

FPP046 - Blue Angels Transitions

Thu, 02 May 2019 05:00:00 +0000

The US Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Blue Angels, has amazed audiences with incredible aerial performances since their debut in 1946 flying the propeller-driven F6F Hellcat. In the 73 years since, the team has transitioned to the Bearcat and then jets including the Panther, Cougar, Tiger, Phantom II, and Skyhawk. For the last 33 years the team has operated the Hornet. With each new aircraft comes several changes, seen and unseen, to their routine and how contingencies are handled.

On this episode, US Navy Captain Ryan “Little Guido” Bernacchi joins us to discuss the ongoing efforts to transition the team to their future aircraft: the F/A-18 Super Hornet. As the Blue Angels commanding officer during the 2016 and 2017 show seasons, Little Guido is uniquely suited to lead the effort that involves numerous Naval Aviation Enterprise stakeholders and hundreds of simulator hours to prepare the maneuvers and in-flight contingency plans. With an appreciation of the immense behind-the-scenes efforts required, you may never again watch a Blue Angels performance in quite the same way.

Due to the longer interview, no listener questions were addressed on this episode. Bonus segments of co-host Sunshine’s interview with Little Guido are available on our Patreon page.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

FPP045 - F-16 Fighting Falcon

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:05:26 +0000

The Sopwith Camel, P-51 Mustang, F-86 Sabre, and F-4 Phantom II may all be the quintessential fighters of their era, from World War I through the Vietnam conflict. And from Desert Storm to today, few would dispute the aircraft that most deserves to join such an esteemed group is none other than the General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon—better known as simply, the Viper.

On this episode, retired US Air Force Reserve Colonel Mike “T-DAY” Torrealday, who amassed over 4,000 flight hours in nearly every block and variant of the Viper over a 29-year career, joins us to discuss this amazing fighter as a continuation of our ‘aircraft series.’ T-DAY describes the many variants, flight envelope, ordnance inventory, and so much more. Read about the F-16N here.

During the listener question segment, we discuss wristwatches, multi-mission aircraft versus specialized aircraft, and dogfighting the F/A-18 versus other ‘teen’ fighters.

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

FPP044 - A-10 Thunderbolt ll

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 05:00:00 +0000

BRRRRRRTTTTTT!!!

The sound of an aircraft cannon firing is simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying, depending on which side of the barrels a person finds themselves. And while most combat aircraft have featured guns and cannons since the dawn of aerial battle, no aircraft is more known for—or respected for—its gun than the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt ll and it’s tank-busting 30mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon.

On this episode, retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Luke “Supa” Fricke joins the Fighter Pilot Podcast to discuss the purpose-built Warthog—as the pilots affectionately refer to it—and answers all our usual questions featured in the ongoing ‘aircraft series.’ As an added bonus to this discussion for DCS players in the audience five copies of the Enemy Within 3.0 campaign created by team member Baltic Dragon will be given away. Click here to enter.

During the listener questions segment, we discuss aircraft carrier alert postures, officer-enlisted relationships, and the rudder’s importance in ACM.

New episode bumper announcements provided by Clint Bell. Music by Jaime Lopez. Artwork by Janek Krause.

Intermission - Listener Questions

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 05:00:00 +0000

We've been cranking out quite a bit of content lately and need to take a little time off while the kids are on spring break.

So for this week's episode, Sunshine and Jell-O banter a bit before answering a few listener questions. We end with an edited replay of Jell-O's January 9, 2019 appearance answering yet more listener questions on the show Aircrew Interviews.

FPP043 - F-5 Freedom Fighter / Tiger ll

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Everyone recognizes the F-14 as the star of the 1986 hit movie Top Gun, but few can readily identify the Western fighter that acted as the Tomcat’s nemesis—a role it was perfectly suited for and still performs for the US Navy and Marine Corps daily.

On this episode, retired US Navy Reserve Commander Paco Chierici joins us to describe how the Northrop F-5 began life in the 1950’s as the ‘Freedom Fighter’ but became and is now known as the Tiger ll, still flying 60 years later as a capable adversary aircraft. Paco—the mastermind behind the naval aviation documentary Speed & Angels and author of the upcoming novel, Lions of the Sky—not only answers our standard ‘aircraft series’ questions but goes on to tell us about the time he was involved in a mishap in the F-5 that nearly cost him his life.

During the listener question segment, Jell-O and Sunshine opine on why a bachelor’s degree is a requirement to be a military pilot and who would have prevailed had the two of them dueled it out in the skies. Negative G limits, reasons for the Blue Angels’ flight control modifications, and entry-level pay and benefits for military pilots are also covered.

Click here to read the Flying with the Aggressors article mentioned in the interview and check out our Patreon page for bonus content with Paco.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez. Episode artwork by Janek Krause.

FPP042 - F-14 Tomcat

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Of all the fighter planes to ever take to the sky, perhaps none is more recognized, more revered, than the venerable Grumman F-14 Tomcat. Made popular by movies such as The Final Countdown and, of course, Top Gun—not to mention real world heroics off the coast of Libya in the 1980s and Desert Storm in the early 90s—the F-14 is no stranger to attention.

But what was it like to fly? Why is it so big? Why did the A model have one brand of engine and subsequent models another…?

On this episode, former US Navy F-14 pilot and RIO crew Commander Roy “SYFH” Wylie (retired) and Captain John “Cosmo” DePree join us to address these questions and many more—including several listener questions, such as the rivalry between Tomcat and Hornet squadrons, bird strikes around the carrier, the procedures for when a weapon fails to release, and large explosions.

