The Fighter Pilot Podcast

Bomber Month concludes with the Consolidated B-24 Liberator.World War 2 was brewing but the United States had yet to officially join the war. Using the power of the Lend Lease Act, the call went out to aircraft manufacturers to create a new heavy bomber that could be sent to Europe and go faster, climb higher, and carry more payload than the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress. What was created was the unheralded, yet highest produced aircraft in U.S. history.On this episode, Mr. Jim Harley joins us to discuss the oft overlooked B-24, describing  its strengths & weaknesses, and why over 18,000 of these bombers were chosen to fill this skies of both the European and Pacific theaters throughout the course of the war. With over 2,500 hours in B-17s, B-24s, and B-25s, Mr. Harley also compares and contrasts the three bombers and tells us which one he would want to fly into battle.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donat

In 2020 we released a bonus episode describing the Canadian and American forces of NORAD, or the North American Aerospace Defense Command, who continuously monitor the airspace of our two countries--and indeed most of the world--to ensure threats to our nations are identified and managed.But not everything that enters our airspace is a "threat." Every year, NORAD ensures the safe and unhindered passage of jolly ol' St. Nick and his precious cargo of Christmas cheer to all the North American children on his 'nice list.'Enjoy this replay of how Santa Claus is detected, tracked, and even escorted on the NORAD Santa Tracker website.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Bomber Month rolls on!This week, retired U. S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Addison Thompson joins us to discuss his career as a test pilot and his role in the development flight testing of the B-1B Lancer. The complex and highly capable 'Bone' presented numerous challenges during its development, and LtCol. Thompson describes how those challenges were met to give the operational B-1B force a safe and effective weapon system.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Here on the Fighter Pilot Podcast it’s once again Bomber Month!First up this year is the General Dynamics FB-111A supersonic swing-wing strategic bomber. Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Bill Moran joins us to explain how this aircraft differs from the F-111 and how it was used in Strategic Air Command operations. During the Cold War, SAC bombers and missiles were on alert 24 / 7 / 365 deterring the threat of nuclear war. The FB-111A was a key part of the SAC alert force during the final two decades of the Cold War.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

As the storm clouds of war once again formed in the late 1930's, the Japanese Imperial Navy requested proposals for a new aircraft carrier-based fighter that would dominate all competitors in aerial combat. The result was one of the most revered fighter aircraft to ever take to the skies: the Mitsubishi A6M Type 0, or as it later came to be more affectionately known: the "Zero."On this episode, Messrs. Mark Murphy and Charlie Lynch join us to discuss the history of the Zero--unarguably one of the most capable carrier-based fighters of World War 2. They also share what it's like to fly one of only five remaining flyable Zeros in existence more than 80 years after its inception.After the interview, Mr. "Mo" Aguiari stops by with an update on new content and great holiday gift ideas available from our friends over at Warbird Digest Magazine.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

According to Ernest Hemmingway, a man has only one virginity to lose in fighters, and if it is a lovely plane he loses it to, there his heart will ever be. Evidently this is not just true for fighters but for attack planes--even those that started off in your nation's Navy then get thrust onto your Air Force to fly nuclear maritime strike missions.On this episode, retired RAF Group Captain John "JS" Sullivan explains the Blackburn Buccaneer, a carrier-capable RN aircraft that served the RAF as a nuclear strike platform. JS answers our usual 'aircraft series' questions for a host who knew absolutely nothing about the aircraft going into the interview. JS does a superb job of making us all fall in love with the Buccaneer (...two c's, one n, two e's...).Listener questions addressed on this episode include logging military flight time, whether an F-14 Tomcat will ever show up on the civilian airshow circuit, and what aircraft would be cool if it were adapted to the carrier role.Bumper

The F-35 Lightning II, a trillion-dollar, highly capable 5th generation fighter, has been described by the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff as a Ferrari which, "you don’t drive to work every day, you only drive it on Sundays." If so, what do we drive to work the rest of the week?On this episode, Samuel "Spam" Milam, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel who now works for the Sierra Nevada Corporation, joins us to describe the modern light attack aircraft that are simple, cheap, and easy to fly. Aircraft like the A-29 Super Tucano, AT-6 Wolverine, and AT-802 Air Tractor match high tech systems and weapons with low cost and ease of operation, resulting in a compelling solution for low grade conflicts, particularly for nations with limited defense spending.Listener questions covered include fighter aircraft operation in icing conditions, what happens to pilots when a squadron is disestablished, afterburner use noise concerns for surrounding communities, and the process involved in becoming the TOPGUN thr

