Discover the fascinating world of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and what it takes to keep historic aircraft like FIFI flying. In this episode, Randall Haskin shares insights into the organization’s origins, the challenges of maintaining vintage planes, and how volunteers of all skill levels can get involved.

• The origin and mission of the CAF, with a focus on FIFI, the iconic B-29 Superfortress
• How the CAF acquires, restores, and maintains World War II aircraft
• The importance of volunteer support, including maintenance, flying, and outreach efforts
• The financial realities of keeping historic aircraft operational—costs, insurance, and parts sourcing
• Pilot and crew training pathways for vintage aircraft, including skills like tailwheel experience
• The operational structure of CAF’s touring programs and base locations
• The future outlook for flyable warbirds amidst regulatory and insurance challenges
• Personal stories from flight experiences and the significance of sharing history through flight
• 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
• 01:09 - Randall Haskin’s background and connection to FIFI
• 04:40 - History and mission of the CAF
• 07:59 - The significance of FIFI in aviation history
• 11:57 - The story of how FIFI was acquired and her journey to flying status
• 14:05 - The costs of maintaining FIFI and other vintage aircraft
• 15:32 - Operating ride programs and funding efforts
• 17:29 - Recruitment of new volunteers and the importance of training
• 20:02 - Parts sourcing and restoration techniques
• 23:47 - Developing future pilots and mechanics
• 34:22 - Tour schedules and deployment locations
• 36:56 - Volunteer maintenance and crew rotations
• 39:18 - The challenges and opportunities facing warbird preservation
• 41:53 - The importance of professional standards and safety
• 44:30 - Flying FIFI: cockpit experience and flight dynamics
• 54:42 - The personal and emotional significance of sharing aviation history
• 61:19 - Randall’s call sign and closing thoughts

• ⁠Air Power Tour⁠
• ⁠Air Power Squadron⁠
• ⁠Commemorative Air Force⁠
• ⁠FIFI The B-29 Superfortress - Official CAF Info⁠
• ⁠Volunteer Opportunities with CAF⁠
• ⁠Kermit Weeks' Collection of Warbirds⁠

• ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• ⁠Twitter⁠
• ⁠CAF Membership & Volunteer Info⁠

Thank you for listening and exploring the dedicated efforts to keep aviation history alive through active restoration, education, and volunteer work!

Preserving Living History: Inside the CAF and the Flight of FIFIKey Topics:Timestamps:Resources & Links:Connect with Randall Haskin:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the C-130J DCS Module, diving into its development, features, and the unique experiences it offers. Scott "Roger" Chafian, Brian "Sunshine" Sinclair, Baltic Dragon join Matt Delaney to discuss the aircraft's history, its tactical capabilities, and the challenges Matt faced during the DCS module's creation. Matt provides a comprehensive look at what it took to make the C-130J a standout module in DCS.

The Airplane Simulation Company: https://www.airplanesimulations.com/

Digital Combat Simulator: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/

Brian Sunshine Sinclair: https://www.3-wire.com/

Baltic Dragon: https://www.baltic-dragon.net/

C-130 EXPERIENCE NOTES:Blue Angels “Fat Albert”

The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team operates a support C‑130J nicknamed “Fat Albert.” At airshows around the United States, Fat Albert opens the show with a high‑energy routine, demonstrating the Hercules’ STOL capabilities and surprising agility. The aircraft performs steep take‑offs, power climbs, tight turns and tactical descents. Until 2009, JATO (jet‑assisted take‑off) rockets added extra spectacle. Today’s Fat Albert uses modern six‑blade propellers and continues to thrill crowds.

Several museums allow visitors to step inside or operate replicas of the Hercules:

Hill Aerospace Museum (Utah) – Their “C‑130 Experience” turns a retired fuselage into an interactive classroom. Visitors climb into the cargo bay and cockpit, interact with real controls and experience mission scenarios such as hurricane hunting, Antarctic landings and Fulton recovery. The exhibit reproduces sights, sounds and vibrations, giving a taste of being on a mission

Air Mobility Command Museum (Delaware) – Houses a C‑130E that visitors can tour on open‑cockpit days, with veterans providing guided walkthroughs

Museum of Aviation (Georgia) – Hosts an annual C‑130 Day where attendees explore a Hercules with former crew explaining systems.

These experiences contextualise the aircraft’s history and allow people to appreciate the complexity of its cockpit and the scale of its cargo bay.

Several aviation museums around the world display C‑130s and sometimes permit visitors to tour the interior. Notable examples include:

Museum

Location

Display Highlights

Hill Aerospace Museum

Utah, United States

The C‑130 Experience—interactive fuselage exhibit with mission simulations.

Air Mobility Command Museum

Dover Air Force Base, Delaware

C‑130E walk‑through tours on open cockpit days, guided by veterans.

Museum of Aviation

Warner Robins, Georgia

Annual C‑130 Day event allowing visitors inside a Hercules.

Pima Air & Space Museum

Tucson, Arizona

Displays a retired HC‑130 used by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Royal Air Force Museum Cosford

Shropshire, United Kingdom

Houses a former RAF C‑130K.

Royal Australian Air Force Museum

Point Cook, Australia

Displays a C‑130A, illustrating early Hercules service.

Many other museums worldwide—such as the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the Italian Air Force Museum (Vigna di Valle) and the Egyptian Air Force Museum—exhibit retired C‑130s. Visitors can appreciate the size of the cargo bay, the complexity of the cockpit and the wear from decades of service.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baltic Dragon and RG sat down with the Flight Simulator Red Arrows team for a really fun and surprisingly deep conversation about what it takes to pull off their signature precision flying in the sim world. These guys don’t just hop in and wing it — they train, rehearse, and refine their routines with the same discipline you’d expect from a real display team. We dug into how they coordinate formations, what their practice schedule looks like, and what keeps them motivated to put in so many hours perfecting the craft. It was a genuinely cool look behind the scenes at a group that brings passion and professionalism to virtual aviation.

https://discord.gg/jZuq7T792a

https://www.youtube.com/@fsredarrowsltd

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Grinnelli, Sunshine, Roger, Rob, and JNelson to talk about the in-development DCS F-100 Super Sabre module. The conversation focuses on what it’s like bringing the Hun into DCS, the aircraft’s defining characteristics, and how the team is approaching its behavior in the sim.