The in depth look at this illustrious aircraft comes just in time for the Heatblur Simulation F-14 release for DCS World. For more information check out the Heatblur website or our DCS SME Jabbers’ YouTube channel.

Bumper music by Slater Aiello of Jam & Slate.

FPP041 - Dassault Rafale

Sat, 02 Mar 2019 06:00:00 +0000

The SEPECAT Jaguar, Vought F-8 Crusader, Mirage F-1, Mirage 2000, Dassault Étendard and later the Super Étendard were all remarkable aircraft designed to do one or two missions well. But what may be most noteworthy about these aircraft is that they were all replaced by just one model: the incredibly-capable Dassault Rafale.

We conduct our first remote interview this week, welcoming Lieutenant Pierre “Até” Chuet of the French Navy who phoned in from the United Kingdom to answer our standard ‘aircraft series’ questions. Até paints a remarkable picture of the one aircraft that replaced so many others and currently serves as the frontline fighter for the French Navy and Air Force, as well as export countries.

During the listener question segment, we discuss the psychology of killing in war, personal camera regulations, left-handed F-16 pilots, and overhead break permissions at the ship. DCS aficionados: keep an eye on our Patreon page for developments and be sure to check out our new team member Baltic Dragon’s Facebook page.

Episode artwork by Janek Krause. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP040 - H-60 (Black / Sea) Hawk

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Few Western aerospace design and manufacturing firms can boast an aircraft so successful that it is flown by every branch of the US military, plus the Coast Guard and dozens of countries, with over 4,000 aircraft being built in dozens of configurations. No, it’s not the Lockheed C-130 Hercules or Bell UH-1 Huey. We’re talking the Sikorsky H-60 helicopter.

Joining us this episode to discuss the numerous H-60 variants (Blackhawk and Seahawk primarily, but also the Jayhawk and Pavehawk) is US Navy Commander Jeremiah Ragadio. “FRANK,” a career Seahawk pilot currently in training to assume a leadership position in a sea-going MH-60R squadron, offers a fascinating look at not only all the H-60 variants, but its armament and performance as well.

During the listener question segment we discuss land-based Navy squadrons, S-3 radio limitations, and aircraft carrier landing F/A-18E/F weight limits and ordnance considerations. Click here to read the latest ‘Musing’ on our website and here to view our inaugural ‘Deep Dive’ video.

Bumper announcements by Jim Hendershot; bumper music by Jaime Lopez. Episode artwork by Janek Krause.

FPP039 - A-7 Corsair ll

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 06:00:00 +0000

In the early 1960’s the US Navy began a program for a carrier-based attack aircraft to replace the A-4 Skyhawk. Two requirements were specified to ensure a lethal platform at the lowest possible cost: accurate weapons delivery and a design based on an existing aircraft. The Ling-Temco-Vought team’s winning proposal, based on Vought’s F-8 Crusader, became the LTV A-7 Corsair ll.

This week, retired US Navy Captain Tom “Demon” Mitchell joins us to describe the single-engine Corsair ll—including the variants, armament, strengths & weaknesses, and more. You’ll be amazed at Demon’s stories, not just of the Corsair ll but of the life and experiences of a career carrier aviator during the tumultuous 60s and 70s.

During the listener question segment, we discuss mishap involvement, faith, the importance of FCLPs, and how improperly dispensed expendables are handled. Don’t forget to check out the SHOP page on our website for Fighter Pilot Podcast-themed apparel and household items.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP038 - S-3 Viking

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 06:00:00 +0000

At the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union fielded a formidable navy—both above and below the surface. In response, the United States Navy required a carrier-based, fixed-wing aircraft with long on-station time and an extensive air-to-surface and -subsurface avionics sweet and weapons capability. The result was the twin-turbofan, high-wing Lockheed Martin S-3 Viking.

On this episode, retired US Navy Commander David “Deke” Slayton joins us to discuss S-3 variants, which weapons it can carry, why it looks the way it does, and much more. And turns out, Deke was an S-3 instructor when co-host Sunshine received his initial fleet training in the Viking—an aircraft he would fly before later transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet.

During the listener question segment, we dig a little deeper into the Mutha trophy, discuss the purpose of exchange programs, talk about the relevance of a gun on combat fighters, stereotypes for military pilots, the need to self-assess before flight, and brushes with death.

Click here to check out Wings Over America and support scholarships for military dependents. To compliment the interview, click here to order Brad Elward’s authoritative book, S-3 Viking in Action.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP037 - F/A-18 (Super) Hornet

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 06:00:00 +0000

What was it designed to do? What does it do well? What ordnance does it carry? Why does it look the way it does…?

…These are a few of the questions retired US Navy lieutenant commander Q “BBQ” Sterling answers while explaining the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet on this, our inaugural ‘aircraft series’ episode. These same questions will be posed to guests in future episodes on a variety military aircraft.

The unique, dual designation fighter and attack Hornet is renowned for its lethality and reliability. The follow-on, larger Super Hornet offers improved systems and avionics, with two additional weapons stations and more “bring back” than its predecessor. Click here to learn more about Brad Elward’s authoritative book chronicling the Super Hornet development.

During the listener question segment, we discuss aircraft selection regrets, aircrew anthropometric limitations, where Sunshine and Jell-O were on 9/11, and what the Mutha trophy is.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP036 - 4th vs 5th Gen Fighters

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Just as humans are broadly generalized as Baby Boomers or Millennials, etc., so too are fighter aircraft lumped into categories—only it has less to do when they are born (or what we would call, IOC) and more to do with various capabilities such as speed, maneuverability, avionics, and weaponry. And what’s more—with upgrades, some aircraft change generations.

