So There I Was

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Accidental Fighter Pilot Episode 114 Jul 04, 2024

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Hold on to your hats, because this week on So There I Was, we've got a guest who’s practically done it all. Fig and RePete are thrilled to welcome Paco to the cockpit as he takes us through his incredible journey from becoming a Navy Attack Pilot to soaring through the skies as a Navy Fighter Pilot. Ever wondered what it's like to stare death in the face and live to tell the tale? Well, Paco's got a hair-raising story about a near-death experience in an F-5 that'll have you on the edge of your seat. And let's not forget the cherry on top – how he scored his own 'private parking spot' on Kemo's six-o'clock! (Yes, you heard that right – we're talking about a dogfight to remember). So, buckle up and prepare for some high-flying hijinks, close calls, and plenty of laughs as Paco joins us for an episode that promises to be as thrilling as it is hilarious. Tune in to hear Fig and RePete navigate through Paco's wild ride in the sky and find out why he's the talk of the town – or should we say, the talk of the tarmac! Don't miss it – Episode 114 of So There I Was is taking off now!

Is That A Trick Question? Episode 113 Jun 27, 2024

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Cory Crowell, a former curator at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, joins us to share some of the many encounters he had with legends of history and aviation. From General Jimmy Doolittle to Neil Armstrong and even our friend from Episode 54, Brian Shul, Cory delivers the human side of these legendary aviators and his encounters with them during his 20 years at the museum. Join us to hear these amazing and heart-warming tales of people who made history as Cory makes some of their history more personal and real. Ray Crowell, Master Modelmaker, and his Ryan B-5 on display in the museum. 1981. WWII ace, Blue Angel CO, and interim museum Director. 1953, 1980. Ray Cormier Ray Cormier Astronaut Wally Schirra demonstrated the redesigned hatch on Apollo VII. 1968. Father, Ray Crowell, founder and 20-year supervisor of the museum's Model Shop. 1980 My father, w/ trophy from the Air Force, & Atlas base activation crew. 1962. Mercury astronauts Wally Schirra[L] and Alan Shepard enjoy a beverage at one of our museum fundraisers. Neil Armstrong filming in our Wright Flyer diorama. 1991. I loved painting 'nose art', the flags on the Spirit of St. Louis was my favorite project. [Detail: the circular area on British Honduras is the diameter of a quarter! Still wearing helmet/goggles: 30 years old, flying out to the 'Connie' for my first arrested landing. [Inset: 9 yrs old] (L-R) Museum President Bill, volunteer Josef and Ada Winkler, my father, Ray, and Larry, Josef's mentor. My first biplane ride, Merced, CA. I was 9

It's All Combat Episode 112 Jun 20, 2024

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Spook joins us to talk about becoming a Marine pilot, Reuniting with Fig after 37 years, Flying the Hornet in the Marines and the Royal Australian Air Force. Find out why he chose the Marines over the Air Force and the Navy. Find out how he got his callsign. Learn that he has video proof that HE was the one to shoot down a drone tractor. Hear how he placed in a race he wasn't even in. Find out why he was grounded on his 1000th hour in the Hornet - and why he became the Supreme Commander of Marine Forces, Northern Australia. All this and more in a great week with another great aviator!

That Escalated Quickly Episode 111 Jun 13, 2024

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Th is Kemo's hat-trick show as we comes to tell us all about flying CAS (Hint - It's NOT about Close Air Support!)Flying Contract Air Services is a job most of us aren't aware exists - What a waste! And a myriad of other subjects... try 'n keep up!

Pulled the Handle! Just Not Very Hard Episode 110 Jun 06, 2024

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In this episode, we delve into our experiences in the Marine Corps and aviation tales, prompted by guest Dan of the excellent Danger Close Podcast. Subscribe to that show here: Danger Close Reflecting on how military service shaped us, we share stories of fallen comrades, challenges faced in emergencies, and the unique focus of the Danger Close podcast on war films. From Marine Corps values and leadership qualities to aviation missions and the intricacies of air traffic control, we explore the impact of perseverance, leadership, and the importance of staying calm under pressure in these roles. Discussing the attention to detail in war films, we analyze examples like "Saving Private Ryan," balancing historical accuracy with entertainment value. Expressing gratitude for veterans and service members, we conclude with reflections on military portrayals in media and extend an invitation for further discussions on air traffic control and war films.And for a bit of extra from Dan, look at SoThereIWas.us/Patreon to get exclusive extra content, like Dan telling about what happened in the Control Tower the day Asiana 214 Crashed in San Francisco in 2013.

We’re Not Ready You Idiot Episode 109 May 30, 2024

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This week on "So There I Was," join hosts Fig & RePete and special guest Dan from the "Danger Close Podcast" as they embark on a thrilling exploration of a Marine Air Traffic Controller's life turned podcaster. Experience firsthand the intense challenges of boot camp and the critical responsibilities within an Air Traffic Control Tower where every decision is crucial. In this special collaboration episode, we delve into the gripping realities of Air Traffic Control (ATC). Discover jaw-dropping stories, including an unprecedented verbal confrontation that's been kept secret until now. Ever wondered how a single word can flex as a noun, verb, adjective, gerund, participle, and exclamation? Tune in to learn how ATC professionals master the art of communication under pressure! Plus, do you recall the Asiana Flight 777 incident at San Francisco Airport in 2013? Curious about what really happened in the control tower during that crisis? We've got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look just for our Patreon supporters. Visit our Patreon page at [https://sothereiwas.us/patreon] for an insider's view during a major airport emergency. Buckle up for a riveting journey into the world of air traffic control—it's going to be an unforgettable ride!