Grinnelli discusses his experience being welcomed into the F-100 community and what he’s learned from the people who know the jet best. Sunshine and JNelson add a brief look at how the game engine handles some of the aircraft’s unique flight traits, and Roger provides historical context that helps frame the F-100’s place in aviation.

It’s a practical, honest discussion about the aircraft, the module, and what sim pilots can expect as development continues.

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/

https://grinnellidesigns.com/f-100/

https://supersabresociety.org/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of our DIY series, we dive into the Open Phantom Project, a fresh initiative aimed at empowering flight simulation enthusiasts to create their own gear. Join us as we chat with the team about their diverse backgrounds, the project's ambitious goals, and the challenges they've encountered along the way. We'll explore the role of community collaboration, the use of 3D printing and CNC machines, and how DCS BIOS is simplifying cockpit building. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just curious, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of DIY flight sim gear. Tune in to discover how the Open Phantom Project is making cockpit building more accessible and exciting than ever.

Discord

Github

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we delve into the impactful experiences of Reflected Simulation's Red Flag 81-2 Campaign. Discover lessons learned, and insights gained from navigating the complexities of red flags in various contexts.

Reflected"s Campaign

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/campaigns/f-4e_red_flag_81-2_campaign/

Heatblur's F-4

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/phantom/

Brought to you by Authentic Media (https://www.authenticmedia.io)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we delve into the impactful experiences of Reflected Simulation's Red Flag 81-2 Campaign. Discover lessons learned, and insights gained from navigating the complexities of red flags in various contexts.

Reflected"s Campaign

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/campaigns/f-4e_red_flag_81-2_campaign/

Heatblur's F-4

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/phantom/

Brought to you by Authentic Media (https://www.authenticmedia.io)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Air Combat Sim Podcast, Rob Grady and Scott “Roger” Chafian sit down with Greg Gál—better known as Reflected Simulations—one of DCS World’s most respected campaign creators.

Greg shares how his lifelong passion for aviation turned into designing some of the most authentic and immersive campaigns in DCS, including MiG Killers, Red Flag 81-2, Wolfpack, Fear the Bones, Speed & Angels, and V for Victory.

We dive deep into:

• His research and planning process for historical accuracy

• Working with subject matter experts like “Bio” and Paco

• Balancing immersion, realism, and fun

• Updating older campaigns with new DCS features

• Why WWII and Cold War aircraft have his heart

• The upcoming Pacific theater and his “docu-campaign” approach to the F-14

Reflected on YouTube:  / @reflectedsimulations  

Reflected on Eagle Dynamics: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...

Reflected's Anytime Baby! Campaign Trailer: Anytime, Baby! F-14 Tomcat Campaign Announ...  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Joe Genovese, a tech innovator and aviation enthusiast. Discover how Joe's lifelong passion for flying and technology led to the creation of Fox3, a platform that has transformed multiplayer hosting for flight simulations. Learn about Joe's unique approach to blending tech and aviation, and how Fox3 caters to enthusiasts who prefer flying over dealing with technical upgrades.

Be sure to check out Fox 3 Solutions and use code “FlightSim” for 10% off any server and subscription: https://www.fox3ms.com/

#techinnovation #aviation #Fox3 #flightsimulation #JoeGenovese #dcs #f4phantom

Brought to you by Authentic Media (https://www.authenticmedia.io)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 47 of the Air Combat Sim Podcast, Rob and Home Fries welcome Justin, the creative force behind OnYourTwelve on Etsy. Justin shares how he went from a passionate VR DCS flyer to designing and selling immersive, functional cockpit panels—one of the most relatable DIY-to-business stories in the community.

They dig into:

• Justin’s journey from early panel tinkering to 600+ Etsy sales
• Building an F‑4E weapons panel and other aircraft interfaces
• The tradeoffs between authenticity, usability, and affordability
• Thoughts on VR headsets like the Pimax Crystal and G2
• Home sim rigs and why Justin went with SimFab
• Designing custom PCBs and 3D printing with Bambu Labs
• Productizing your own gear vs. making one-offs
• Possible future modules for the F‑14 backseat and Hornet
• And why the golden era of sim peripherals is right now

Whether you’re flying the Hornet, Phantom, or Corsair—this episode dives into the heart of modern flight sim immersion.

• 🛠️ Justin’s Store: OnYourTwelve
• https://www.etsy.com/shop/OnYourTwelve
• 🪑 SimFab Cockpit Rigs
• https://simfab.com
• 🧠 DCS BIOS GitHub
• https://github.com/DCSFlightpanels/DCSFlightpanels
• 📺 Reflected Simulations (Campaigns)
• https://www.youtube.com/@ReflectedSimulations
• 🔧 Fox3 Sim Works
• https://www.fox3sim.com

• 🎥 Tricker’s YouTube Channel
• https://www.youtube.com/@TrickerDCS
• 🎥 CasmoTV YouTube Channel
• https://www.youtube.com/c/CasmoTV
• 🌐 Baltic Dragon (Campaign Developer)
• https://www.baltic-dragon.net
• 🤠 Authentic Media – Cowboy Time
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFRAt0yTBVXjWCfJDicOcsg

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the show—and don’t forget to check out our friends and partners in the sim community.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.