On this episode, US Air Force Major John “Skosh” Searcy joins Sunshine on his first solo interview to explain the different fighter categories, from the earliest and least capable 1st generation (or, simply, ‘Gen’) to the modern, highly capable 5th Gen fighters. Much of the discussion centers on the differences between the current slate of 4th Gen fighters (F-15, -16, F/A-18, etc) to the F-22 and, specifically, F-35, which Skosh currently flies as a Test Pilot.

During the listener question segment, we cover cold weather carrier operations, squadron naming conventions, ejection hazards with NVGs, aircraft personality with fly-by-wire, and the connection between the radar and CIT.

Don’t forget to check out our friends at Volatus Wines! Bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP035 - UFOs

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Convinced we're alone in the universe? Think everyone who believes in UFOs is a lot like Randy Quaid’s character, Russel, in 20th Century Fox’s original Independence Day?

Get ready to entertain doubts after listening to this week’s episode with retired US Navy Commander David “Sex” Fravor (you may recognize him from numerous appearances on the 2008 PBS series, Carrier). You’ll be amazed to hear events that transpired off the coast of Mexico in November 2004—events witnessed not just by Commander Fravor but by three other aviators in his flight and several others on subsequent flights.

Cutting edge technology from the AEGIS radar system aboard the USS Princeton, a nearby Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, to the Super Hornet’s radar and TFLIR systems recorded the day’s events. And yet, doubts and questions linger as to what was actually witnessed. The listener will have to decide for him- or herself.

During the listener question segment of this episode, we discuss mid-90’s flight simulators, math formulae used airborne, air intercepts, and IFF use in training.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

Bonus Episode - Year in Review

Mon, 31 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Join Vincent and special guest Rob Kibbe, host of The Musclecar Place, for an intimate look back at the Fighter Pilot Podcast’s first year and what’s coming in 2019.

FPP034 - The Home Front

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Some suggest the most difficult job in the military is not the force recon Marine, nuclear reactor officer, fighter pilot, or even Navy SEAL … but rather the military spouse.

Independent, resilient, and resourceful, military spouses face challenges beyond that of other professions—except without the formal training. Part nurse, part mechanic, occasional therapist, and frequent single parent, military spouses are indeed a unique breed. And despite repeated relocations and extended separations from loved ones, incredibly many spouses manage these and innumerable other challenges while pursuing professional careers of their own.

On this episode, Beth Aiello and Kristen Sinclair join their show host husbands Vincent and Brian for an intimate look at life as a Navy spouse. Fielding listener questions such as how they handle the risks associated with their husbands’ careers, how they cope with deployments lasting up to eight months—especially when children enter the picture, and what it’s like to have to move every couple years, Beth and Kristen offer a sobering look at not only the most difficult job in the military, but arguably the most under-appreciated also.

Opening bumper music “Letters From Home” (Warner Bros. Nashville, performed by John Michael Montgomery) used without permission. Closing bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP033 - The Wingman Foundation

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +0000

If aviation itself is an inherently unforgiving activity, then how much more so naval aviation—which routinely involves formation flying, ship landings, night vision goggle usage and… of course, the enemy? When tragedy strikes—as it frequently does—the US Government cares for family members of the fallen, as well as the parent unit but, inevitably, response times can sometimes be lengthy and expenses can exceed those payable by the government, per law. Oftentimes, the family and squadron need someone to come alongside to provide a little extra help. That’s where The Wingman Foundation comes in.

Founded by three US Marine Corps aviators in 2014, the non-profit foundation strives to “honor the sacrifices of our fallen air warriors and support the families they've left behind.” Retired CWO3 Ricky “Leroy” Savage, USMC, joins us on this episode to describe how the foundation does so, particularly in response to recent high-profile mishaps worldwide. The Fighter Pilot Podcast is proud to announce a partnership with the foundation—helping promote their mission and offering podcast listeners a convenient way to shoulder some of the grief when tragedy strikes.

This episode also features a brief overview of the Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit foundation founded in 1987 that provides “college scholarships to dependent children and spouses of all US Navy personnel—officer and enlisted.”

During the listener question segment, we again address simulators, discuss whether specific dogfighting maneuvers are decided formulaically, and cover how prevalent smoking is among the fighter pilot ranks.

FPP032 - Air-to-Air Missions

Sat, 01 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Sweep, point defense, close escort, high-value airborne asset protection…

These are just a few of the many air-to-air missions modern US fighter pilots may be required to perform in the course of their duties. Each requires significant pre-mission planning to analyze how various constraints and limitations might affect execution.

Here to describe these missions and associated planning factors is former enlisted US Marine, then naval flight officer, now pilot and fighter attack squadron commander—Lieutenant Colonel Mark “SNOTY” Bortnem, US Marine Corps. He offers not only a fascinating explanation of each mission and planning factor, but a sobering overview of the mindset he imbues in each of his pilots.

During the listener question segment we address the importance of simulators, the presence (or not) of aircraft manufacturer representatives on deployment, and how to avoid shooting down the wrong aircraft during a heated, multi-aircraft dog fight.

Holiday-themed bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP031 - Air Intercept Communications

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Taken out of context, Stephen Hawking’s comment, “all we need to do is make sure we keep talking,” does not apply to aerial engagements. In complex and dynamic scenarios with multiple fighter elements on both sides—some closing on each other at well over 1,000 knots—more is not better. Clear, concise, standardized (and minimal) communications are essential to ensure situational awareness and, thus, success.

