Fighter Pilot Podcast

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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 (R.I.P.) 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.

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