The Fighter Pilot Podcast

On this bonus episode, FPP host and former TOPGUN instructor, Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello and past podcast guests and fellow TOPGUN instructors Andy "Grand" Mariner (episode 7), Dave "Chip" Berke (59), and Jim "Jambo" Ray (143) review Top Gun: Maverick immediately following a private screening in San Diego, Calif.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Top Gun (the movie): You probably know the storyline cold and can name your favorite flying scene. You can even quote several lines from the film (e.g. “son, your ego is writing checks your body can’t cash…”), but how much do you know about the behind-the-scenes efforts necessary to get the movie from initial draft to the final product we all know and love?On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Reserve Commander Jim “Jambo” Ray and former Navy Lieutenant John “Smegs” Semcken, two junior officers stationed at then-NAS Miramar, Calif. in the mid-80’s, explain their participation in the filming and storyline development of everyone’s favorite flying movie and, hint, it was a significant effort! Jambo and Smegs discuss filming flying scenes, such as the tower flyby and the time an F-14 pilot almost crashed into the film crew on a Fallon hilltop, as well as how they worked with Paramount to craft the movie (not “documentary”!) into a product everyone would enjoy.Listener questions addressed on this episode include how

As part of 'Top Gun Month' we are revisiting episode 7 with now-Captain Andy "Grand" Mariner who rejoins the show five years later to update us on his career and the Navy Fighter Weapons School since the retirement of the F/A-18A-D Hornet and the addition of the F-35 Lightning II.View the Tailhook panel on the Navy's latest shoot down here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

On this episode, author Brad Elward, returns for the conclusion of what he learned about the Navy Fighter Weapons School during his nearly decade-long research and writing of TOPGUN: The Legacy: The Complete History of TOPGUN and its Impact on Tactical Aviation. The 80's, 90's, 00's, and today are covered including the impact of the 1986 blockbuster, Top Gun, and the school's mid-90's move to Fallon, Nevada.Top Gun anthem covered by Jaime Lopez / announcement by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

'Top Gun Month' kicks off in earnest with this exhaustive look at the Navy Fighter Weapons School with Brad Elward, author of TOPGUN: The Legacy: The Complete History of TOPGUN and its Impact on Tactical Aviation. A former attorney and college professor, Mr. Elward spent a decade interviewing more than 400 TOPGUN graduates and instructors for this authoritative book.On this episode, Mr. Elward explains the background leading up to the formation of TOPGUN in the late 1960's, then the institution's first decade developing tactics and instructing students.Episode artwork by Janek Krause. Top Gun anthem covered by Jaime Lopez / announcement by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

'Top Gun Month' kicks off here on the Fighter Pilot Podcast with a discussion on... wait, what?!Sure, the long-awaited sequel looks to be "all that" but let's not lose track of what else is happening in the world and that includes the 40th anniversary of the Falkland Islands war between the U.K. and Argentina.On this episode, retired Royal Navy Commander Tim "Bobsleigh" Gedge joins us to discuss the Falkland Islands air war based on his experiences as the former 809 Squadron boss riding the converted freighter Atlantic Conveyor into battle where he flew more than 30 combat sorties. Cmdr Gedge is heavily featured in Rowland White's outstanding book Harrier 809 which is mentioned frequently during the interview. See his post-military boat building academy endeavors here.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Skynet. Cyborgs... When you think of advanced technology in military applications, odds are Hollywood has you convinced it is to our species' peril. Never mind entertainment, what is artificial intelligence, really, and how might it be adapted in military aviation?On this episode, U.S. Air Force Colonel Randel Gordon, Vice Commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California joins guest cohost Ken Katz to describe how AI is shaping the way the military trains, fights, works logistics and repairs, and a host of other activities where big data can bring about efficiencies and improved capabilities.During the listener question portion we learn the distinction between the Navy Fighter Weapons School (aka TOPGUN) and other Navy and Marine Corps adversary squadrons. Check out Ken's book, The Supersonic BONE: A Development and Operational History of the B-1 Bomber. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. Opening audio clip from Terminator 2: Judgement Day directed by Jame

Being labeled a "jack of all trades" is oftentimes derisively applied to people or things with the inevitable follow up, "master of none." But every once in awhile an exception comes along—an unassuming platform devised for a myriad of missions that it performs so well it remains relevant over six decades later.On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Major Carter Clark discusses the OV-10 Bronco's role during the Vietnam War and retired U.S. Navy Commander Phil "Convoy" Clay follows up with how updated Broncos continued serving in the recent war on ISIS as part of the modern light attack armed overwatch program. The Bronco was—and still is—a real work horse.Listener questions addressed on this episode include whether a boom has ever broken off during in-flight refueling and why the U.S. Air Force is beginning to retire the F-22 Raptor.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

You've heard on this podcast—and likely seen videos online—of how pilots land high performance military jets on the angled, steel flight decks of modern aircraft carriers, but how did they do it back in the beginning on wooden, straight-deck carriers?On this episode, former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade Dale Berven joins us to describe the procedures he followed when landing his F9F Panther aboard the USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) in 1953. Adapted from a 2020 Happy Hour discussion exclusive for our Patreon supporters, Dale and host Jell-O have a meandering discussion about more than simply day carrier landings on straight-deck carriers, such as the hydraulic catapults used at the time and even Naval Aviation's contribution to the Korean War.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Since the USS Langley’s commissioning in 1922, America's aircraft carriers and embarked air wings have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, and maintained the U.S.'s enduring commitments worldwide.On this episode, former USS Abraham Lincoln commanding officer Captain Walter "Sarge" Slaughter and episode 83 guest Dave "Mini Me" Kurtz, both U.S. Navy, discuss the relevance of America's carriers since their debut a century ago, through World War 2 to today, and even what the future holds for these capital ships.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