Join US Navy Commander Alan “Niles” Schiaffino on this episode as we discuss air-to-air fighter engagement communications. As an E-2 Hawkeye NFO and former aircraft carrier operations officer, Niles has a unique perspective on battlegroup communications from the tactical to the strategic. He also answers listener questions on the West’s octal IFF system and foreign intrusion flights.

During the listener question segment, the hosts describe their favorite missions (see Sunshine’s Tomahawk chase flight here) and why some aircraft, such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, have gold-tinted canopies.

Episode artwork by Janek Krause. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP030 - Expendables

Sun, 11 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Advancements in weapons technology and lethality have spawned countermeasures for as long as humans have been warring. With the broadsword came plate armor. For arrows it was shields. And with the advent of radar, infrared tracking, and active missiles—came chaff, flares, and jammers.

On this episode, Utah Air National Guard Major Sean “Bauer” Demeter joins us to discuss the various countermeasures military aircraft employ to defend against surface- and air-to-air threats. Bauer also touches on ANG career paths and fighter squadron deployments to South Korea.

During the listener question segment, we discuss tactical performance tracking methods, whether there was a cover up with Duke and Willy D’s shootdown, why US fifth-generation fighters are only single-seat, and more.

Photo credit: US Air Force. Bumper music: Jaime Lopez.

Intermission - FB Live Discussion Replay

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

A replay of the September 28 Facebook live discussion with retired US Navy Captain Kevin "Hozer" Miller.

FPP029 - Fighter Pilots in Space

Sun, 21 Oct 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Ever wonder why so many astronauts are (and were) former fighter pilots? Could it be that flight training is good preparation for astronaut training and thus acts as a natural selection process? Maybe. Or it could be that flying fighter jets attracts a certain type of person who enjoys challenges, works well under pressure, handles disorienting situations, manages risk, and—most importantly—performs well as part of a team.

The space program seeks these same people.

Climb aboard this episode as NASA astronaut and US Navy Captain Scott “Maker” Tingle describes how his previous career as an F/A-18 pilot and test pilot prepared him for the rigors of the astronaut application process and subsequent training program. Marvel at his account of blasting into space on a Russian-made Soyuz rocket, then spending nearly six months on the International Space Station before returning safely to earth in June 2018—experiences that certainly change anyone’s outlook on life, and our world.

Due to the length of the interview there is no listener question segment on this episode. Original artwork by Janek Krause. Space Oddity cover by Jaime Lopez.

FPP028 - Air Combat Simulation Gaming

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to fly a high-performance military jet fighter but now anyone can enjoy the incredibly realistic air combat simulation platforms available on the market today. From the astonishingly accurate aircraft recreation to the flawless graphics and imagery, air combat simulation is the next best thing for military aircraft aficionados, and without the long deployments!

On this episode, Mr. Matt Wagner of Eagle Dynamics joins us to discuss one of the most popular and most realistic platforms available today: Digital Combat Simulator. We cover how DCS came to be and what’s coming in the future. We also watch as our host Jell-O tries the Lot 20 F/A-18C simulation for the very first time and describes just how close it compares to the real thing (hint: it’s pretty darn close and his two years out of the cockpit really show!).

During the abbreviated listener question segment we address why some squadrons refer to themselves as “World Famous” and how fighters deal with contrails in tactical situations. …and speaking of gaming, if you want something a little more casual, check out Sky Knights created by one of our Swedish listeners.

Episode music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP027 - USS Midway Museum

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 05:00:00 +0000

The Battle of Midway was a decisive US naval victory that turned the tide of World War ll. As a result, the name ‘Midway’ has been assigned to everything from a high school in Texas to an airport in Chicago.

It is also the name of the longest serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century.

Today, the USS Midway continues to serve as a museum on the San Diego waterfront. Hosting thousands of visitors daily, the ship proudly features dozens of static aircraft displays and offers a glimpse of what daily life was like for its crew.

The museum president and CEO, retired US Navy Rear Admiral John “Mac” McLaughlin joins us on this episode to explain not only the ship’s namesake battle and storied half-century of service, but of the deeper meaning of service and sacrifice in our modern, ever-changing society.

During the listener question segment, we discuss whether squadrons undergo specific tactical training based on where they expect to deploy, if shutting down an engine is a viable tactic to save fuel in flight, and whether weight and balance is a constant concern for fighters.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez. Episode artwork by Janek Krause.

Bonus Episode - Facebook Live Listener Question Replay

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000

A replay of the September 19 Facebook Live listener question session with episode 25 guest Mike "BS" Walsh.

FPP026 - The MAGTF

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000

There may be a no more lethal or effective fighting unit than the Marine Air Ground Task Force. Comprised of combat Marines on land, in the air, and from the sea, the MAGTF is equally capable massing its formidable firepower to overwhelm and defeat an adversary as applying its vast resources and logistics network to assist in disaster relief and humanitarian roles.

On this episode, retired US Marine Corps Major and former F/A-18 pilot Darin “Wang” Chung joins us to describe the various MAGTF components including the Air Combat Element comprised of nearly every aircraft in the Marine Corps inventory such as the AH-1, AV-8B, C-130, CH-53, F/A-18, F-35B, MV-22, and UH-1.

Due to the interview length, this episode does not contain a listener question segment. Episode music, 'Everybody Have Fun Tonight,' performed by Wang Chung, Geffen Records. Artwork by Janek Krause.

Intermission - Tailhook Reunion

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Jell-O and Sunshine met up in Reno, Nevada with hundreds of other Naval and Marine aviators for the annual Tailhook Convention and Reunion. It was a great time to get together to not only celebrate life but to discuss different pressing matters at the various panels and meetings held over the weekend event.

