Fighter Pilot Podcast

It is said that warfare is simply diplomacy by other means. As such, nation-states agree to various customs and laws to govern warfare in an effort to minimize destruction, avoid targeting non-combatants, and maintain other humanitarian and worthwhile practices.

On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain Shannon Kopplin, Judge Advocate General Corps, joins us to explain how the law of armed conflict came about, how it influences modern warfare, and why a known enemy aircraft might be declared a 'bandit' or 'hostile,' based on the rules of engagement.

Listener questions answered on this episode include combat fatigue in recent conflicts, whether downing WW2 V-1 rockets constitute an "aerial victory," details of the previous French-U.S. carrier interoperability demonstrations, and whether we will eventually feature Air Force PJs on the show.

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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Author Brad Elward shares details of his latest book, TOPGUN, The Navy Fighter Weapons School: Fifty Years of Excellence, which offers a unique illustrated history of this iconic institution and is a precursor to Brad's 700-page authoritative history on the school, due out later this year.

Enter to win a free, autographed copy of this book here.

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What does a world-renowned, award-winning aviation photographer do when COVID decimates his aviation photography travel company? He reimagines his business and turns to the web to help other photographers be their best.

UK-based Rich Cooper first picked up a camera at age 7 and had one of his photographs featured in a magazine four short years later. Now he offers an online experience that will help others take their aviation photography to the next level through workshops, how-to videos, virtual gatherings, and more.

Want to up your aviation photography game and collaborate with other enthusiasts with similar passions? Sign up for a COAP online membership and follow COAP on Facebook (centreofaviationphotography) and Instagram (@centreofaviationphotography). You'll be glad you did!

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The 'Century Series' concludes with a look at the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. Retired U.S. Air Force Major Bruce Gordon joins us—not as cohost this time but as the star of the discussion on the big brother to the F-102 Delta Dagger that served well into the late 80's. Single engine, mach 2-capable, ground-based data link, and nuclear air-to-air missiles... the "Six" is the quintessential 'Century Series' interceptor.

Listener questions answered on this episode include how far in advance training pipelines are shut down before an aircraft is retired, what goes through a naval aviator's mind when lining up on the catapult, why general aviation aircraft focus on airspeeds whereas military use AOA, and more. Check out Bruce's book Spirit of Attack here.

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 'Century Series' nears the end but not before an in-depth look at the Republic F-105 Thunderchief. Cohost Trevor 'Boat' Boswell takes the lead on this episode, joined by retired U.S. Air Force Colonel John Morrissey for a discussion on the Vietnam-era fighter-bomber that earned the nickname "Thud" for its high mishap and shoot down rate.

Listener questions answered on this episode include whether fighter pilots incur financial penalties for training mistakes--like notionally downing a fellow good guy or neutral airliner, when the show will begin featuring episodes on warbird fighters, and where nuclear strategic bombers would return after releasing their weapons in the event the Cold War ever went hot.

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 'Century Series' speeds by with a discussion on the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, a mach 2-capable interceptor designed by the legendary Kelly Johnson. Former Canadian Armed Forces Captain Rob "Flecko" Fleck joins us to explore this distinctly shaped Cold War fighter with guest cohost Bruce Gordon adding his usual color to the discussion.

Listener questions answered on this episode include whether downing an unmanned aircraft constitutes an "aerial victory," why medical requirements differ between the U.S. Air Force and Navy, whether prior military experience is required to become an Air National Guard pilot, if technology renders obsolete second crew members in fighter jets, and more.

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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Since there was no F-103 to speak of and we spent episode 100 congratulating ourselves, the 'Century Series' continues this week with a discussion on the North American F-100 Super Sabre. Retired U.S. Air Force Major General Richard Goddard joins cohost Trevor Boswell at the Museum of Aviation in Robbins, GA to discuss this respected and fearsome aircraft. And as usual, our guest cohost Bruce Gordon returns to add some color to the discussion.

No listener questions are answered on this episode due to having a distinguished visitor guest. Concerned listeners may have wondered if their sound systems were failing but the poor audio quality was our fault.

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 'Century Series' continues with a discussion on the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger. Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Ray Janes (R.I.P.) joins guest cohost Bruce Gordon to discuss this humble early 50's-designed interceptor that was the foundation of the more widely-known F-106 Delta Dart.

Listener questions addressed on this episode include the future likelihood of civilian-owned 5th Gen fighters, loaded jets diverting without ordnance safety pins, keeping static aircraft free from debris at airshows, whether manned fighters will still be a thing a few years from now, and much more.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

We dedicate this episode to Lt Col Janes, 1932-2021.

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