According to the FAA, the primary purpose of ATC is to prevent collisions, organize and expedite the flow of air traffic, and provide information and other support for pilots. That's great for airspace around fixed airfields on landmasses like North America, but what about flight operations around ships at sea?On this episode, retired U.S. Navy lieutenant commander Susan "CATCC Sue" Beckman of PBS Carrier series fame, joins us to discuss the role the carrier air traffic control center plays during flight operations around U.S. aircraft carriers day or night, in any weather conditions.Listener inquiries addressed on this episode include flight deck shooter stances, how to confirm air-to-air and -ground weapons effectiveness, and why air-to-air missiles don't use radar midcourse and then IR or TV terminal guidance when prosecuting a target.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Designed to defeat any adversary for the next 30 years, the Saab Gripen E is made for forward-thinking air forces, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and the latest systems, sensor, weapons, and pods.On this bonus episode, Jussi "Miyagi" Halmetoja of Saab AB updates us on the Gripen E model in the two years since the JAS 39 first debuted on this show back on episode 68.As mentioned during the discussion, be sure to check out the Flying the Saab Draken and Viggen - Interview with André Brännström video as well as the Defence Deconstructed - Future Fighter Capability: Saab's Gripen E episode with Mike Palmer.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Military aircraft, the systems they incorporate and weapons they employ, are incredibly complex contraptions requiring extensive development and testing. Pilots fly the aircraft and maintenance professionals maintain them, but who performs the testing?On this episode, guest co-host Ken Katz discusses the U.S. Air Force Flight Test Engineer profession with retired Colonel Eileen "BJ" Bjorkman, PhD, using her extensive history as a proxy for the many diverse tasks this community performs both in and out of uniform.Listener inquires addressed on this episode include how to discern similar-looking aircraft as friendly or enemy, and advice to student Air Force pilots on community selection considering workload, time away from family, etc. U.K. listeners interested Ken's latest B-1 Lancer book click here and use the code AUTH30 for 30% discount. U.S. listeners click here and use KATZ30. Offer expires 30 April 2022.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https:

Short Takeoff / Vertical Landings like an AV-8 Harrier or traditional catapults and arresting gear a la F/A-18 Super Hornet--which do you think is more difficult?'U.K. Month' wraps up with this replay of an early 2021 Patreon Happy Hour with former Royal Navy pilot Paul Tremelling who has done both.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

U.K. Month continues with a look at the SEPECAT Jaguar. The anglo-French jet that was too much of a handful to serve as a trainer as designed, found success as a low altitude strike platform, including nuclear strike. Our guest, RAF Wing Commander Dheeraj "D-Reg" Bhasin MBE, shares his experiences flying the "Jag" including in extreme operations such as when taking off in high, hot, and heavy conditions.Listener questions addressed on this episode include which branch commemorates deceased WW2 U.S. Army Air Corps members, what happens to aircrew proficiency when squadrons exclusively fly operational missions, and the biggest differences between U.S. and NATO fighter pilots. For a good read, check out the new book Five Nickels that chronicles the life and death of heroic Desert Storm A-10 Warthog pilot, Steve Phillis.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

U.K. Month kicks off with a look at the English Eclectic... make that 'Electric' (oops!)... Lightning. Actually, that's no Freudian slip because with vertically stacked engines, guns & rockets attached to the front of fuel tanks, and highly swept wings, the Lightning is one of a kind! Our guest is retired RAF Squadron Leader Ian "Blacky" Black; follow him on Twitter (@blickyIan) and check out his website, firestreakbooks.com.The only listener question addressed on this episode concerns the host Jell-O's advice for a new student naval aviator. If you're into vintage-looking stickers of modern military aircraft, check out retro-pilot.com.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

We turn the way-back machine to 11 on this in-depth discussion on aircraft of the vintage and golden eras of aviation, courtesy of the folks who fly these magnificent aircraft in the skies over New York today, just as was done over 100 years ago.On this episode, Mr. Stewart Sommerville, General Manager of Cole Palen’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, joins us to discuss how this 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization started, what it’s all about, and some of the fascinating education and entertainment programs in the works, both on the ground and in the air!We also answer listener questions on disqualifying medical conditions for aviators and whether aircrew wear radiation measuring devices. And our friends FROM Warbird Digest Magazine stop by for a quick update.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

'Flight surgeon'—that must be a specially-trained medical doctor who performs surgery on a specially-adapted aircraft, right? Not exactly.On this episode, U.S. Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel Rocky "Apollo" Jedick joins us to explain what flight surgeons are, how they are trained, what they do, and who they serve (hint: it's not just pilots). Former episode 6 guest, now retired U.S. Navy Commander Sue "Cyclone" Jay returns to help explain how flight surgeons compare and contrast with aerospace operational physiologists. Check out Apollo's online aviation medical service at goflightmedicine.com.Listener questions answered on this question include why Navy aircraft fly with their arresting hooks extended, what causes the distinct Hornet hum when an F/A-18 starts engines, how being a fighter pilot changes someone as a human, and how a young aspiring pilot should choose between serving in the U.S. Air Force or Navy.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Supp

We took a well-deserved break over the holiday season, so our first episode of 2022 is this replay of a 'Happy Hour' discussion from our Patreon page. It's a harrowing story with one of only two pilots to ever engage an aircraft carrier barricade in an F/A-18 Hornet--and he did it in the dark of night!We'll be back on January 15th with our first feature episode of the new year.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Show hosts Jell-O and Boat take a look back at this tumultuous year and clear out the mailbag before offering a sneak peek at the year to come.(Contains some mild language in one part.)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations