The Fighter Pilot Podcast

Accomplished author Rowland White stopped by the show to discuss his fifth book, Harrier 809, Britain's Legendary Jump Jet and the Untold Story of the Falklands War.Enter a free giveaway for a chance to win an autographed copy of this outstanding book. Hurry! Giveaway ends June 15, 2021...Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Imagine how different the world would be had the 13 American Colonies not declared their independence from Great Britain, or if Adolf Hitler had not been born, or if the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01 never happened. Clearly these were world changing events, but what about a three-day naval battle between the U.S. and Japan in early June 1942? Might that have altered the rest of the war against the Axis, and indeed the Cold War that followed?On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain Kevin 'Hozer' Miller becomes our first return guest and helps explain the significance of the Battle of Midway. Having conduced extensive research in preparation for his historical fiction book, The Silver Waterfall, Hozer explains the the forces arrayed, the courage widely on display, and how a simple turn right instead of left may have altered the world as we know it today.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A weasel is a small, active predator with long, slender bodies and short legs. As a verb, 'weasel' means to achieve something by cunning or deceit. Replace "legs" with "wings" and both definitions aptly describe the mission of fighter jets seeking out and destroying surface-to-air threats, and the mindset of the pilots tasked to fly them.On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, New York Times-best selling author, and speaker Dan "Two Dogs" Hampton joins us to explain the Wild Weasels mission, mindset, and aircraft from the role's conception through repeated Middle Eastern conflicts to modern day. Credited with 21 confirmed SAM site kills, Two Dogs gives a master class on the weapons and mindset of this Air Force specialty.Questions answered on this episode include who provides the training for U.S. Navy F-16 pilots, how married students fare in flight training compared to their unmarried peers, thoughts on age limits for entering flight training, and just

One of the perks of living in a modern society is the plethora of institutions that contribute to its citizens' well being. One such organization is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force that searches for and finds lost citizens, provides comfort in times of disaster, works to keep the homeland safe, and educates and inspires tens of thousands of young people to a life of service.On this episode, Major Roy "Tater" Knight, 1st Lt Jerry "Cookie" Camp, and two young cadets of the California Wing of the Civil Air Patrol join us to discuss this the history, mission, and opportunities for those who participate in the CAP. Since its formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen Airmen has been committed to service to America and, indeed, a former guest and CAP alumnus who went on to a career flying F/A-18s in the Marine Corps returns as cohost.Questions answered on this episode include the different colors of ink in military flight logbooks, whether the pa

Here on the FPP, most aircraft series episodes featuring U.S.-designed warplanes have two-part titles comprised of the aircraft's designation and name, like the recent F-106 Delta Dart or forthcoming P-51 Mustang. So what's up with episode 111?On this episode, we explore why the General Dynamics F-111 never received an official name in addition to all our usual aircraft series questions, and we do so with our first Australian guests to grace the show: Air Marshal Gavin "Leo" Davies and Air Vice-Marshal Stephen "Mero" Meredith join us from the Royal Australian Air Force. Because of these dignitaries, no announcements or listener questions are covered. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Fighter Pilot Podcast founder and host Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello was recently a guest on the Memories of a Moonbird podcast, hosted by Daniel Scherl.For those who remark that we learn plenty about FPP guests but don't know very much about Jell-O, here's your chance!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

What do you do when it's not Bomber Month but you have an amazing, single-piloted, four-engine World War II bomber to discuss? You call on your Warbird expert, 'Boat'!On this episode, Mr. Leon Evans joins cohost Trevor Boswell to explain the oft overshadowed Avro Lancaster. Designed in England and produced in both England and Canada, this unique World War II bomber primarily flew night missions with two-thirds of its fleet being lost to hostile action. Decades later, only two of these iconic warbirds remain airworthy.Be sure to support the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. If you find yourself in Ontario, Canada, stop by and visit their displays and consider booking a once-of-a-lifetime ride on their Lancaster, 'Vera,' or one of their other amazing warplanes.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The Soviet Union's 1957 launch of Sputnik was a shock to the West. As a result, U.S. leaders vowed that, from that time forward, the U.S. would be the initiator and not the victim of strategic technological surprises. From that decree came the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or what is simply known as 'DARPA.'On this episode, U.S. Air Force Colonel Daniel "Animal" Javorsek, the program manager for DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution program, joins us for a master class on technology advancements in warfare and the ongoing efforts to automate air-to-air combat and build human trust in AI as a step toward improved human-machine teaming.Listener questions answered on this episode include training tracks for U.S. Marine Corps F-35B and C aviators, autopilot functionality on modern fighters, and why we feel it necessary to include a disclaimer on every FPP episode.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podca

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Steve "Smokey" Ladd stops by the show via Zoom to discuss his memoir, From F-4 Phantoms to A-10 Warthogs.Enter to win a free copy of this book here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

We're taking a pause from our normal routine to catch up on podcast happenings and clear out the listener question bag.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The 'Warbird Series’ opens with a discussion on the iconic Lockheed P-38 Lightning. Designed by the legendary Kelly Johnson, the Lightning was the only two-engine, propeller-driven pursuit fighter of World War II, and former U.S. Air Force Captain, and WWII veteran, Marshall Hannah joins us to explore this distinctly unique aircraft. You won't believe his story of training, combat, and so much more!Warbird Series host, Boat, answers a listener question on pilot medical readiness, flight surgeon involvement in determining whether a pilot is “fit to fly”, and what kinds of medicinal products fighter pilots may be issued to enhance their concentration.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

