What is it like to deploy away from your loved ones at Christmas? In this special Christmas episode, we'll dive into what it feels like to experience what thousands of CAF members have felt before - being half a world away from family and friends at Christmas. In this episode, we'll talk with Mike Behring, a CC-130J Super Hercules pilot as well as a recently qualified test pilot in the RCAF about his experiences deploying as an Aircraft Captain in support of Operation IMPACT in the Middle East during the holidays. Merry Christmas from us to you!

What is it like to be a member of the elite force known as CJIRU? Why switch from Special Operations Forces Operator to Pilot? What challenges and opportunities do the trades have in common, and what useful traits overlap? Tune in this week as we chat with Ben, a former Special Operations Forces Operator who switched to the pilot trade, currently undergoing pilot training. We'll talk about what has been easy, what has been a challenge, and whether or not there is a large culture shock in switching between these diverse trades.

What was it like to fly the legendary CP-121 Tracker, or the mighty CP-140 Aurora when it was a new aircraft? Duncan MacIsaac served for 27 years in the Regular Force and another 8 in the Reserves. He has flown many aircraft types in the RCAF, and has a ton of experience to share. Part 2 of our 2 part Remembrance Day episode will feature Duncan's time instructing on Sea Kings, flying the Tracker, and flying the Aurora. We'll also chat about his transition to civilian life, his work with the legion, and his work supporting the veteran community.

What was it like to go through Moose Jaw in the 1970s? To fly the Sea King? To fly the legendary Tracker, or the mighty Aurora when it was a new aircraft? Duncan MacIsaac served for 27 years in the Regular Force and another 8 in the Reserves. He has flown many aircraft types in the RCAF, and has a ton of experience to share. Part 1 will feature Duncan's time in training and on the Sea King, as well as a discussion around loss and Remembrance Day.

A video made to celebrate Duncan's career can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lawuhcfE-jU&ab_channel=DuncanMacIsaac

All RCAF pilots must pass through the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre (CFASC) - but what does it take to make it through? We sat down with Dave Chamberlin, former CO of CFASC, to find out exactly that - and much more! Today we'll discuss questions that you the audience asked as well as some FAQs they hear fairly often at CFASC. Join us today for part 2 of our 2 part series on Aircrew Selection!

Links:
https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/training-education/canadian-forces-aircrew-selection-centre/joining-instructions.html

All RCAF pilots must pass through the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre (CFASC) - but what does it take to make it through? We sat down with Dave Chamberlin, former CO of CFASC, to find out exactly that - and much more! Dave has a multitude of experience, having flown and taught on the CT-155 Hawk and the CF-188 Hornet, as well as the CC-130J Hercules. Join us today for part 1 of our 2 part series on Aircrew Selection!

Links:
https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/training-education/canadian-forces-aircrew-selection-centre/joining-instructions.html

How can a pilot strive to be a better leader both in the cockpit and on the ground? What is the RCAF doing well for leadership, and what do they need to work on? Today for part 2 of this interview we'll sit down with MGen(Ret) Scott Clancy and talk about some of the successes and challenges Scott faced as a leader, what challenges the RCAF faces in terms of leadership, and how we can develop pilots who lead. Scott served for 37 years in the RCAF and flew the CH-135 Twin Huey and the CH-146 Griffon. He held numerous leadership positions including the Commander of 1 Wing and its 7 Squadrons, as well as Director of Operations for NORAD. He is also an author and wrote the book "Developing Coaching Leaders".

What does it take to be a leader in the RCAF? How does that translate to being a good pilot? What is the difference between coaching and leading, and how can we utilize both skillsets? Today we'll sit down with MGen(Ret) Scott Clancy and talk all things leadership as well as his book "Developing Coaching Leaders". Scott served for 37 years in the RCAF and flew the CH-135 Twin Huey and the CH-146 Griffon. He held numerous leadership positions including the Commander of 1 Wing and its 7 Squadrons, as well as Director of Operations for NORAD.

A plane is down. Help is needed. You get the call. What is it like to know that seconds count? What happens when you're fuel critical and have a patient that needs to get to a hospital? What does it take to earn the coveted Cormorant Trophy? Paula Findlater is a Search and Rescue pilot in the RCAF. She has over 1000 hours on the CH-146 Griffon flying with 439 Combat Support Squadron in Bagotville, Quebec. We'll sit down and hear about the day her crew earned the Cormorant Trophy on this latest episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.

What is it like to take overwatch on Canadian troops on patrol in Afghanistan? What was it like when Kandahar Airfield came under attack? What is the future of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in Canada? In this episode, we sit down with Carson Choy, an Air Combat Systems Officer who flies on the CP-140M Aurora. Carson did two tours in Afghanistan flying the IAI Heron, one with the RCAF and one on exchange with the RAAF. We'll learn about all these things and more in this episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.