In 1933, English aircraft designer Sydney Camm proposed a radical design for the future of British fighter aviation: a monoplane. Two-and-a-half years later the Hawker Hurricane took to the skies and became a Royal Air Force workhorse, albeit an overshadowed one.On this episode, Mr. Warren Pietsch, Chief Pilot from the Dakota Territory Air Museum, joins us to discuss the legendary aircraft that helped turn the tide during the Battle of Britain and elsewhere. Mr. Dan Griffith, former RAF test pilot and Chief Pilot at Biggin Hill, joins us as co-host after the interview to discuss his experiences in the Hurricane, including his test pilot perspective of performance and handling characteristics.Listener questions answered on this episode include a rumor about F-105 afterburners being ramjets, whether U.S. Navy selectively retained graduates (SERGRADs) or Air Force first assignment instructor pilots (FAIPs) get special assignment preferences after completing their tour, and the rationale for which station the AIM

In 1962 the U.S. Marine Corps issued a request for a heavy lift, ship-based helicopter capable of lifting a 4-ton payload over a radius of 100 nautical miles at a speed of over 150 knots. Boeing offered the CH-47A Chinook, which was already in service with the U.S. Army, while Sikorsky offered the S-65. The latter was selected, and after three years of tumultuous development entered service as the CH-53A Sea Stallion.On this episode, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve LtCol Matthew “Twitch” Bauman joins us to pay homage to the family of S-65 / H-53 helicopters by discussing the one that became the backbone for the Marines and in which he accrued the most flight time: the CH-53E Super Stallion. Twitch answers our usual ‘aircraft series’ questions and even a few listener questions as he describes this beloved heavy lift helicopter and its rather unflattering nickname / mission.Please note this episode includes some mild language. Check out the video of a Super Stallion landing with a stuck nose landing gear here.Bumper

Inside America’s Dysfunctional Trillion-Dollar Fighter-Jet Program (NY Times). The U.S. Air Force Just Admitted the F-35 Stealth Fighter Has Failed (Forbes). The F-35 May Be Unsalvageable (The Hill).Are these headlines fair criticisms of the Joint Strike Fighter or simply yellow journalism? How are we supposed to know what, and who, to believe these days?On this episode, retired Royal Canadian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former test pilot Billie Flynn leverages his 5,000+ flight hours in the F-16 Viper, F/A-18 Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, and every model of the F-35 Lightning II to offer a nuanced opinion of whether this controversial $1.6T weapon system is worth it, and how “bad” the development setbacks really are given this hyperconnected world in which we live.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Have you ever wondered what it takes to keep a 70+ year-old aircraft in the air, who funds its maintenance, or how you could be involved to help keep the legacy of the aircraft, pilots, and maintainers alive for future generations to experience? Well, wonder no more!On this episode, Ms. Leah Block joins us to discuss the Commemorative Air Force, from where it started, to how it's structured, the aircraft on hand, and the fascinating projects in the works, both in the air and on the ground. Following Ms. Block is Mr. Moreno "Mo" Aguiari, who provides perspective as a C.A.F. member and also discusses his role at Warbird Digest magazine.During the administrative portion of the show we offer some birthday greetings, announce a special new partnership, and answer a listener question comparing fighter and commercial aircraft navigational systems.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

This time last year we heard from Martin "Opus" Richard who was airborne in an F-15 Eagle over Manhattan during the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01.This year, on the 20th anniversary of that fateful day, we hear from Tim "Conk" Conklin of the Colorado Air National Guard who was also airborne, only in an F-16 Viper and over Denver and Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado, far from the actual attacks.While we now understand who was behind those events and the extent of their plans, the fog of war present during the early hours of the attack was almost fatal for "Bob," the unwitting general aviation pilot who took off prior to the attacks and returned only hours later to a much different world...Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The Marines—God bless 'em—have a reputation for making do with whatever equipment, weapons, and tasking that comes their way and, to their credit, usually do a damn fine job accomplishing the mission with whatever they have. This goes for Vietnam-era assault helicopters originally operated by the U.S. Army.On this episode, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Major Travis "Jayhoon" Denny joins us to explain why the Bell AH-1 Cobra makes such an effective platform for the core Marine mission: supporting the grunts on the ground. As a Weapons and Tactics Instructor and experienced pilot in both the AH-1W and Z models, Jayhoon is well versed on the Cobra's unique capabilities and weapons systems, including the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile.Listener questions and feedback addressed on this episode include the radars an AGM-88 HARM can target, thoughts on drones and drone pilots, and comments on our previous Tiger Cruise and A-3 Skywarrior episodes.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Be

