Sinopsis
The Fighter Pilot Podcast explores the fascinating world of air combat: the aircraft, the weapons systems, and most importantly--the people. Each episode features a guest who helps explain the topic at hand such as how ejection seats work or what it's like to fly on and off nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.Strap in and hang on for this incredible show!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 pilot these aircraft, then this show is for you!
Episodios
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Facebook Live Q&A Replay with "Turkey"
12/09/2019 Duración: 01h01minThis bonus episode returns us to our three-episode-per-month format, airing on the 2nd, 12th, and 22nd of each month for this, our second year as a show.This is a replay of our early July 2019 Facebook Live question & answer session with episode 50 guest, retired U.S. Navy Commander Jerry "Turkey" Tucker. Enjoy!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
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FPP056 - AV-8 Harrier
09/09/2019 Duración: 01h28minMost modern military fighter jets require thousands of feet of runway to takeoff and land, or else a complex and dangerous system of shipboard catapults and arresting gear. The AV-8 Harrier is unique in that it retains high forward speeds but is capable of taking off and landing in extremely short distances—or even vertically—thanks to swiveling exhaust nozzles and augmented flight controls. This feature, originally adapted for a cold war scenario, is particularly useful for shipboard amphibious operations.On this episode, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Jeff “Magwa” Scott explains how the Harrier came to be, what it’s like to fly (and hover), and how it is in some ways preferable to the F-35B Lightning II currently replacing it.During the listener question segment, Jell-O and Sunshine discuss aircrew interactions with other aircraft carrier personnel, mental exercises prior to flight, whether aircraft float, and how speedbrake placement is decided during aircraft design.Bumper music by Jaime Lop
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FPP055 - Forward Air Controllers
26/08/2019 Duración: 01h33minOf the many facets of military aviation, perhaps no other is as consequential to the outcome of an armed conflict than the prosecution of ground targets. When those targets are in close proximity to friendly forces, detailed coordination is required between the ground commander and air assets to ensure the proper targets are attacked in an appropriate way. The conduit for that coordination is the JTAC, or Joint Terminal Attack Controller. An aviator filling this role is known as a Forward Air Controller, or FAC.On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain David “Chili” Culpepper joins us to describe nuances of being a FAC—drawing on his vast experiences piloting both the F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18F Super Hornet as an airborne FAC, or FAC(A). Arguably the most difficult aerial mission aircrew perform, a FAC(A) must balance the availability of air assets with a dynamic and ever-changing ground situation and complex command and control, all while flying. This largely explains why U.S. Navy and Marine FAC(A) missions a
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FPP054 - V-22 Osprey
12/08/2019 Duración: 01h36minWhen it comes to military aircraft, most enthusiasts are familiar with the subcategories airplanes and helicopters, and the differing ways they generate lift. The former propels one or more stationary wings through the airstream and thus requires a relatively high minimum flying speed. The latter rotates multiple overhead wings, which facilitates flight in a stationary hover but typically at the expense of a relatively slow top speed.A less-well known third category combines the best features of airplanes and helicopters into one highly effective platform. Powered Lift air vehicles feature short or vertical takeoffs and landings as well as high top speeds—offering a tremendous advantage in military operations. The powered lift category features only three aircraft: the AV-8B Harrier, the ‘B’ variant of the F-35 Lightning II, and the subject of this week’s show: the V-22 Osprey.On this episode, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Major Josh “Sweet Pea” Smith joins us to discuss the Osprey in depth: from its tumultuous d
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FPP053 - F-4 Phantom II (part 2)
29/07/2019 Duración: 01h04min...And we're back!On this episode we conclude last week's discussion with former F-4 pilot John "Tiger" Kerr and RIO Jack "Fingers" Ensch, both retired U.S. Naval aviators. Hold on to your hats as we talk Vietnam-conflict shoot downs, shot downs, POW stories, and how each guest earned his callsign.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
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FPP052 - F-4 Phantom II (part 1)
22/07/2019 Duración: 01h05minFew aircraft so prominently define their eras as the McDonell F-4 Phantom II does the 1960s and the Vietnam conflict. Initially imagined as a fighter and later an interceptor, the Phantom II eventually entered service as a fighter-bomber that set numerous speed and altitude records, was responsible for much of the bombing and air-to-air kills over Vietnam, and was later used extensively in SEAD and reconnaissance roles. The F-4 was a truly versatile—and effective—aircraft.On this episode, former U.S. Navy F-4 Phantom pilot Rear Admiral John “Tiger” Kerr and RIO Captain Jack “Fingers” Ensch, both since retired, join us to answer our standard ‘aircraft series’ questions on this iconic aircraft and what it was like to fly and fight it. They return on the next episode to continue the stimulating discussion.This week, hosts Jell-O and Sunshine catch up on phoned-in listener questions offering advice for getting the most out of the ROTC program, answering when we will feature certain aircraft on the show, opining o
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FPP051 - SR-71 Blackbird
08/07/2019 Duración: 01h19minThere are military aircraft that contribute to shaping U.S. foreign policy. There are some that usher in cutting edge technology. Others set speed and altitude records. A few capture the lifelong imaginations of children and aviation enthusiasts alike.And then there’s the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird that did it allBrainchild of legendary aeronautical engineer, Kelly Johnson, the Blackbird did do it all as we learn on this episode with retired U.S. Air Force Brian “Punchy” Shul. Known for his infamous ground speed story and numerous books—including Sled Driver—Punchy offers a detailed look at what it took to build and fly the Blackbird, and how it played a significant role in shaping President Reagan’s negotiations with the Soviet Union. The SR-71 Blackbird is a truly iconic aircraft.Now a renowned key note speaker, author, and aviation and nature photographer, Punchy is the curator of Gallery One in Marysville, Calif.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redc
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FPP050 - F-8 Crusader