This episode is a compilation of updates from past guests and shorts by a few friends of the podcast. We will return to the normal format on episode 26.

FPP025 - Flight School (US Navy)

Sat, 01 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Doctors attend medical school. Attorneys go to law school. …Plumbers acquire the skills of their craft at a plumbing trade school.

So where do fighter pilots get their start? Duh. At flight school, of course.

The US Air Force and Navy maintain discrete flight schools. While they share some aircraft (i.e. the Beechcraft / Raytheon T-6 Texan II) and occasionally exchange students and instructors, the two flight schools otherwise differ in their focus and execution.

We will talk about the Air Force’s school on a future episode but, for this week, join Major Mike “BS” Walsh—the podcast’s first US Marine Corps guest—as we delve into the US Navy flight school from beginning (immediately following commissioning) to end (FRS completion). We discuss the syllabus, aircraft flown, training locations, what it takes to succeed, and what preparation (if any, arguably) students should undertake before attending.

Like med-, law-, and plumbing school, US Navy flight school is lengthy and arduous, but the rewards that follow are well worth the effort.

Due to the lengthy interview, this episode does not feature a listener question segment. New bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP024 - Helicopters!

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Troop transport, MEDEVAC, CSAR, ASW, VERTREP, special operations, ground attack… these are but a few of the many missions rotary-wing aircraft perform for militaries the world over, day in and day out.

But how do helicopters even fly? How difficult is it to fly them? Why do most have two pilots? In the event of total power loss can they glide to an emergency landing like some airplanes? How and why can some helicopters perform aerobatics but not others?

All this and more is discussed on this episode with US Navy Commander and H-60 Seahawk pilot Ron “Chadwick” Martin who schools the podcast host on all things helicopters. And, yes, there are confirmed cases of helicopters shooting down fixed-wing aircraft.

During the listener question segment we discuss military flight operations while transiting allied territory, carrier hopping for airwings and squadrons, and more on drones.

Bumper music and audio clips borrowed from Apocalypse Now (1979, Francis Ford Coppola) and Full Metal Jacket (1987, Stanley Kubrick). Episode art by Janek Krause.

FPP023 - The Distinguished Flying Cross

Sat, 11 Aug 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Besides notoriety, what do astronaut Alan Shepard, actor Clark Gable, aviatrix Amelia Earhart, and president George H. W. Bush all have in common?

Each distinguished him- or herself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

Each acted in the face of danger, well above those actions performed by others engaged in similar flight operations, with results so exceptional as to render them conspicuous among those accomplished by others involved in similar circumstances.

Each of these four brave Americans, and thousands more like them, was awarded the military’s fourth highest decoration: the Distinguished Flying Cross.

On this episode, learn all about the prestigious medal and the organization designed to promote its heritage with guest Chuck Sweeney, retired US Navy Commander and President and CEO of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. Learn how the medal was once awarded to civilians (like Amelia Earhart and Orville and Wilbur Wright) but is now reserved for military recipients. Then find out how Chuck was awarded three DFCs following a particularly harrowing week of combat operations while piloting an A-4 Skyhawk during the Vietnam conflict.

Chuck’s stories, and those of thousands of other DFC recipients like him, are compiled in the riveting book, On Heroic Wings (available on Amazon).

During the listener question segment, we discuss helmet bags, go- / no-go pills, what my very first trap was like, whether I ever met “Lex” LeFon, and whether flying ever became ‘routine.’

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP022 - Test Pilot School

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 05:00:00 +0000

No matter how well designed a military aircraft may be, it will always require extensive testing and evaluation to ensure it performs as intended. And even when it does, sometimes unforeseen complications arise—such as when weapons catastrophically collide with the aircraft after release. This too requires extensive testing. But who performs this testing?

Why, test pilots, of course.

On this episode, US Navy Lieutenant Becky “Wrecky” Shaw explains everything you want to know about the Navy Test Pilot School—who the students and faculty are, what the school’s purpose is, when classes take place, where it all happens, why such a school is necessary in the first place, and how it all integrates together to create flight test experts to ensure military aircraft are safe and effective. We also learn why TPS is a common background of so many of the nation’s astronauts, from the original Mercury 7 to today’s space station inhabitants.

During the listener question segment, learn how the cockpit is set up for a CAS mission, what the limit is for a hard landing on an F/A-18, and whether pilots can customize their flight helmets with their callsigns.

Episode photograph courtesy of the USNTPS Commanding Officer. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP021 - The Real 'Viper'

Sat, 21 Jul 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Few pilots ever have an opportunity to meet an enemy aircraft in aerial battle. Fewer yet come out victorious. And even fewer still—in fact, only one—then go on to be involved in arguably the most influential pop culture aviation film of all time.

That man is retired US Navy Rear Admiral Pete “Viper” Pettigrew.

Climb aboard this week’s episode and hear the harrowing tale of Viper’s shootdown of a North Vietnamese MiG-21 with an untrained RIO in the backseat of his F-4 Phantom. Then learn how he took the call to assist Hollywood as the military adviser to everyone’s favorite flying movie, Top Gun. Think it’s a coincidence that Tom Skerritt’s character—the CO of TOPGUN—was callsign ‘Viper’?!

After the interview we had a little extra time and so answer listener questions such as how likely it would have been in the real world for Maverick’s engine flameout to have occurred by flying through another plane’s jet wash, which cockpit arrangement I liked better between the F/A-18 and F-16, more on aircraft paint schemes, how Approach magazine was regarded, and the defining moment in my career I look back on with the most pride.

