The Fighter Pilot Podcast explores the fascinating world of air combat: the aircraft, the weapons systems, and most importantly—the people.
Episodes typically feature guests who help explain various military aviation-themed topics, such as how ejection seats work or what it's like to fly on and off nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
If you love the roar of a high-speed flyby or are enamored by the poise and confidence of the brave men and women who fly, fix, and fight these aircraft, then this show is for you!
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June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthday To celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, concluding with this rebroadcast of episode 160 exploring the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment with U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Trey Williams and retired U.S. Army CW5 Stan Wood. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations...
June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthday To celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, continuing with this rebroadcast of episode 090 exploring this tank-busting, Cold War-era attack helicopter with CWO4 Tim "Dorothy" Settle. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthday To celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, continuing with this rebroadcast of episode 089 exploring the helicopter that is small in stature but huge in capability and adored by the ground forces it defends. Learn more about our guest, Ryan Robicheaux's Scout's Out project here . Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations...
June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthday . To celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, continuing with this rebroadcast of episode 088 covering the U.S. Army's flight school syllabus, aircraft, and training locations with CWO2 Nicholas Allen. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
Advanced weapons and sensors are required to prevail in modern combat, but determining how these and the many other pieces integrate into the broader joint fight can become costly. Tom Wiley, Senior Director Integrated Solutions Modeling & Architecture at Raytheon , a business of RTX , joins us this week to discuss how Raytheon's Rapid Campaign Analysis and Demonstration Environment ( RCADE ) assists decision-makers in thinking beyond individual systems, enabling them to see the entire opera...
June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthday . To celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, beginning with this rebroadcast of episode 087 exploring the policies, programs, and aircraft—including the little-known fleet of Army airplanes—with CWO5 Aaron Nance of the Washington Army National Guard. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations...
Manchester. Lancaster. Lincoln. Lancastrian. York. Tudor. Shackleton... To most, this is simply a list of obscure names. But to some, these are the beloved branches of a family tree of bombers, airborne early warning, and maritime reconnaissance aircraft that extends from World War II well into the Cold War. On this episode, Mr. Graham Barber explains the Avro Lancaster family tree, culminating in the Shackleton ( AEW2 WR963 ) being restored and frequently started to keep the legacy of these mag...
On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific. On this final episode, OFW series host Scott "Roger" Chafian and guest Mike Roundtree discuss how artificial intelligence and machine learning figure in escalation and de-escalation of conflict. Beyond military forces increasing their readiness, escalation includes a nation’s infrastructure, communication networks, economy and other attributes. Contin...
Few aircraft earn the battle-tested distinction of singularly turning the tide of entire theaters of world wars. The SBD Dauntless may just be one of them. On this episode, Robert Harris, member of the Commemorative Air Force , and author Kevin Miller provide a tag team review of this venerable aircraft, from its pivotal role in World War ll in the Pacific to flying one of the few remaining airworthy examples remaining 80+ years later. For financial planning questions or assistance, contact Zach...
Longtime listeners of this channel sometimes comment that they seem to know more about each guest than they do the usual host, Jell-O. On this episode, guest host Paul "Tremors" Tremelling turns the tables and interviews Jell-O about his new book, Through the Yellow Visor , an Amazon Best Seller chronicling his life and career. Physical and e-book versions of Through the Yellow Visor can be purchased on Amazon ; personalized hard cover or paperback copies signed by Jell-O can be purchased on the...
What is the difference between automation and autonomy, and where does artificial intelligence fit in when it comes to military aviation? On this episode, Ms. Jessica "STING" Peterson , Ph.D. student and part time Instructor Flight Test Engineer at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, explains the nuanced differences, drawing on her experience flight testing the RQ-4 Global Hawk and collision avoidance systems. Aircraft, both civil and military, have been equipped with auto pilots for decades. ...
The Boeing Bird of Prey was a mid-1990's stealth technology demonstrator used to test low-observable stealth techniques and develop new methods of aircraft design. The recent F-47 sixth generation fighter , which will be a Boeing product, is thought to trace its lineage to the BBoP. This episode features retired U.S Air Force and Boeing Corporation test pilot Doug "Benj" Benjamin, originally recorded in 2021. Benj was the first and last BBoP test pilot, having amassed more hours in the demonstra...
Armed conflict is challenging enough, but when the very battlefield is a more significant threat than the enemy, the stakes are significantly raised. On this episode, US Air Force LtCol Jahara "Franky" Matisek and retired US Coast Guard LCDR Jeremy McKenzie explain how military operations in the Arctic present unique challenges. Temperatures well below freezing not only make basic survival a struggle, but LCDs on avionics and electronics quit working, as do most lubricants, and a dropped wrench ...
On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific. On this penultimate episode, OFW series regulars Scott "Roger" Chafian and Mike "Pako" Benitez discuss how big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are collectively changing not only our lives on a near-daily basis, but influencing armed conflict. And yet, humans must remain in the loop—find out why Brought to you by Authentic Media wit...
As armed combat ever evolves and airborne electronic threats become increasingly sophisticated, leading defense companies continually strive to achieve superiority for the U.S. warfighter. And among those companies, L3Harris is the undisputed leader. L3Harris is developing “Viper Shield”—an advanced digital electronic warfare suite for the next-generation F-16. Former F-16 Wild Weasel pilot, Robert "Trip" Raymond explains L3Harris's extensive EW experience is culminating in a system that will be...
The F-35B Lightning ll is an aircraft like no other—going from a short takeoff to a supersonic dash to hovering in midair, all in seconds. And in the hands of a proficient US Marine Corps pilot, not only does this ability ensure winning in combat, it is sure to amaze at airshows. On this episode, Marine Majors Craig "Brembo" Norris and Craig "Chuckles" Turner explain the STOVL F-35 variant and how they fly it at airshows to inspire the next generation of Marine Corps pilots. Check out the Airsho...
In modern air combat, weapons are only as effective as the sensors that inform them. Joe “Grip” Beissner, Director of Requirements and Capabilities for Radio Frequency Solutions at Raytheon , a business of RTX , joins us this week to discuss Raytheon's active electronically scanned array radars providing aircrew unmatched situational awareness, targeting precision, and survivability. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations...
Most military members spend their careers enmeshed in their own branch with scant exposure to their sister services. Not Judge. Jim "Judge" Dresner , originally a Royal Marine has been trained by, operated in, and/or deployed with the Royal Navy and Air Force, the British Army, and even the U.S. Marine Corps during his illustrious career flying helicopters to jump jets. His is a story of interoperability, resilience, and modesty. For financial planning questions or assistance, contact Zach Minde...
Jon "Stormin" Norman, Vice President of Requirements & Capabilities at Raytheon , a business of RTX , joins us to discuss the cutting edge air-to-air and surface weapons and effectors the hard-working men and women of Raytheon produce for our warfighters. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations...
On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific. This tenth episode explores the vulnerability of computer chip manufacturing. With over 98% of logic and memory chips fabricated in just two countries, both located in the Indo-Pacific region, what happens if the supply of these chips is threatened? How can the United States meet this challenge? Host Scott Chafian and guest Daniel Marujo explore solut...
In late 1944 when it was clear the war in the Pacific was lost, the Imperial Japanese Navy employed a frightening tactic to attack the US Navy: suicide attacks. Invoking the "divine wind" that twice turned back marauding Mongrols, such attacks were called kamikaze. On this episode, New York City-based author Gary Santos explains the scourge of kamikaze attacks during World War ll, including an attack on the USS Randolph--the aircraft carrier his father Eugene served on. Gary explains the mindset...
The T-38 has been an exceptional tactical trainer for six decades responsible for qualifying thousands of pilots to fly dozens of platforms. But with the advent of 5th generation fighters, a replacement for the beloved Talon is long overdue. On this episode, Jonathan "Gremlin" Aronoff , of the U.S. Air Force's 419 Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, California, describes the rigorous testing and development needed to introduce a new trainer more than a half century since the last time a tactica...
On Future War' is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific. This ninth episode explores the vulnerability of "lines of communication." Little threatened, or changed, since the end of WWll, today's shipping lanes involve significant vulnerabilities when supporting an "away game" conflict. How can the U.S. address this challenge? Host Scott Chafian and guest Sal Mercogliano explore solutions. Brought to you by ...
From over-the-wing-mounted AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on the SEPECAT Jaguar to kick-in-the-back acceleration on the Eurofighter Typhoon, Royal Air Force Wing Commander Mike "Sooty" Sutton has just about seen and done it all. On this episode, guest host Paul "Tremors" Tremelling and pal Sooty share stories of flight school, flying the Jag and Typhoon, and finding deeper meaning and purpose in combat aviation--as in life. Be sure to pick up Sooty's book, Typhoon , available on Amazon . For financia...
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 c...
Derek "Grinner" Smith got his start like many military pilots: at an airshow as a kid. One look at the English Electric Lightning and Grinner knew the vector for his life. On this episode, guest host (and fellow Brit) Paul "Tremors" Tremelling interviews Grinner to learn how he fared getting into the Royal Air Force and flying the eclectic Lightning before transitioning to the Panavia Tornado. For financial planning questions or assistance, contact Zach Mindel at zmindel@forumfinancial.com , (63...
Landing an F-35B Lightning aboard a ship at sea is not as simple as pulling alongside and then setting down from a hover. Numerous procedures, policies, and contingencies come into play, which is why it's always a good idea to have a trained LSO monitoring the approach. U.S. Marine Major Brian "SAK" Kimmins, a former AV-8B-turned F-35B pilot explains the efforts he is undertaking to develop a formal landing signal officer school similar to what Jamboy explained exists for conventional carrier ai...
'On Future War' is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific. This episode explores critical supply chain topics including sourcing raw materials and manufacturing facilities (some still remnants from World War II) with host Mike Benetiz and guest Garry Haase. Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense . Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donation...
Longtime FPP friend Billie Flynn returns to the show to provide an update on the F-35 Lightning II and ground collision avoidance systems before addressing his new crusade: the need to provide military aviators the same coaching as professional athletes to ensure they perform at their best in the demanding future of air combat. For financial planning questions or assistance, contact Zach Mindel at zmindel@forumfinancial.com , (630) 474-3599, or visit https://www.forumfinancial.com/profile/zachar...
A military-themed show like the Fighter Pilot Podcast would not be possible without the selfless dedication of service members past and present. This Veterans Day, we're taking a stroll down memory lane and revisiting veterans from World War II through the current war on terrorism. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
