Fighter Pilot Podcast

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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When it comes to military aircraft, most enthusiasts are familiar with the subcategories airplanes and helicopters, and the differing ways they generate lift. The former propels one or more stationary wings through the airstream and thus requires a relatively high minimum flying speed. The latter rotates multiple overhead wings, which facilitates flight in a stationary hover but typically at the expense of a relatively slow top speed.

A less-well known third category combines the best features of airplanes and helicopters into one highly effective platform. Powered Lift air vehicles feature short or vertical takeoffs and landings as well as high top speeds—offering a tremendous advantage in military operations. The powered lift category features only three aircraft: the AV-8B Harrier, the ‘B’ variant of the F-35 Lightning II, and the subject of this week’s show: the V-22 Osprey.

On this episode, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Major Josh “Sweet Pea” Smith joins us to discuss the Osprey in depth: from its tumultuous development, to the variants flown by three of the four US military branches, to its weapons systems, and more. Sweet Pea further describes what it’s like to pilot an Osprey—whether loaded with Marines or in the service of our country’s top governmental leadership.

During the listener question segment, Jell-O and Sunshine discuss supersonic flight restrictions, carrier obsolescence, ordnance selection for uncertain mission tasking, and whether Cold War and older aircraft will be featured on coming episodes.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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...And we're back!

On this episode we conclude last week's discussion with former F-4 pilot John "Tiger" Kerr and RIO Jack "Fingers" Ensch, both retired U.S. Naval aviators. Hold on to your hats as we talk Vietnam-conflict shoot downs, shot downs, POW stories, and how each guest earned his callsign.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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Few aircraft so prominently define their eras as the McDonell F-4 Phantom II does the 1960s and the Vietnam conflict. Initially imagined as a fighter and later an interceptor, the Phantom II eventually entered service as a fighter-bomber that set numerous speed and altitude records, was responsible for much of the bombing and air-to-air kills over Vietnam, and was later used extensively in SEAD and reconnaissance roles. The F-4 was a truly versatile—and effective—aircraft.

On this episode, former U.S. Navy F-4 Phantom pilot Rear Admiral John “Tiger” Kerr and RIO Captain Jack “Fingers” Ensch, both since retired, join us to answer our standard ‘aircraft series’ questions on this iconic aircraft and what it was like to fly and fight it. They return on the next episode to continue the stimulating discussion.

This week, hosts Jell-O and Sunshine catch up on phoned-in listener questions offering advice for getting the most out of the ROTC program, answering when we will feature certain aircraft on the show, opining on career paths for TOPGUN graduates, and discussing what happens when military aircraft crash into civilian infrastructure.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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There are military aircraft that contribute to shaping U.S. foreign policy. There are some that usher in cutting edge technology. Others set speed and altitude records. A few capture the lifelong imaginations of children and aviation enthusiasts alike.

And then there’s the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird that did it all

Brainchild of legendary aeronautical engineer, Kelly Johnson, the Blackbird did do it all as we learn on this episode with retired U.S. Air Force Brian “Punchy” Shul (R.I.P.). Known for his infamous ground speed story and numerous books—including Sled Driver—Punchy offers a detailed look at what it took to build and fly the Blackbird, and how it played a significant role in shaping President Reagan’s negotiations with the Soviet Union. The SR-71 Blackbird is a truly iconic aircraft.

Now a renowned key note speaker, author, and aviation and nature photographer, Punchy is the curator of Gallery One in Marysville, Calif.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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The first recorded account of two aircraft engaging in aerial combat occurred in late November 1913 during the Mexican Revolution. The pilots, both American ‘soldiers of fortune’ on opposing sides of the conflict, engaged each other (unsuccessfully) with handheld pistols in otherwise unarmed aircraft.

The gun—and soon after, the cannon—quickly became the primary weapon for air-to-air “dogfighting” and was incorporated in various calibers and locations into virtually all combat aircraft for the next 50 years, through two world wars and numerous armed conflicts. Until the advent of the air-to-air missile, the gunfighters ruled the skies.

On this episode, retired U.S. Navy Commander Jerry “Turkey” Tucker joins us to discuss the “last of the gunfighters,” the Vought F-8 Crusader. Designed as a supersonic dogfighter, the Crusader ushered in the era of A/A missiles and, indeed, most of its kills in the Vietnam conflict were achieved with early versions of the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Turkey regales us not just with what it was like to fly and fight the Crusader but the many other aircraft he flew, including the F-4 Phantom II and A-4 Skyhawk as a two-time demonstration pilot for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

Due to the length of the interview, no listener questions are addressed on this episode. For those craving a second helping of Turkey, another serving can be found on our Patreon page where edited parts of the interview are available as bonus content.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.

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Virtually everything requires periodic maintenance and upkeep. Think about it: our cars, our homes, our health, relationships… you name it—if it operates, functions, or has value, odds are precious resources are required to keep it so. And yet, very little attention is paid by the public or Hollywood to this irrefutable fact.

But since this show tells the story of military aviation, on this episode we take a break from the glamorous planes and amazing weapons to explore what it takes to keep a 1,000-foot long, 10-story tall, $8B, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier protecting the nation’s interests on the world’s seas. Joining us to help describe this massive undertaking is U.S. Navy Captain Matthew “Pappy” Paradise, commanding officer of the USS Carl Vinson, and Mr. Mike Irby, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard project lead for the Vinson’s current ‘availability’ period—as a carrier in drydock is known.

During the listener question segment, Jell-O and Sunshine address Navy VFA squadron organization, loneliness in flight, the effect of dihedral on pulling Gs, the differences between the Naval Academy and ROTC when it comes to flight school performance, and more.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. Our thanks to the public affairs offices of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Carl Vinson for making this episode possible.

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