Episode art by Gary Meyer. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP020 - After the Cockpit

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Military aviators are generally hard-working, improvement-seeking, self-motivated individuals who are accustomed to working well under pressure, on tight deadlines, and with limited budgets. It’s no wonder they typically find follow on success after leaving the service and very few—if any—end up homeless.

On this episode, retired US Navy Captain Kevin “Hozer” Miller joins us to add his post-military experiences to our discussion on what many aviators do after leaving the cockpit. We discuss the transferable skills that generally lead to success whether they choose the airlines, Wall Street, Silicon Valley, or hundreds of other options.

Hozer also shares his experiences writing two critically-acclaimed fictional novels (with a third on the way) on what squadron life is like aboard an aircraft carrier with amazingly accurate descriptions of ship and combat operations. Click here on Raven One and Declared Hostile to order these books on Amazon and in the process, help support this show financially.

During the listener question segment, we address F/A-18 climb and descent profiles, how deployments take a toll on the home front, lightning strikes, how pilots maintain carrier landing proficiency ashore, and personal weapons carried during combat missions.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP019 - Air-to-Surface Weapons

Sun, 01 Jul 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Today’s combat aviator enjoys a wide variety of munitions from which to choose when attacking surface targets. From free fall general purpose bombs, to laser- and GPS-guided weapons, to glide and forward firing rockets, missiles, and guns—the extensive arsenal is full of complex, yet highly effective ordnance.

Join US Navy Commander Colin “Farva” Price as we discuss how pilots choose which weapons to use against which targets and how ‘collateral damage’ concerns are addressed in recent conflicts. We step through the various weapons employed by the F/A-18 series of aircraft such as Mk 80 and BLU-series warheads, LGBs, JDAM, JSOW, SLAM ER, HARM, Maverick, rockets, and more. We also describe practice munitions used in training before wrapping up with a peek at future weapons coming down the pipeline. And check out the Super Hornet with 10 JDAM!

During the listener question segment, find out what happens when a navy pilot gets fired, what we know about the Top Gun sequel filming, and how military aircraft paint schemes have changed since Vietnam and the tactical significance of aircraft finishes.

Episode bumper music by Jaime Lopez.

FPP018 - Air-to-Air Weapons

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Just as a viper relies on its venomous fangs and a hornet its stinger to deliver a lethal attack on adversaries, so too do modern combat fighter aircraft depend on guided missiles and cannon fire to engage aerial foes.

But what guidance methods do missiles use? How difficult is it to effectively employ the gun on a non-cooperative target? And how far, exactly, can the AIM-120C AMRAAM be employed against a non-maneuvering fighter-size target when both the shooter and target are at Mach 1 and above 30,000 feet?

…okay, we don’t answer that last one. In fact, for the die-hard technology and tactics buffs out there—fair warning: we avoid specific details because, more so than any other topic yet discussed on this show, information on air-to-air missiles is jealously guarded to maintain an advantage against potential foes.

Join our first US Air Force guest, Major Trevor Boswell, as we discuss the AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and M-61A1 Vulcan Cannon—weapons common to all US ‘teen-series’ fighters. We discuss guidance methods, employment considerations, and how we employ (and simulate employing) these weapons in training.

During the listener question segment we discuss training with foreign forces, whether a fear of drones is warranted, and if it is common to still see unfamiliar faces among a carrier crew of 5,000 sailors several months into deployment.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez; fighter communications found on YouTube. Episode photograph by Eric Larson. Book your trip at Call the Ball Simulators in La Mirada, California here.

FPP017 - Desert Storm MiG Kill

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 07:00:00 +0000

We've all heard 'war is hell.' But this week on the Fighter Pilot Podcast, we hear it from a new perspective: that of a young pilot, new to the fleet and the F/A-18, who finds himself fighting far from home in the fog of war, on the heels of the death of a beloved squadron mate.

Climb aboard as retired US Navy Captain Nick "Mongo" Mongillo tells the riveting story of his downing an Iraqi MiG-21 on day one of Desert Storm. Live the experience as you hear the actual in-flight audio, then dissect it to learn what each call meant then, and how times have changed now.

Visit the show's CafePress site for cool FPP merchandise. Episode intro and outtro bumper music by Jaime Lopez, announcements by Jim Hendershot. The Hornet's First Victory album art by Mark Styling.

Bonus Episode - FB Live Listener Question Replay

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:32:52 +0000

A replay of the June 5 Facebook Live listener question session with episode 5 guest Fitz "Dud" Lee.

FPP016 - The Airboss

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 06:00:00 +0000

On this episode, retired US Navy Vice Admiral Mike "Shoe" Shoemaker, whose last tour on active duty was Commander, Naval Air Forces, joins us to discuss the current state and future of naval aviation. We touch on several high-level strategic issues and spend several minutes answering listener questions.

Opening and closing bumper music provided by Jaime Lopez (www.rantam.com)

FPP015 - Night Carrier Landings

Mon, 21 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

On this episode, US Navy lieutenant commander and former landing signal officer Tra Calisch joins us to wrap up our 5-part mini-series on aircraft carrier operations with a discussion on what is universally agreed upon to be the single most difficult feat of aviation: landing a high performance jet aircraft on an aircraft carrier at night. We also discuss marshaling and arrival procedures and what happens when the ship starts pitching up and down in rough seas (hint: it isn't fun).

In the listener question segment I explain what survival gear is in an F/A-18's ejection seat pan, why aircraft fuel levels are measured by weight instead of volume, and what was my favorite aerial tanker to refuel from--among other topics.

Check out our YouTube playlist for a few examples on night carrier landings.

FPP014 - Day Carrier Landings (part 2)

Fri, 11 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Meatball – lineup – angle of attack.

Nothing matters more to a fixed-wing naval pilot during the final 17 seconds of a landing on an aircraft carrier than those three parameters. But what is a “meatball”? Why is lineup so important and why does it require continuous corrections to maintain? What happens if the landing aircraft’s angle of attack is too far off one way or the other?

This week, US Navy Commander Jack “Farva” Curtis returns to answer these questions, and much more, while wrapping up our discussion on daytime carrier landings begun in episode 13 (and in fact, if you have not listened to that episode you will certainly want to do so prior to consuming this one).

Next week, we will wrap up our carrier operations mini-series with what even astronauts say is the hardest thing they have ever done: night landings.

FPP013 - Day Carrier Landings (part 1)

Tue, 01 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Landing a high-performance jet aircraft on an aircraft carrier is arguably the most difficult and challenging task any pilot will ever face, and it is what distinguishes US Naval aviators from all other military aircrew. In what effectively amounts to a “controlled crash” onto the flight deck, a 44,000-pound aircraft traveling 140 mph engages a 1.5-inch steel cable and is brought to a halt in less than 200 feet. The feat requires the combined efforts of hundreds of sailors above and below decks, and the assistance of fellow pilots to ensure the pilot landing does so safely.

The fact that they do—hundreds of times a day somewhere around the world—is a testament to their skill and professionalism.

On this episode, US Navy Commander Jack “Farva” Curtis, EA-18G pilot and former air wing landing signal officer, joins us to begin a discussion on the procedures and equipment involved in daytime carrier landings. We discuss the “Case 1 stack” and aircraft arrival procedures, as well as the arresting gear cables and equipment involved in bringing an aircraft to a (relatively) uneventful stop. Check out our YouTube playlist for a compilation of videos showing some of the people and equipment involved.

The listener question segment this week is a replay of a recent Facebook Live session with episode 1 guest Brian “Sunshine” Sinclair, who returns to help explain what a ‘VX’ squadron is, why the US Air Force is dealing with pilot shortages, and whether “compartmentalization” is a trained skill.

FPP012 - Aircraft Carriers (part 2)

Sat, 21 Apr 2018 08:00:00 +0000

This week we continue where we left off the previous episode with US Navy Captain Eric Anduze: discussing what the various flight deck jersey colors mean and then how a catapult launch works--including the hardware that makes it possible and what happens in an emergency.

If you missed Aircraft Carriers part 1, definitely go back and listen to episode 11 before listening to part 2. Next week we will talk about daytime landings on these massive floating cities. Stay tuned!

FPP011 - Aircraft Carriers (part 1)

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 07:00:00 +0000

The nuclear-powered American aircraft carrier: the largest, most lethal warship to ever sail the high seas. And the U.S. has eleven of them, each equipped with a myriad of combat aircraft--together they can cover 2/3 of the earth's surface and strike most of the remaining third, all in the name of enforcing freedom of navigation on the world's seas and implementing America's resolve anywhere it is needed.

This week, on the first installment of a multi-part series exploring aircraft carriers and air operations on them, former USS Carl Vinson 'Big XO' Captain Eric, "Pappy" Anduze, US Navy, joins us to explain just how big these carriers are, how fast they go, and how operations safely take place in the hangar bay and on the flight deck.

In the announcements section we touch briefly on the recent spate of fatal mishaps in the U.S. and introduce our new Patreon page, which offers exclusive content to this show's cherished supporters (and a big shout out to Mikko Veijalainen and Bill Horvath for leading the charge!). During the Q&A segment we discuss whether a passion for aviation is required to be a fighter pilot, the different visors aircrew wear, more callsign questions, and how aircrew (male, specifically) "take care of business" in flight.

Stay tuned for more on aircraft carriers over the next several episodes!

Intermission - FB Live Q&A Highlights

Sun, 01 Apr 2018 07:00:00 +0000

We've been at it pretty steadily since launching on January 1st and the kids have been on spring break this past week--so we're taking a little pause from our normal programming routine. However, we didn't want to go completely dark so here are highlights from the two Facebook Live sessions that took place earlier this month. If you already caught those then there's nothing new here, although they are lightly edited for content and relevance.

FPP010 - Maintenance

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 07:00:00 +0000

When we observe military aircraft in flight--be it at an airshow or during the flyover of a sporting event--most of us, most of the time, think nothing of the immense behind-the-scenes costs and effort required to make and keep those aircraft flying. From normal servicing and upkeep to the repair or replacement of major aircraft components, the required resources can often reach dozens of man-hours and tens of thousands of dollars per flight hour, especially as technologically-advanced military aircraft age.

Here to help us understand these costs, on this episode, is Major Dave "Chucky" Chown of the Royal Canadian Air Force. As our first non-US guest, Dave spends a few minutes sharing details on the RCAF and some of its missions before diving into a thorough discussion on aircraft maintenance, with the F/A-18 Hornet as the main reference. Prepare to be amazed at the resources you never knew were required, and forever change the way you observe military aircraft in flight.

FPP009 - Vietnam Ace

Sun, 11 Mar 2018 08:00:00 +0000

On May 10, 1972, US Navy lieutenants Randy "Duke" Cunningham and Bill "Willy D" Driscoll launched from the aircraft carrier Constellation in an F-4 Phantom, callsign Showtime 100, on what should have been a "routine" flak suppression mission over North Vietnam. Instead, the strike force was jumped by dozens of enemy fighters and in the ensuing melee Duke and Willy D downed their third, fourth, and fifth MiGs, becoming the Navy's only aces of the conflict. But the eventful missions was far from over as Showtime 100 never made it back to the "Connie...."