It's a Lot Like Yesterday Episode 108 May 23, 2024

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Join us on this week's episode where we sit down with Bill "The Weatherguy" Korbell, a man who’s forecasted everything from monsoons in Thailand to the less-than-perfect day for a presidential flight. Starting off his career in the sweltering heat of 1960s Thailand with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Bill was the go-to meteorologist briefing for Operation Bolo, which aimed to outsmart the nimble NV MiG 21s that were giving our bombers a hard time. But as winds do, they shifted unexpectedly, and a last-minute change in orders rerouted Bill's life straight to Washington D.C. There, among his high-flying duties, he briefed missions for none other than Air Force One. Ever wondered how a small slip-up in weather forecasting could lead to an unforgettable podcast title? You’ll chuckle as Bill explains the mishap that inspired this week’s episode title: "It’s a Lot Like Yesterday." Post-Air Force, Bill didn’t just hang up his barometer. No, he soared into the world of radio and TV, where he managed to snag a ride in the Goodyear Blimp, Air Force One and flew with the Blue Angels—talk about a career high! Now, grab your aviator glasses and tune in. Bill’s about to share some sky-high tales and invaluable insights on aviation weather that might just save your next flight from being a washout. Buckle up—it’s going to be a thrilling ride with Bill, where every cloud has a silver lining! US Space Force Logo Turbulence Bill & Sal in their Cirrus LtCol Bill Korbel, USAF 1st Lt Korbel Thailand 1966 General Robin Olds USAF I got to fly the Goodyear Blimp Cirrus hit this metroliner A Ride with The Blues

Bad-Assery & Jack-Assery Episode 107 May 16, 2024

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Join us this week for an engaging conversation with Isaac G. Lee, author of "Hangar 4." This groundbreaking book is the first to detail the Marine Corps' CH-53E "Super Stallion" operations during Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Known by his call sign "Whisky," Lee provides a fascinating look at his illustrious career. His journey begins in Quantico’s dense forests and progresses to leading a CH-53 squadron. His experiences are detailed through personal journal entries. Lee offers a unique insight into the challenges of flying the Marines' largest helicopter in support of combat missions. His stories combine sharp humor with steadfast professionalism. For exclusive content, visit our Patreon page at https://sothereiwas.us/patreon. Enjoy a gripping story about a 'near-death' encounter involving a lucky mule! Your support helps us deliver special content exclusively for our patrons. May 8, 2005, Two CH-53 from Marine Heavy Lift Squadron 465 sit on the flight line of Al Asad, Iraq as a fire from the base dump illuminates the sky. (USMC photo by Cpl. Alicia M. Garcia) U.S. Marine Maj. Isaac G. Lee, Operations Officer, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), transports a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook for transport while piloting a CH-53 E Super Stallion during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP), undisclosed location, Afghanistan, March 20, 2011. HMH-461 performs TRAP missions in order to retrieve U.S. Armed Forces equipment and conduct investigations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Ricardo A. Gomez/FOUO).

Flying the “B-one” Episode 106 May 09, 2024

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This week buckle up with Grease as he takes us on a high-flying journey through his storied aviation career. From zipping across skies in sleek Saber-Liners and Lear Jets to commanding the formidable B-1 Bomber and the elusive U-2, Grease has done it all. He dives into the thrilling early days of the B-1 and reveals the sky-high challenges of piloting the U-2—like pre-breathing oxygen just to sidestep the bends and enduring nine-hour flights in a cockpit so tight, scratching your nose becomes a daydream. With over 5000 flight hours and a staff tour under his belt, Grease's tales are nothing short of aerial adventures. Fasten your seatbelts—it’s going to be an exhilarating ride!

Halfway Around the World in 40 Days Episode 105 May 02, 2024

Show notes

This week's guest, KK, hails from East Germany—back when the Berlin Wall was more than just a memory. Believe it or not, flying was nowhere on her radar until one fateful birthday in her 40s when she was gifted a sightseeing flight that quite literally propelled her into the skies. From the second that engine roared to life, KK was smitten. She wasn't just hooked—she was lassoed by the thrill of flight! Her newfound passion took flight, launching her through a whirlwind of background checks, mastering English, countless flight lessons, and even purchasing her very own aircraft. But why stop at just the sky? Dismissing the Atlantic as a mere puddle, KK embarked on a meticulous 20-month plan that led to a life-altering journey across the globe, which she brilliantly chronicles in her book: Halfway Around the World in 40 Days. Buckle up and tune in as we dive into KK's exhilarating tale. And don’t forget to grab her book—it’s your ticket to experiencing an adventure that 99.9% of humanity will only dream about! KK Taxiing in her Grumman Traveler named Pegasus KK on the wing of Pegasus

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