22/06/2019 Duración: 01h22minThe first recorded account of two aircraft engaging in aerial combat occurred in late November 1913 during the Mexican Revolution. The pilots, both American ‘soldiers of fortune’ on opposing sides of the conflict, engaged each other (unsuccessfully) with handheld pistols in otherwise unarmed aircraft.The gun—and soon after, the cannon—quickly became the primary weapon for air-to-air “dogfighting” and was incorporated in various calibers and locations into virtually all combat aircraft for the next 50 years, through two world wars and numerous armed conflicts. Until the advent of the air-to-air missile, the gunfighters ruled the skies.On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Commander Jerry “Turkey” Tucker joins us to discuss the “last of the gunfighters,” the Vought F-8 Crusader. Designed as a supersonic dogfighter, the Crusader ushered in the era of A/A missiles and, indeed, most of its kills in the Vietnam conflict were achieved with early versions of the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Turkey regales us not just with what it
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FPP049 - Sharpening the Spear
02/06/2019 Duración: 01h10minVirtually everything requires periodic maintenance and upkeep. Think about it: our cars, our homes, our health, relationships… you name it—if it operates, functions, or has value, odds are precious resources are required to keep it so. And yet, very little attention is paid by the public or Hollywood to this irrefutable fact.But since this show tells the story of military aviation, on this episode we take a break from the glamorous planes and amazing weapons to explore what it takes to keep a 1,000-foot long, 10-story tall, $8B, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier protecting the nation’s interests on the world’s seas. Joining us to help describe this massive undertaking is U.S. Navy Captain Matthew “Pappy” Paradise, commanding officer of the USS Carl Vinson, and Mr. Mike Irby, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard project lead for the Vinson’s current ‘availability’ period—as a carrier in drydock is known.During the listener question segment, Jell-O and Sunshine address Navy VFA squadron organization, loneliness in flight,
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FPP048 - Panavia Tornado
22/05/2019 Duración: 01h09minAnyone 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 discusses F/A-18 angle of attack probe contingencies, missi
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FPP047 - A-6 Intruder
12/05/2019 Duración: 01h09minThey 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 U.S. 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 the listeners with how he came to be such a prolific writer but 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
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FPP046 - Blue Angels Transitions
02/05/2019 Duración: 01h16minThe 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 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—not just to their routine but how contingencies are handled.On this episode, U.S. Navy Captain Ryan “Little Guido” Bernacchi joins us to discuss the ongoing efforts to transition the team to their future aircraft: the F/A-18E/F 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-
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FPP045 - F-16 Fighting Falcon
22/04/2019 Duración: 01h25minThe 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 U.S. 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 music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this
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FPP044 - A-10 Thunderbolt ll
12/04/2019 Duración: 01h24minBRRRRRRTTTTTT!!!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 its gun—or respected for it—than the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II and it’s tank-busting 30mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon.On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Luke “Supa” Fricke joins the show 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.’During the listener questions segment, we discuss aircraft carrier alert postures, officer-enlisted relationships, and the rudder’s importance in ACM.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
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Intermission - Listener Questions
02/04/2019 Duración: 01h06minWe'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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
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FPP043 - F-5 Freedom Fighter / Tiger ll
22/03/2019 Duración: 01h14minEveryone 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 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps today.On this episode, retired U.S. 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 II, still flying 60 years later as a capable adversary aircraft. Paco—the mastermind behind the naval aviation documentary Speed & Angels and author of the 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 an F-5 mishap 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, rea
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FPP042 - F-14 Tomcat
12/03/2019 Duración: 01h18minOf all the fighter planes to ever take to the sky, perhaps none is more recognized, or 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 U.S. Navy F-14 pilot and RIO crew Commander Roy “SYFH” Wylie (retired) and Captain John “Cosmo” DePree 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.Bumper music by Slater Aiello of Jam & Slate. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
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FPP041 - Dassault Rafale
02/03/2019 Duración: 01h09sThe 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.On this episode, we conduct our first remote interview with 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.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Jim Hendershot.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-p
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FPP040 - H-60 (Black / Sea) Hawk
22/02/2019 Duración: 01h05minFew Western aerospace design and manufacturing firms can boast an aircraft so successful that it is flown by every branch of the U.S. 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.On this episode, U.S. Navy Commander Jeremiah "FRANK" Ragadio joins us to discuss the numerous H-60 variants, primarily the Blackhawk and Seahawk, but also the Jayhawk and Pavehawk. “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 & ordnance considerations.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Jim Hendershot.Support this
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FPP039 - A-7 Corsair ll
12/02/2019 Duración: 01h03minIn the early 1960’s, the U.S. 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 II.On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain Tom “Demon” Mitchell joins us to describe the single-engine Corsair II—including the variants, armament, strengths & weaknesses, and more. You’ll be amazed at Demon’s stories, not just of the Corsair II but of the life and experiences of a career carrier aviator during the tumultuous 1960s 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 Jai