Hornet, Eagle, Viper, Tomcat, Tiger, Raptor, Warthog, Moose... we've covered many colorfully-named aircraft here on the show and this week is no different with a discussion on the carrier-based nucular strike aircraft that served mainly in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and aerial tanker roles from the mid-50's well into the 2000's. That's right, get ready for the 'Whale.'On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Rick Morgan joins us to discuss the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior, formerly known as the A3D which was derisively thought by some to mean "all three dead." Having literally written the book on the Skywarrior, Rick defends the A-3's honor and explains its extensive role in carrier-based operations during a pivotal half century that saw the end of the Cold War.Listener questions answered on this episode include Top Gun-style tower buzzing in real life, a proposed episode on service academies, and a look at why the Blue Angels wear boom mics instead of tra

Not every aircraft can be (or should be) an attention-grabbing 9G fighter or Mach 3 spy plane. Scores of unheralded support planes play vital military roles including the movement of critical supply. Without timely and sufficient beans, bullets, and bandages provided by cargo planes like the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, no military campaign gets far.On this episode, U.S. Air Force Major Courtney "Voodoo" Vidt joins us to discuss the "Moose" as the C-17 is affectionately known. A weapons school graduate and demonstration pilot, Voodoo knows the ins and outs of this aircraft and the way it is employed in humanitarian and military roles all over the world, even from austere dirt airfields.Listener questions answered on this episode include a what happens when a higher-ranking non-pilot officer gives a direct order which conflicts with the pilot's actions or decisions, and how crashes of sensitive aircraft are handled to ensure tech secrets do not end up in the wrong hands.Episode artwork by J

Before COVID it was common for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers returning from deployment to stop and pick up a thousand or more "tigers." These civilian family and friends enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience of life aboard a carrier at sea, including an airshow unlike anything available back home. In 2003, show host Vincent's two brothers, Kai and Rocky, joined him for a week-long Tiger Cruise aboard USS Nimitz as they returned from an 8-month deployment which included combat operations over Iraq. Think they had a good time? You better believe it.On this bonus episode we dust off a 2-year-old interview Vincent hoped to re-record due to audio glitches but because of Rocky's recent passing, that is not longer possible. Our producer did his best and some obvious audio issues remain, but it does not last the entire interview and the listener can still learn about Tiger Cruises while enjoying the obvious bond of three loving brothers.We dedicate this episode to Marcello "Rocky" Aie

This being our 4th year in podcasting, episodes air on the 4's of each month, but this month the 4th falls on a major U.S. holiday so we're taking a little break. Cohost Boat welcomes Jell-O back to the show following his family setback and the two clear out the phone log.For those of you who celebrate it, happy Independence Day!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Some aircraft are, simply put, icons of their era: the Wright Flyer, the SR-71 “Blackbird”, and the F-22 “Raptor”, to name just a few. All hold a special place in history, and in the hearts and minds of the men and women who flew them or have dreamt about doing so.On this episode, the only surviving triple ace of World War II, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Clarence “Bud” Anderson, joins us to tell his story about his experience in one of the most famous icons of World War II: the P-51 “Mustang”. Be sure to check out Bud's book, To Fly and Fight: Memoirs of a Triple Ace.Former F-16 pilot, and host of The Afterburn Podcast host, U.S. Air Force Major John “Rain” Waters, joins as cohost to lend a hand with his experience with the P-51, tell us about his podcast, and helps answer a listener question on low-altitude fighter formations in the aerodrome pattern.Episode artwork by Janek Krause based on original photography by Rich Cooper. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podc

FPP cohost Boat provides an update on a family tragedy involving founder Jell-O. For more information visit FPP Facebook Page.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The letter S seems to have an outsized presence in the name NASA. Space. True, the space program dominates NASA's media and Hollywood presence but there is a whole lot more to that less well known proceeding A. Aeronautics. From the X-1 which first broke the "sound barrier" to the X-59 Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator, NASA, and its predecessor NACA, plays an important role in flight research flying a dizzying array of military aircraft and one-of-a-kind prototypes.On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Nils "Thrills" Larson joins us to explain the mission, history, and aircraft of NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center based at Edwards AFB, CA, and how it fits in with other NASA agencies. Episode 22 guest Becky "Wrecky" Shaw returns as cohost to lend a hand and explains how NASA and NOAA collaborate on flight research. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations