Fighter Pilot Podcast

There may be no more enigmatic naval aircraft than the North American A-5 Vigilante. Originally designed to be a carrier-based strategic nuclear bomber, it served primarily as an unarmed reconnaissance asset, substituting its nuclear rear-loaded payload for extra fuel tanks and collections gear.On this episode, former Vigilante pilot Bob Jellison, retired U.S. Navy Captain (R.I.P.), joins us to describe the A-5 and his 100+ missions in it over North Vietnam. Our guest co-host Andy King (@andrewkingdrums), not a former guest or military aviator himself but a listener of the show and Vigilante aficionado, helps us further understand the aircraft. Check out his two favorite A-5 books here and here.During the listener question segment, Andy asks host Jell-O why some navy VFA squadrons are based on the West Coast of the U.S. but deploy with East Coast air wings (and vice versa), whether he would rather fly the F4U Corsair or F6F Hellcat, and if he thinks strategically the U.S. Navy is weaker due to its insistence on using the Hornet platform for multiple roles.Bumper announcements by Clint Bell / opening song by Jaime Lopez, closing song “Skeleton” by Reader (@readerseattle). 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

What is the difference between a single-ship demo team and a multi-plane demonstration squadron, like the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels? How does one get selected to perform with a demonstration team at airshows? Is it a tryout, leadership selection process, etc. and how long is a rotation?On this episode, the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team joins us to answer these vexing listener questions. Demo pilot Major Garrett “Toro” Schmitz and crew chief Staff Sergeant Austin Dixon explain what the team is, what they do, how they differ from the Thunderbirds, and more. Be sure to follow the team on Instagram (@viperdemoteam) and Facebook to learn more and catch their next performance.Episode 45 hero Mike “T-DAY” Torrealday returns to guest co-host this episode, adding valuable insight to the discussion and answering other listener questions such as sneezing in flight, canopy considerations in inclement weather, preflight rituals, whether an American F-14 pilot could fly an Iranian Tomcat, 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

There may be no better fighter in history or currently flying than the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. Designed as an air superiority fighter to replace the F-15 Eagle, the Raptor combines advanced sensors, stealth, and exquisite flight controls and thrust vectoring into a lethal platform.On this episode, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Terry “Stretch” Scott joins us to describe the Raptor’s amazing features, weapons, performance, and more. He also helps answer a listener question on what it’s like to fly a fighter during extended ocean crossings, often lasting 12 hours or more.Returning to the show as a guest co-host is episode 59 star Dave “Chip” Berke, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and former F-22 exchange pilot. During the listener question segment, he discusses historical paradigms of aircraft design, what is included when discussing the bomb weight classes, how to handle not getting your first choice in flight school, and the difference between blue and green / brown water flight operations.At the end of the episode we say goodbye and thank you to Sunshine, who hangs up his cohost hat as his day job demands more of his time and attention. Fair winds, shipmate!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

Arms races have existed as long as humans have been warring, and the Cold War was no exception. In the late 1970’s the U.S. fielded the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Hornet air superiority fighters. The Soviet Union, meanwhile, fielded its own advanced fighter that was in many ways superior. With amazing agility, a high thrust-to-weight ratio, and a helmet-mounted sight with associated high off-boresight weapon, the MiG-29 Fulcrum was a credible opponent to the West.On this episode, retired Indian Air Force Air Marshal Harish “Fulcrum 1” Masand phones in from Central India to describe the MiG-29 and his key role inducting the Fulcrum into the IAF. He describes the variants, weapons, and how it was so easy to fly that he was able to put on aerial demonstrations with only 20 hours of experience in the Fulcrum. Read more about Air Marshal Masand’s experience flying the MiG-29, fighting it against a Mirage 2000, and why he lovingly referred to the Fulcrum as the “Super Hunter.”Guest co-host Darin “Wang” Chung from episode 26 joins us after the interview to describe his experiences training against Malaysian MiG-29s during one of his Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet unit deployments. There is no listener question segment on this episode.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 Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company is an elite Marine Corps unit tasked with coordinating various fires for their attached ground units. Tactical aviators are often chosen to lead these elements because of their unique perspective, having themselves previously supported ground forces from the air. It can be a harrowing experience for the aviators who leave the relative safety of their aircraft to slug it out in gritty ground combat, shoulder-to-shoulder with their brethren. On the other hand, it can be an experience like no other.On this episode, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Dave “Chip” Berke joins us to describe his time leading an ANGLICO unit during the height of fighting in Ramadi, Iraq. His exploits are described in extensive depth during his appearance on episode 69 of the Jocko Podcast, which should be considered a prerequisite prior to listening to this episode where we focus on Chip’s actual tactical control of aircraft as a ground FAC.During the listener question segment, Jell-O and guest co-host Dave “Chili” Culpepper from episode 55, address painting “CAG birds,” the difference between aggressors and adversaries, and staying mentally firm when attempting to land on a carrier during difficult situations.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

If someone asked you about the modern, delta-wing European fighter jet with canards, you might rightly respond, “which one?” To be sure, the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Saab Gripen all share similar features. Why is that? And how do we distinguish between them?On this episode, German Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Lorenz “Enzo” Schaffelhofer shares how to distinguish his favorite, the Eurofighter Typhoon, from the other aircraft and why he feels it is the superior fighter. Hold on tight while we describe the amazing performance of this cutting-edge fighter and how, with a more capable missile than the AIM-120D AMRAAM, it could be even more lethal.During the listener question segment, Jell-O and Sunshine discuss military aircraft lots versus blocks, thoughts on a choice for Canada’s CF-18 Hornet replacement, some broad ideas on how to succeed in ROTC, and differences between East and West Coast Navy squadrons.Don’t forget to do your homework! Catch our future guest Dave “Chip” Berke’s previous appearance on the Jocko Podcast. We’ll delve into his time as a ground FAC in Ramadi, Iraq on the next episode.Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. This episode was produced by our friends at The Muscle Car Place Podcast Network.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Everyone loves the sleek fighter jets, hovering attack planes, and other glamorous war machines that make the headlines and capture our attention, but few give more than a fleeting thought to the many other aircraft that perform crucial, yet unremarkable missions. One of those missions is logistical support, and only one airplane in history has been designed from the beginning to perform that mission to and from aircraft carriers.On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Julio “JLO” Galvan joins us to discuss the Grumman C-2 Greyhound and the crucial carrier onboard delivery role it plays for carrier strike groups around the globe. Although not as flashy as a frontline fighter, the Greyhound performs a vital role in moving personnel, equipment, supplies, and even mail from ship to shore and vice versa. It can even be used to deploy parachuting SEALs, as depicted in this YouTube video.During the listener question segment, Jell-O and Sunshine again discuss collateral duties in Navy single-seat F/A-18 squadrons, what constitutes a "flight hour," whether the flight training pipeline does a good job of weeding out unfit student aviators, and if the “right stuff” actually exists.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

This bonus episode returns us to our three-episode-per-month format, airing on the 2nd, 12th, and 22nd of each month for this, our second year as a show.This is a replay of our early July 2019 Facebook Live question & answer session with episode 50 guest, retired U.S. Navy Commander Jerry "Turkey" Tucker. Enjoy!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Most modern military fighter jets require thousands of feet of runway to takeoff and land, or else a complex and dangerous system of shipboard catapults and arresting gear. The AV-8 Harrier is unique in that it retains high forward speeds but is capable of taking off and landing in extremely short distances—or even vertically—thanks to swiveling exhaust nozzles and augmented flight controls. This feature, originally adapted for a cold war scenario, is particularly useful for shipboard amphibious operations.On this episode, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Jeff “Magwa” Scott explains how the Harrier came to be, what it’s like to fly (and hover), and how it is in some ways preferable to the F-35B Lightning II currently replacing it.During the listener question segment, Jell-O and Sunshine discuss aircrew interactions with other aircraft carrier personnel, mental exercises prior to flight, whether aircraft float, and how speedbrake placement is decided during aircraft design.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

Of the many facets of military aviation, perhaps no other is as consequential to the outcome of an armed conflict than the prosecution of ground targets. When those targets are in close proximity to friendly forces, detailed coordination is required between the ground commander and air assets to ensure the proper targets are attacked in an appropriate way. The conduit for that coordination is the JTAC, or Joint Terminal Attack Controller. An aviator filling this role is known as a Forward Air Controller, or FAC.On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain David “Chili” Culpepper joins us to describe nuances of being a FAC—drawing on his vast experiences piloting both the F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18F Super Hornet as an airborne FAC, or FAC(A). Arguably the most difficult aerial mission aircrew perform, a FAC(A) must balance the availability of air assets with a dynamic and ever-changing ground situation and complex command and control, all while flying. This largely explains why U.S. Navy and Marine FAC(A) missions are only flown in two-seat tactical aircraft where the mission chores can be divided between the crew.During the listener question segment, Jell-O and Sunshine discuss what happens when a pilot is afflicted with vertigo, reasons why the F-14 Tomcat was retired, duplicate aircrew callsigns, and favorite flight suit patches.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