This week we welcome F-14 Driver “Jake” who relates how he got to fly the Tomcat, losing a mutual friend, what the real Top Gun school is about, what it feels like to be alone at night in 60º water and 6 foot seas in a one man survival raft, and watching a rescue helicopter stop, look, and fly away.

Jake relays more of Fig’s adventures and why he was considered the ultimate ‘Liberty Risk’!

The Intro and Outtro to this episode are clips from Pilot Talk: Barely Air #1 – Hilarious stuff – Please go watch for further entertainment!

This is another very inspirational episode – a story of personal triumph in the face tragedy. OB Joins us to tell of his days as a line support guy at an FBO in his home town – fueling and towing light civils. He goes on to tell of his time as a Harrier pilot and how it was cut way too short.

But this isn’t a story of woe and defeat. OB’s perseverance and tenacity and force of spirit will serve as an inspiration to those who hear his fight for survival in the face of overwhelming odds. We believe you’ll also be inspired by how he has faced these challenges with grace. He puts it in perspective that it’s just the way things are.

His concern for Marines who didn’t survive as tactical pilots is clearly overriding any focus on himself. He is a friend, a gentleman and a Marine through-and-through.

Sheriff joins Fig and Repete to tell how his interest in aviation was initially sparked. Then he relays how it evolved from some wild adventures in light civil aircraft to his pursuit and success in becoming a Naval Flight Officer flying in military tactical jets. There is one specific story in light civil planes that was described then and now as: ‘We were on a mission from God!’ Sheriff recounts how he almost had to eject at the end of a weak catapult shot off the USS Abraham Lincoln and wondered, as he looked up, if he would be able to clear the antennas extended off the side of the USS Lincoln over his struggling jet.

Sheriff’s extensive knowledge of carrier operations and experiences in Naval Aviation are riveting. He describes the pranks played on each other and discusses an amazing tale of survival that is famous in the annals of Naval Aviation.

Be sure to listen all the way to the end of this show. Sheriff’s story is unique and inspiring. He has overcome challenges and succeeded where most would give up. I’m proud to call him my friend – and I believe you’ll be amazed at what this man has accomplished.

Fig and Repete recount their time in VMA-223 with Colonel Mitch Triplett. Col. Triplett passed away this week and the show is dedicated to him. The consummate Marine, Aviator, Leader; “Trip” will be missed by all and remembered fondly.

Some funny ATC interactions are recounted and then we lead into the prior-teased tale of the “Fig-Dog”. Not for the feint of heart, this really happened… and how it didn’t turn into a bigger ‘shit-storm’ figuratively – well – we can just count ourselves lucky!

If the end of this episode seems a little clipped it’s because in post show edit Repete had to fix some sound issues that occurred during recording, but nothing of importance got dropped.

Until Next Week: Check Six!

This week’s show is dedicated to the memory of Retired Navy Captain James “Sinzy” Sinz. A former Commanding Officer of both Repete and this week’s guest, Pester, Sinzy was an exceptional leader who cared deeply about setting the example, providing guidance when needed, and helping his Sailors and Marines whenever he could. Capt Sinz’s obituary can be found here. Captain Sinz: Fair Winds and Following Seas, Sir. Rest well knowing you have made the world a better and safer place.

Pester joins Fig and Repete to tell how he became a Naval Aviator and the challenges of flying the F-14; particularly on and off the carrier at night. This week’s title comes from a play on words from the Top Gun Movie and the fact that the LSO (Landing Signal Officer) only saw one ‘chute when Pester and his RIO punched out.

Pester details going to AOCS, flight school, and selecting the Tomcat. He went to Miramar for the Replacement Air Group “RAG” and his fleet squadron. He also tells about why he has his callsign and raises the hair on the back of your neck as he tells how he and his RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) narrowly escaped a doomed Tomcat in the night landing pattern and earned their ‘Martin-Baker’ ties and silkworms. Martin-Baker is the manufacturer of the ejection seats used in the F-14.

Then Pester and Fig got into some serious ball-busting before we wrapped up this week’s show!

Spaz joins Fig & Repete to tell of his time with the VMA-331 Bumble Bees before the squadron was “flamed-out” (Decommissioned); some of his time in 223; and what happened to cause him to return a Harrier to the tax-payers in many thousands of pieces.

Spaz has some great stories to share and is not shy about doing so. Not always a patient man, he describes himself as caffeinated at birth, but much calmer today. He and his fellow pilots took matters into their own hands to earn respect and watch out for one another.

He will “Be Back” for another show soon as we couldn’t fit it all in to a single hour.

This is the second half of our interview with Chaz – Navy S-3 Pilot and now Retired from the majors. Chaz has had an amazing career and is a raconteur extraordinaire! From hilarious to tragic and everything in between.

Enjoy the show and please write us with any comments and questions at [email protected] or [email protected].

Chaz joins Fig & Repete to tell of his adventures as the child of a Pennsylvania Railroad engineer; learning to fly and making life decisions based on recruitment posters!

Now retired from the majors, Chaz is a font of aviation lore. We spent a little less than two hours together and realized we were only about half-way through, at best. This interview is split into two shows – the first half begins here.

Luke Joins hosts Fig & Repete to talk about his journey from the midwest to the Naval Academy. He tells how he became a Marine heavy helicopter pilot and Harrier pilot. He recounts a couple of brushes with disaster and how he avoided jumping out of a Harrier right before leaving active duty. There is a saying in aviation: It’s better to be lucky than good. But when your luck runs out, you’d better be good! Luke was both!

Sinbad joins hosts Fig & Repete to recount flying low and fast; terrorizing livestock and breaking glass. But it was a good enough show to get him a ‘free pass’ from the local highway patrol 35 years later! Going ‘green’ on a maintenance check flight gets a new meaning!