Hear the rest of Willy D's captivating story along with the lifelong lessons he drew from both his combat experiences and subsequent interviews with dozens of other air combat aces around the world. Then find out how he turned those lessons into riveting talks and presentations to improve the performance of a variety of audiences from TOPGUN classes to Fortune 500 executives.

FPP008 - Aircraft Nomenclature

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Ever notice that a B-52 Stratofortress is a bomber, an F-14 Tomcat is a fighter, and a T-45 Goshawk is a trainer? What a coincidence!

...well, not really. And it's also no coincidence either that we call the Chinese J-8 fighter and Russian Tu-160 bomber the FINBACK and BLACKJACK, respectively.

On this episode, retired US Navy lieutenant commander Josh Larson helps explain the alphanumeric naming conventions used to describe US, European, Russian, and Chinese warplanes. Be sure to stick around until the very end of the episode, after the flyby, to learn the designation of the airplane we all know as Air Force 1.

In the announcements we mention the Wings Over South Texas airshow featuring the US Navy Blue Angels at NAS Kingsville, March 24-25, 2018. During the Q&A segment, listener Wolfgang from Germany asks whether anyone has ever stolen a military jet for a short trip. Click here to read about the time a young US Marine decided to take an A-4 Skyhawk out for a joyride--at night!

FPP007 - TOPGUN vs Top Gun

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 06:15:32 +0000

TOPGUN – aka the US Navy Fighter Weapons School. An institution that develops and provides graduate-level strike-fighter tactics.

Top Gun – A 1986 American romantic military action drama motion picture starring Tom Cruise.

Although they may sound the same and the latter is loosely based on the former, the fact is TOPGUN the school and Top Gun the movie otherwise have very little in common. But that's okay--a movie based too closely on how things really are would be mind-numbingly boring!

On this episode, US Navy Commander Andy Mariner, the TOPGUN commanding officer, joins us to describe how the school came to be, how it operates today, and what it's like there for both students and instructors.

FPP006 - Pulling Gs

Sun, 11 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000

On this episode, US Navy aerospace operational physiologist Commander Susan Jay explains how flying high-performance jet aircraft takes a toll on the human body.

We discuss pulling Gs, air sickness, decompression sickness, trapped gas, and spatial disorientation.

Check out the FPP006 - Pulling Gs playlist on our YouTube channel for footage of pilots struggling to control G forces in a centrifuge.

FPP005 - Aerial Refueling

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, retired US Navy Captain Fitz "Dud" Lee explains how and why military aircraft refuel in flight, and which aircraft are capable of doing so.

Why also share a few "sea stories" of how managing aerial tankers is vital to aircraft carrier flight operations.

FPP004 - Ejection Seats

Sun, 21 Jan 2018 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode we take an in-depth look at ejection seats: a brief history, how they work, how aircrew inspect them before flight, and why--in multi-place aircraft--it is important to have the 'Eject Select' switch in the proper position.

Our guest wraps the discussion with a riveting description of the time an ejection seat saved his life from a doomed F-14 Tomcat.

FPP003 - Flight Clothing and Equipment

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 00:14:51 +0000

In this episode, US Navy Lieutenant Commander Aaron "Vern" Vernallis explains the flight clothing and equipment F/A-18 aircrews wear in flight. We go inside-out, bottom-to-top, discussing flight suits, boots, g-suits, torso harnesses, survival vests, helmets, and more.

Hard to visualize on a radio show? Yup. Check out our 5-minute YouTube video where Vern demonstrates donning the gear we discuss on the show.

FPP002 - Callsigns

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 05:10:22 +0000

On this episode, US Navy Captain Brian “Ferg” Fergusson and I talk callsigns–those whimsical, often juvenile nicknames many military aviators go by instead of their real names when flying and on the ground.

Only in the movies do fighter pilots end up with cool callsigns like “Viper”, “Iceman”, or “Maverick”. In the real world, callsigns are generally plays on names (e.g. “Notso” Sharp), reflective of a pilot’s physical resemblance to some well-known character (“Shrek” Olsen), or the result of a mistake the pilot made at some point in his or her career (“Skids” Pennington). Callsigns are at times derogatory, and frequently not politically correct, but they are almost always funny.

Ferg and I discuss how callsigns are assigned, whether they ever change, and why it’s actually a good thing when a new fighter pilot despises a newly-assigned callsign.

FPP001 - What is a 'Fighter Pilot'?

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 14:00:00 +0000

In this inaugural episode of The Fighter Pilot Podcast, US Navy Commander Brian “Sunshine” Sinclair and I sit down to answer the question, what is a ‘fighter pilot’? We discuss what a fighter pilot is, some characteristics typical of most fighter pilots, and the various paths to become one.

We also debunk cliché Hollywood stereotypes while discussing what a fighter pilot is not.

Towards the end of the show we discuss a few of the jets used in civilian organizations, including the F-21 Kfir and Hawker Hunter flown by ATAC, and the Super Tucano. Click on each to learn a bit more.

FPP000 - Introduction

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 03:57:28 +0000

Welcome to The Fighter Pilot Podcast!

In this short initial episode, I introduce myself and explain how and why this show came about. I also describe a few features of the show—expected frequency, length, episode structure, and more.

Much of this information can also be found on the website’s About page.