Stay ConnectedThe Fighter Pilot Podcast explores the fascinating world of air combat: the aircraft, the weapons systems, the emerging technologies, and most importantly—the people.
Most episodes feature a guest who helps explain military aviation topics such from Vietnam shoot down stories to how AI is changing air combat.
If you love the roar of a high-speed flyby or are enamored by the poise and confidence of the brave men and women who fly, fix, and fight these amazing aircraft, then this show is for you!
Copyright: © E. Vincent Aiello, 2018
'Army Aviation Month' kicks off with a look at U.S. Army policies, programs, and aircraft--including the little-known fleet of Army airplanes--with CWO5 Aaron Nance of the Washington Army National Guard.
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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We're taking another break this week as we prepare for 'Army Aviation Month' coming up in August. Instead, enjoy this discussion with Mr. Jeffrey Brain (R.I.P.), a former RAF fighter pilot who flew Hurricanes and Mosquitoes against the Japanese in World War II.
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Every conflict has its quintessential fighter: in World War II it was the P-51 Mustang. The F-4 Phantom symbolizes the Vietnam conflict and in Desert Storm it was the F-15 Eagle, arguably…. Well, there’s no argument about the iconic fighter of the mid-50’s Korean War—it’s unquestionably the North American F-86 Sabre.
On this episode, retired U.S. Air National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jim “Skinny” McLennan, who piloted many aircraft over a 30-year career from the F-84 to the F-100 and later the A-10, joins us to discuss his favorite: the F-86. Skinny expertly covers our usual ‘aircraft series’ topics while Mr. Paul Wood, last week’s intermission guest and founder of the Warbird Heritage Foundation, returns as guest co-host to help us better understand the Sabre.
Listener questions addressed include fighters escorting rescue helicopters, the 2008 PBS Carrier series, the apparent demise of toy fighter planes for kids, the various titles for Naval Flight Officers, and more. Read about the F-100 that inadvertently shot down a B-52 in 1961 here.
Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.
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We're taking a pause this week and replaying a recent Patreon 'Happy Hour' discussion with Mr. Paul Wood, founder of the Warbird Heritage Foundation. Paul owns (and flies!) an impressive array of notable aircraft from the P-51 Mustang to the A-1 Skyraider to the A-4 Skyhawk.
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When aircraft designers and military planners sought a simple way to extend the range, increase the payload, and lengthen the endurance of combat aircraft, they may have been inclined to consider a host of various technological solutions. In fact, the best way to accomplish these endeavors is through aerial refueling with big wing tankers like the KC-135 Stratotanker, KC-10 Extender, and forthcoming KC-46 Pegasus.
On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mark “Sluggo” Hasara joins us to discuss the history, practical applications, and strategic implications of big wing tankers. As a 25-year veteran with over 5,000 flight hours in the KC-135, Sluggo literally “wrote the book” on big wing tanking and was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Air Force tanker Weapons School. Be sure to check out his Wall Pilot Facebook page and bonus content where Sluggo spends another 52 minutes answering listener questions.
Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.
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When you think of 4th generation fighters designed in the late 70’s, which aircraft come to mind? Likely the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon for starters, perhaps the F/A-18 Hornet, and for Eastern designs—probably the MiG-29 Fulcrum. But don’t forget the many great 4th gen fighters designed in Europe, many still operational today, such as the Dassault Mirage 2000.
On this episode, Mathieu “Matéo” Carbon—formerly a French Air Force fighter pilot and now host of the 9Gs podcast—joins us from Hong Kong to discuss the usual ‘aircraft series’ topics on the Mirage 2000 and helps answer listener questions, including the lowest altitude he ever flew (hint: it was below sea level!).
Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.
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Disrupt /disˈrəpt/ verb — to interrupt an event, activity, or process by causing a disturbance or problem. …Modern aerial combat is a challenging, fast-paced, three-dimensional chess match that requires each side to be on their game. One way to improve the odds of victory is to disrupt your opponent’s plans and systems, and one of the best ways to do that is in the electromagnetic spectrum.
On this episode, U.S. Navy Captain Dave “Mini Me” Kurtz joins us to talk tactical electronic attack based on his career flying the EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler. We discuss what EA is, how it works to disrupt the enemy’s kill chain, and some planning considerations. Mini Me even answers a few listener questions on the subject.
Episode artwork by Janek Krause. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.
Thanks to Thrustmaster for Sponsoring this episode.
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The MiG-21 Fishbed. There may be no more recognizable, mass produced, widely proliferated, iconic, enduring fighter jet in existence or throughout history. With more than 11,500 produced and at one time operational in 60 countries on four continents, incredibly this 65-year-old fighter is still in widespread use today.
On this episode, retired Indian Air Force Air Commodore Suren “Bundal” Tyagi joins us to discuss this legendary aircraft—not just the numbers but how effective it was, what it was like and how the pilots who flew the MiG-21 enjoyed it. And Bundal would know, having amassed over 4,000 flight hours and several combat missions in the Fishbed.
Returning as guest cohost to help explain the MiG-21 is episode 60 guest and former squadron mate with Bundal, Harsih Masand, who helps answer listener questions about the stinger on the back of Flanker aircraft, whether the future of air warfare will be ultra-long range or within visual range, and whether AC-130s operate from unprepared airfields.
Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.
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The excellent book 'Harnessing the Sky' chronicles the life and adventures of aviation pioneer and early test pilot Fredrick "Trap" Trapnell during the tumultuous years leading up to World War II and then the transition to jets immediately following.
Trap's granddaughter Dana Trapnell Tibbetts joins us on this bonus episode to discuss the book she co-authored with her father. You can watch a presentation she gave on the book and her grandfather here.
Sign up for a chance to win a free autographed copy of the book here. If you enjoy Naval Aviation history, you'll love the book 'Harnessing the Sky!'
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The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, are a Canadian icon comprised of Canadian Armed Forces members and National Defence Public Service employees—pilots, technicians, mobile support operators, resource management support clerks and more—working as a team to bring thrilling performances to the public. The Snowbirds demonstrate the high level of skill, professionalism, teamwork, discipline, and dedication inherent in the men and women of the CAF and inspire the pursuit of excellence wherever they go.
On this episode, former RCAF F/A-18 pilot and two-time Snowbird LCol Robert “Scratch” Mitchell joins us to describe the ins and outs of this amazing team, including the exhausting and sometimes unglamorous life on the road between shows. Scratch doubles as co-host this week and answers a few listener questions specific to his experiences and what he sees as the future for the Snowbirds.
Bumper announcements by Clint Bell. The Royal Canadian Air Force March Past was performed by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.
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