Fighter Pilot Podcast

Only in the movies do fighter pilots enjoy cool nicknames like “Viper”, “Iceman”, or “Maverick.” In the real world, callsigns are generally plays on names (e.g. “Notso” Sharp), reflective of a pilot’s physical resemblance to some well-known character (“Shrek” Olsen), or the result of a mistake the pilot made at some point in his or her career (“Skids” Pennington). Admittedly, they are at times derogatory, and frequently not politically correct, but they are almost always funny.

On this episode, U.S. Navy Captain Brian “Ferg” Fergusson stops by to explain those whimsical, often juvenile nicknames many military aviators go by instead of their real names when flying and, on the ground. Learn how callsigns are assigned, whether they ever change, and why it’s actually a good thing when a new fighter pilot despises a newly-assigned callsign.

Bumper music by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.

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If a soldier is a military combatant that fights on land, and a sailor is one that fights on sea, then what is a 'fighter pilot'?

On this inaugural episode, U.S. Navy Commander Brian “Sunshine” Sinclair visits the show to discuss what a fighter pilot is, some characteristics typical of most fighter pilots, and the various paths to become one. We also debunk cliché Hollywood stereotypes while discussing what a fighter pilot decidedly is not.

Towards the end of the show we discuss a few of the jets used in civilian organizations, including the F-21 Kfir and Hawker Hunter flown by ATAC, the Super Tucano, and the L-39 Albatros.

Episode photography by Vincent Aiello. Royalty-free bumper music by Incompetech.

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Welcome to The Fighter Pilot Podcast!

On this short initial episode, I, your host Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello, introduce myself and explain how and why this show came about. I also describe features of the show—expected frequency, length, structure, and more.

Much of this information can also be found on the website’s About page.

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