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
-
FPP038 - S-3 Viking
02/02/2019 Duración: 01h30sAt 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 S-3 Viking.On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Commander David “Deke” Slayton joins us to discuss S-3 variants, which weapons it carries, why it looks the way it does, and more. 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 a
-
FPP037 - F/A-18 (Super) Hornet
22/01/2019 Duración: 57minWhat 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 U.S. 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 during future episodes on a variety of military aircraft include attack planes, bombers, cargo haulers, and more.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.Bump
-
FPP036 - 4th vs 5th Gen Fighters
12/01/2019 Duración: 01h02minJust as humans are broadly generalized as Baby Boomers, 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, U.S. Air Force Major John “Skosh” Searcy explains 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 (i.e. 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.Bumper mus
-
FPP035 - UFOs
02/01/2019 Duración: 01h08minConvinced 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 U.S. Navy Commander David “Sex” Fravor who you may recognize 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
-
End of Year Recap - 2018
31/12/2018 Duración: 01h06minJoin 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
-
FPP034 - The Home Front
21/12/2018 Duración: 53minSome 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 humble 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 move every co
-
FPP033 - The Wingman Foundation
11/12/2018 Duración: 55minIf aviation itself is an inherently unforgiving activity, then how much more 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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. This episode also features a brief overview of the Wings Over
-
FPP032 - Air-to-Air Missions
01/12/2018 Duración: 01h06minSweep, point defense, close escort, high-value airborne asset protection…These are just a few of the many air-to-air missions modern U.S. 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.On this episode, former enlisted U.S. Marine, then naval flight officer, now F/A-18 pilot and fighter attack squadron commander—Lieutenant Colonel Mark “SNOTY” Bortnem, U.S. Marine Corps describes these missions and associated planning factors. Snoty 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
21/11/2018 Duración: 01h17minTaken 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 opposing fighter elements—closing on each other at well over 1,000 knots—more is decidedly not better. Instead, clear, concise, standardized (and minimal) communications are essential to ensure situational awareness and, thus, success.On this episode, U.S. Navy Commander Alan “Niles” Schiaffino discusses 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.Bumper music by J
-
FPP030 - Expendables
11/11/2018 Duración: 58minAdvancements 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 Vietnam shootdown, why U.S. fifth-generation fighters are only single-seat, and more.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Matt Rierden.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
-
FPP029 - Fighter Pilots in Space
21/10/2018 Duración: 01h05minEver 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 U.S. 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.Bumper music, Space Oddity cover, by Jai
-
FPP028 - Air Combat Simulation Gaming
11/10/2018 Duración: 01h18minNot 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--without the long deployments!On this episode, Mr. Matt Wagner of Eagle Dynamics joins us to discuss one of the most popular and realistic platforms available today: Digital Combat Simulator. We cover how DCS came to be and what’s coming in the future. We also observe our host Jell-O try the Lot 20 F/A-18C simulation for the very first time while describing 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 contrail
-
FPP027 - USS Midway Museum
01/10/2018 Duración: 59minThe Battle of Midway was a decisive U.S. naval victory that turned the tide of World War 2. 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, Calif. 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.On this episode, USS Midway Museum president and CEO, retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral John “Mac” McLaughlin explains not only the ship’s namesake battle and storied half-century of service, but 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
-
FPP026 - The MAGTF
21/09/2018 Duración: 01h04minThere 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 U.S. 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.'Everybody Have Fun Tonight,' performed by Wang Chung, Geffen Records. Bumper announcements by Jim Hendershot.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
-
FPP025 - Flight School (US Navy)
01/09/2018 Duración: 01h25minDoctors 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 U.S. 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.On this episode, Major Mike “BS” Walsh—the podcast’s first US Marine Corps guest explains the U.S. 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.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Jim Hendershot.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
-
FPP024 - Helicopters!
21/08/2018 Duración: 01h11minTroop 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?On this episode, U.S. Navy Commander and H-60 Seahawk pilot Ron “Chadwick” Martin schools the host and explains 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) / announcements by Jim Hendershot.Support
-
FPP023 - The Distinguished Flying Cross
11/08/2018 Duración: 01h26sWhat do astronaut Alan Shepard, actor Clark Gable, aviatrix Amelia Earhart, and president George H. W. Bush all have in common apart from notoriety?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, retired U.S. Navy Commander and President & CEO of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, Chuck Sweeney, explains the prestigious medal and the organization designed to promote its heritage. Learn how the medal was once awarded to civilians (like Amelia Earhart and Orville & Wilbur Wright) but is now reserved for military personnel. Then fi
-
FPP022 - Test Pilot School
01/08/2018 Duración: 01h06minNo 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, U.S. 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 tenants.During the listener question segment, learn how the cockpit is set up for a CAS mission
-
FPP021 - The Real 'Viper'
21/07/2018 Duración: 55minFew 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 II. Then learn how he answered the call to assist Hollywood as the military adviser to everyone’s favorite flying movie, Top Gun. Think it a coincidence that Tom Skerritt’s character—the CO of TOPGUN—was callsign "Viper"?!With spare time after the interview listener questions are addressed, such as how likely it would have been in the real world for Maverick’s engine flameout occur by flying through another plane’s jet wash, which cockpit arrangement the host liked better between the F/A-18 and F-16, more on aircraft paint schemes,
-
FPP020 - After the Cockpit
11/07/2018 Duración: 58minMilitary aviators are generally hard-working, improvement-seeking, self-motivated individuals 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.On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain Kevin “Hozer” Miller offers 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, [glossary-ignore]Wall[/glossary-ignore] Street, Silicon Valley, or countless 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 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, w