It is said that warfare is simply diplomacy by other means. As such, nation-states agree to various customs and laws to govern warfare in an effort to minimize destruction, avoid targeting non-combatants, and maintain other humanitarian and worthwhile practices.On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain Shannon Kopplin, Judge Advocate General Corps, joins us to explain how the law of armed conflict came about, how it influences modern warfare, and why a known enemy aircraft might be declared a 'bandit' or 'hostile,' based on the rules of engagement.Listener questions answered on this episode include combat fatigue in recent conflicts, whether downing WW2 V-1 rockets constitute an "aerial victory," details of the previous French-U.S. carrier interoperability demonstrations, and whether we will eventually feature Air Force PJs on the show.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this

Author Brad Elward shares details of his latest book, TOPGUN, The Navy Fighter Weapons School: Fifty Years of Excellence, which offers a unique illustrated history of this iconic institution and is a precursor to Brad's 700-page authoritative history on the school, due out later this year.Enter to win a free, autographed copy of this book here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

What does a world-renowned, award-winning aviation photographer do when COVID decimates his aviation photography travel company? He reimagines his business and turns to the web to help other photographers be their best.UK-based Rich Cooper first picked up a camera at age 7 and had one of his photographs featured in a magazine four short years later. Now he offers an online experience that will help others take their aviation photography to the next level through workshops, how-to videos, virtual gatherings, and more.Want to up your aviation photography game and collaborate with other enthusiasts with similar passions? Sign up for a COAP online membership and follow COAP on Facebook (centreofaviationphotography) and Instagram (@centreofaviationphotography). You'll be glad you did!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The 'Century Series' concludes with a look at the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. Retired U.S. Air Force Major Bruce Gordon joins us—not as cohost this time but as the star of the discussion on the big brother to the F-102 Delta Dagger that served well into the late 80's. Single engine, mach 2-capable, ground-based data link, and nuclear air-to-air missiles... the "Six" is the quintessential 'Century Series' interceptor.Listener questions answered on this episode include how far in advance training pipelines are shut down before an aircraft is retired, what goes through a naval aviator's mind when lining up on the catapult, why general aviation aircraft focus on airspeeds whereas military use AOA, and more. Check out Bruce's book Spirit of Attack here.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The 'Century Series' nears the end but not before an in-depth look at the Republic F-105 Thunderchief. Cohost Trevor 'Boat' Boswell takes the lead on this episode, joined by retired U.S. Air Force Colonel John Morrissey for a discussion on the Vietnam-era fighter-bomber that earned the nickname "Thud" for its high mishap and shoot down rate.Listener questions answered on this episode include whether fighter pilots incur financial penalties for training mistakes--like notionally downing a fellow good guy or neutral airliner, when the show will begin featuring episodes on warbird fighters, and where nuclear strategic bombers would return after releasing their weapons in the event the Cold War ever went hot.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The 'Century Series' speeds by with a discussion on the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, a mach 2-capable interceptor designed by the legendary Kelly Johnson. Former Canadian Armed Forces Captain Rob "Flecko" Fleck joins us to explore this distinctly shaped Cold War fighter with guest cohost Bruce Gordon adding his usual color to the discussion.Listener questions answered on this episode include whether downing an unmanned aircraft constitutes an "aerial victory," why medical requirements differ between the U.S. Air Force and Navy, whether prior military experience is required to become an Air National Guard pilot, if technology renders obsolete second crew members in fighter jets, and more.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Since there was no F-103 to speak of and we spent episode 100 congratulating ourselves, the 'Century Series' continues this week with a discussion on the North American F-100 Super Sabre. Retired U.S. Air Force Major General Richard Goddard joins cohost Trevor Boswell at the Museum of Aviation in Robbins, GA to discuss this respected and fearsome aircraft. And as usual, our guest cohost Bruce Gordon returns to add some color to the discussion.No listener questions are answered on this episode due to having a distinguished visitor guest. Concerned listeners may have wondered if their sound systems were failing but the poor audio quality was our fault.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The 'Century Series' continues with a discussion on the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger. Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Ray Janes joins guest cohost Bruce Gordon to discuss this humble early 50's-designed interceptor that was the foundation of the more widely-known F-106 Delta Dart.Listener questions addressed on this episode include the future likelihood of civilian-owned 5th Gen fighters, loaded jets diverting without ordnance safety pins, keeping static aircraft free from debris at airshows, whether manned fighters will still be a thing a few years from now, and much more.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.We dedicate this episode to Lt Col Janes, 1932-2021.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The 'Century Series' kicks off this week with a discussion on the McDonnell F-101 Voodoo. Retired Royal Canadian Air Force Major John "Stace" Stacey joins guest cohost Bruce Gordon to discuss this late 1940's-designed interceptor that was once equipped with nuclear-tipped air-to-air missiles and a tactical nuke for a planned one-way mission should the Cold War ever turn hot.Listener questions addressed on this episode include a challenge on the show's claim that recent guest Caesar "Rico" Rodriguez is the "only man to down three enemy planes in the past 40 years," why the F/A-18 does not start with the single push of a button like the F-35, who decides which Navy squadrons transition to new jets when, and whether external drop tanks and empty rocket pods can be dropped on targets.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez. This episode was produced by our friends at the MuscleCar Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations