Guest host Ken "Primetime" Katz revisits our friends at Stratolunch to learn about their first powered flight of the Talon-A, an autonomous, reusable testbed advancing hypersonic flight testing.

What do the Sea Harrier, F-15B Eagle, X-32 JSF contestant, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Hawk all have in common?

Well, not much, actually, except that they have all been flown by this week's guest, retired Royal Navy Commander Paul "Pebbles" Stone. As an Empire Test Pilots' School graduate, Pebbles flew all these aircraft and many more and spins quite a yarn about them with guest cohost Paul "Tremors" Tremelling.

Retired U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, Tamara "T-Lo" Graham explains the nuances of planning and flying CSAR missions in the U.S. Navy. Hosted by Matt "Flounder" Arny.

Learn more about the Navy & Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Flight Academy here.

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 James Cameron (1991, Paramount).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mike "Nasty" Manazir shares important leadership (and followership!) lessons from a lifetime in service, including piloting an F-14 Tomcat and commanding a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

And it's not always smooth sailing--resilience and dogged determination on a "north star" in the face of adversity is a big part of success.

Pick up a copy of Nasty's leadership book, 'Lead to Win' here.

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.

'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.

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!

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.)

Bomber Month concludes with the Consolidated B-24 Liberator.

World War II 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.

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.

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.

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 discuss the history of the Zero--unarguably one of the most capable carrier-based fighters of World War ll. They also share what it's like to fly one of only five 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.

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 music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

John "Shylock" Koch was an A-6 Intruder bombardier / navigator (BN) who flew more than 200 combat missions during the Vietnam War, most with the same pilot.

As you will learn during this emotional interview, Shylock's life-changing experiences and heartbreaking loss remain as poignant during the sharing of these incredible stories 50+ years later as the day they happened.

Visit the A-6 Intruder Association here.

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 threat aircraft subject matter expert. Be sure to check out the Blue Angels Decades project.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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-120 is carried on the F-16.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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 music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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.

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.

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...

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 Bell.

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 traditional oxygen masks.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode is dedicated to the memory of the VQ-2 crew of Ranger 12.

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 Janek Krause. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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" Aiello, 1968-2021.

'On Future War' is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Pacific.

On this episode, Mike "Pako" Benitez and Andrew "Scar" Van Timmeren discuss the differences between fourth and fifth-generation fighter jets, focusing on the F-22 and F-35, with insights on the learning curve and intuitive nature of the Lightning II compared to the complexity of the Raptor.

Pako and Scar further discuss situational awareness and task management in modern fighters, with a look ahead to the future of air superiority with a discussion on sixth-generation fighters.

Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.

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!

Some aircraft are, simply put, icons of their era: the Wright Flyer, the SR-71 “Blackbird”, and the F-22 “Raptor”, to name 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 last surviving triple ace of World War II, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Clarence “Bud” Anderson (R.I.P.), 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.

FPP cohost Boat provides an update on a family tragedy involving founder Jell-O. For more information visit FPP Facebook Page.

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.

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.

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.

Weasels are small, active predators 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 justification for the introduction of new 4th Gen aircraft like the F-15EX Eagle II.

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 painting of a low-flying F-14 Tomcat kicking up two columns of water is accurate, and whether it is difficult for fighter pilots to calculate all the maneuvers they must make in flight.

Episode artwork by Janek Krause. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez and announcements by Clint Bell.

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.

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!

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Greg "Rug Dance" Wooldridge knows a thing or two about the Blue Angels because he led them a time or two...actually THREE times, to be exact. That was in the '90s.

Back then Rug Dance was involved in the documentary 'Around the World at the Speed of Sound' and today he is one of the creative geniuses behind the 2024 Blue Angels iMax feature.

Book Rug Dance as your next keynote speaker here.

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.

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 Podcast Network.

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.

We're taking a pause from our normal routine to catch up on podcast happenings and clear out the listener question bag.