Fighter Pilot Podcast

A discussion on the non-pilot naval aviation warfare community. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the leadership lessons a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot learned over a 27-year career and how they translate into leading at the national level. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion with Mr. Scott Dworkin, aviation photojournalist and author of 'Becoming the Rhino: What it Takes to Teach the Next Generation to Fly and Fight in the F/A-18 Super Hornet.' Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

On this month's episode of 'On Future War,' Scott "Roger" Chafian, Mike "Pako" Benitez, and Matt "Flounder" Arny explore the strategic and controversial world of China's man-made island bases, touching on the historical locations, construction strategies, and strategic intent of these so-called "unsinkable carriers.” Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on how future fighter pilots will train alongside (and go to war with) unmanned 'collaborative combat aircraft', sometimes also known as 'loyal wingmen.' Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Guest host Ken 'Primetime' Katz returns with his first foray into warbirds, exploring the venerable Douglas C-47 Skytrain (plus its many derivatives) and the role it played in the pivotal D-Day invasions of World War II with guests Eric Zipkin and Moreno 'Mo' Aguiari. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Jim "Boone" Jamison describes being a Presidential Command Pilot with HMX-1 during the Reagan and Bush 1 presidencies. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the challenges posed by advanced missile technologies, including cruise and hypersonic missiles, to power projection and the sustainability of large forward deployed bases in modern peer-level conflicts. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on why military aviation best practices like planning, briefing, executing per standard operating procedures (SOPs) are so important and how they can be adapted to other consequential industries. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A fireside chat with a member of the Greatest Generation retelling his upbringing during the 'dust bowl' and World War 2 exploits, including having his B-24 Liberator shot down on his 50th mission and spending the rest of the war as a prisoner of the Germans. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Former U.S. Air Force pilot Jeff "Guinnbob" Guinn and navigator Kevin "Rim" Allen describe their participation in Operation Desert Storm flying F-111Es out of Turkey. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Host Vincent Aiello shares a September 2020 blog addressing how good fighter pilots must be at arithmetic, with examples of the common concepts that must be mastered. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Hal Sundt author of Warplane, How the Military Reformers Birthed the A-10 Warthog describes the origination story of the close air support aircraft the U.S. Air Force never wanted but pilots and ground troops came to love. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A holiday greeting and update on the Santa Tracker program from the 2022 NORAD commanding general and senior enlisted leader. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Vincent Aiello continues the "audio blog" format with the narration of a 2019 musing on the Fighter Pilot Podcast blog inspired by a question posed during a live YouTube session. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the collaborative effort to enlist 21st-century science and technology in a quest to find and repatriate Americans missing in action since World War II in order to provide recognition and closure for families and the Nation. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the events and significance of the Pearl Harbor attack with an author and who conducted extensive research for his book 'Attack On Pearl Harbor, Japan Awakens a Sleeping Giant.' Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

People are often quick to comment on the Fighter Pilot Podcast's social media channels that the Navy does not fly F-16. Wrong. This week, host Vincent Aiello shares another article from the Fighter Pilot Podcast blog, this one from 2019 describing how we can all do a better job of avoiding being wrong and reacting when we inevitably are. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Retired U.S. Navy F/A-18 pilot Jack "Farley" Stewart explains who "adversary" pilots are, what they do, how TOPGUN trains them, and why it is vital to have professional adversaries (or "aggressors," as the U.S. Air Force calls them). Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Hollywood portrays fighter pilots as devil-may-care risk takers and rule breakers intolerant to authority. This week, host Vincent Aiello shares another article from the Fighter Pilot Podcast blog, this time identifying the top 10 myths about military aviators and why they are wrong. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Host Vincent Aiello introduces a new show format where he narrates one of the articles on the Fighter Pilot Podcast blog. This first edition is from a December 2022 musing titled, 'How to Succeed in Flight School? Don't Ask Me!' Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The Fighter Pilot Podcast would not be possible without the support of the hundreds of veterans who served both in uniform and, in this case, in the studio. To those who have served: happy Veterans Day and thank you, from a grateful nation. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

On this 2020 'Happy Hour,' Yonel "Yogi" Dorelis describes a career in aviation that spanned all four branches: Marines, Navy, Army, and lastly Air Force where he spent the majority of his service as a combat search and rescue helicopter pilot. (The Space Force did not yet exist when Yogi served.) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

This week, guest cohost Ken 'Primetime' Katz turns the tables and asks our usual host Vincent 'Jell-O' Aiello to explain his role at the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest and what it is like to fly a post-maintenance check flight in F/A-18 Hornets. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

U.S. Navy F/A-18 pilot Joe "Jamboy" Kirksey, a career LSO currently serving as "Force Paddles" at the Chief of Naval Air Forces in San Diego, explains the history of LSOs assisting fixed-wing aircraft on aircraft carriers, how LSOs are trained and whether they and their grading methods are still necessary with the advent of Precision Landing Mode. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Retired U.S. Navy Captain J.J. "Yank" Cummings joins FPP cohost Matt "Flounder" Arny to talk Tomcats, flight school, surface warfare, nuclear power, Top Gun: Maverick, and above all, how to lead when in charge of the first ship in a new class of aircraft carriers that has had its share of bad press. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Evan "Ivan" Thomas joins cohost Ken "Primetime" Katz to discuss the Stratolaunch Roc—the world's largest aircraft initially designed to haul space vehicles into the upper atmosphere that instead found purpose providing commercial "access to the hypersonic" environment. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion about the sundown of VMFAT-101 after 50+ years of training U.S.M.C. F-4 Phantom and F/A-18 aircrews. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

On this repurposed 2021 'Happy Hour' discussion, retired U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Larry "Racehorse" Rannals describes his career beginning as a Naval Flight Officer before converting to pilot via Air Force flight training and flying the RF-4 in Vietnam--in both seats! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

On this Authentic SnapShot we dive into the captivating world of the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile with Scott "Roger" Chafian and Brian "Sunshine" Sinclair. From it's WWII German roots to its stellar integration into the U.S. military, Roger and Sunshine cover the combat applications, seeker systems all the way to the improvements in the AIM-9X. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

In this Authentic Media Snap Shot, Craig "Crunch" Snyder and "Flash" as they explore the distinctions and advancements between the Nimitz and Ford class carriers. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The son in the only father-son duo to each down an opponent in aerial combat tells the story of his Vietnam MiG-21 shoot down and reconciliation with the deceased pilot's family 40+ years later. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

In this Authentic Media Snap Shot, former FPP cohost Brian "Sunshine" Sinclair and Roger discuss the cutting-edge Block III upgrade of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, commonly known as the Rhino. While this iconic aircraft has been a staple of U.S. carrier aviation for over two decades and gained cinematic fame in Top Gun: Maverick, it's far from resting on its laurels. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

In this Authentic Media Snap Shot, Mike "Pako" Benitez joins Roger to discuss the history and evolution of the F-15 Eagle. Pako explains how the F-15 was developed in response to the Soviet Union's MiG-25 interceptor and how it outperformed everything that came before it, becoming the premiere fourth-generation fighter. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Nelson "Ed" Cobleigh is a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and Vietnam veteran-turned author who flew the A-4 Skyhawk, F-4 Phantom, Jaguar, F-104 Starfighter, and F-16 Fighting Falcon, among others. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Jim "Guido" Dimatteo is the son of a WW2 fighter pilot, himself a former A-4, F-14, F-16N, F/A-18 pilot and still an F-5 pilot, the former purveyor of a successful bar & restaurant, a rugby veteran, former Director of the Red Bull Air Races, Director of the Breitling Jet Team North American tour, and so much more as you will learn on this exciting episode. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

FPP friend and occasional cohost, Ken Katz, welcomes back to the show Dr. Eileen Bjorkman to discuss her new book, Fly Girls Revolt: The Story of the Women Who Kicked Open the Door to Fly in Combat. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Rogers E. Smith is a Canadian-American pilot who served in the RCAF, U.S. Marines, and U.S. Air National Guard and spent a long career testing nearly every American fighter (and several Russian ones), despite never attending a formal test pilot school! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General Mike Aguilar explains how the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is moving from MCAS Miramar in San Diego to the Great Park in Irvine, near the former MCAS El Toro., California. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Retired Italian Air Force General and former Tornado pilot Gianmarco Bellini joins guest host Craig "Crunch" Snyder to discuss his terrifying low-altitude, high-speed ejection in the opening hours of Operation Desert Storm. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Brett "Chopper" Crozier describes his career from flying SH-60B Seahawks to returning to flight school to learn the F/A-18 Hornet to nuclear power school and eventually command of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, including his very public firing at the beginning of COVID. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Phillip Frawley is not only a retired Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot, he is a Guinness World Record holder for being the oldest and longest-serving fighter pilot in the world. With a half-century of service and nearly 500 flight students taught, "Frawls" has seen it all. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

U.S. Air Force Reserve fighter pilot, Justin "Hasard" Lee, describes his career flying the block 50 F-16 before transitioning to the F-35 and ultimately starting a compelling YouTube channel. His exploits and many lessons learned are captured in his book, 'The Art of Clear Thinking.' Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Retired U.S. Navy fighter #pilot, James "Slug" Kidrick, makes a case for aviation museums and how to keep patrons, besides just children, walking in the door. Slug had a hand in making the necessary arrangements for a San Diego Air & Space Museum (https://sandiegoairandspace.org/) F-14 Tomcat to appear on an aircraft carrier flight deck for the first time in more than a dozen years. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on how military forces and weapons systems designed primarily to destroy and kill are also used to help and heal during natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the careful considerations and risk mitigation strategies employed when flying a prototype aircraft for the first time. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Former U.S. Navy A-4 Skyhawk, A-7 Corsair II, and F/A-18 Hornet pilot Jerry "Lefty" Schubert stopped by the show during a 2020 Happy Hour to share stories on grit, Naval Aviation, and fatherhood. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the challenges of designing and flying aerial vehicles intended to travel at five times the speed of sound or more, and how the U.S. military is doing compared to other nations exploring hypersonic aircraft and weapons. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Tom "Trotts" Trotter describes flying the beloved F-14 Tomcat and how it compares to the F/A-18 Hornet, then being among the first TOPGUN students in the Hornet and later commanding the school. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Mr. Tim Kinsella joins former U.S. Air Force Flight Test Engineer and Fighter Pilot Podcast cohost Ken "Primetime" Katz to discuss the various non-intrusive ways aircraft structures are tested in development and throughout the aircraft's service life. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Former U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper pilot Jeff "Tico" Tice was callsign 'Stroke 1,' the flight lead for the ill-fated "Package Q" strike on Iraq just days into Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Stroke 3 miraculously dodged multiple Iraqi SAMs and made it home safely where his HUD footage became a sensation. Tico was not so lucky... Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Former U.S. Air Force cargo pilot Bob Strang describes flying the beloved but not-well-known C-7 Caribou on risky resupply missions during the Vietnam Conflict, often landing on extremely short runways freshly cut from the jungle with no navigational aids or runway markings—all while being fired upon by the enemy. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on how the next generation air dominance fighter will redefine air warfare with retired U.S. Air Force General J. Mike "Mobile" Holmes, hosted by Matt Arny. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Trey Williams joins Retired U.S. Army CW5 (and future Army Aviation Hall-of-Famer) Stan Wood to discuss the Night Stalkers of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and their role in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu immortalized in the 2001 movie, 'Black Hawk Down.' Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Scott Chafian and Brian "Sunshine" Sinclair return to introduce Authentic Media, a game-changing subscription service providing exclusive military aviation content and community. Authentic Media subscribers will enjoy access to audio shows offering historical perspectives, detailed engineering, and personal stories—all curated by experts in the field. Subscribers will also be part of a thriving community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for military aviation. If you are looking to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of military aviation, Authentic Media is the perfect choice. Visit https://www.authenticmedia.io to learn more and start your journey today. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Former U.S. Air Force F-15, F-5, and F-16 pilot, and Fighter Weapons School graduate, Fred "Spanky" Clifton, describes flying the MiG-29 Fulcrum as a Luftwaffe exchange pilot following German reunification after the Iron Curtain fell. Sponsored by National University. To find out more, visit nu.edu. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

U.S. Air Force Colonel (sel) Tom "WCMD" Meagher and former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Beau "Stewie" Griffith describe how advancements in technology, electric propulsion, and government / industry partnerships are accelerating development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on how advancements in autonomy, automation, artificial intelligence, and other technological advancements are influencing warfare. Guest host Matt Arny interviews retired U.S. Army Colonel Brad Boyd of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Sponsored by National University. To find out more, visit nu.edu. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

U.S. Navy Captain and Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing Commodore Sam "Flesh" Bryant describes how the introduction of the CMV-22B Osprey as a replacement for the C-2A Greyhound is changing the nature of aircraft carrier operations and, specifically, the carrier onboard delivery (COD) mission. Sponsored by National University. To find out more, visit nu.edu. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Retired U.S. Navy Commander and two-time Blue Angels demonstration pilot Jerry "Turkey" Tucker describes flying airshow performances first in the F-4 Phantom II and then the A-4 Skyhawk, even years later after a fatal mishap caused him to be drafted back on the team. Sponsored by National University. To find out more, visit nu.edu. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Former U.S. Air Force F-4 Phantom II pilot Dee "Bones" Conger describes his military career and how he adapted the fighter pilot ethos into his business endeavors on this first episode in our new video-centric format. Visit Bones' fixed base operations, Circle Air Group, at Gillespie Field (KSEE) in San Diego, CA and online: https://www.circleag.com/ Sponsored by National University. To find out more, visit nu.edu. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Fighter Pilot Podcast friend and mentor Rob Kibbe of 'The MuscleCar Place' returns for a year-end look at 2022 and what's in store for 2023. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the technological advancements simplifying and improving the safety of fixed-wing aircraft carrier landings to the point of nearly making them routine. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

“Putting it All Together” takes concepts from the preceding episodes and explains large scale exercises, introducing assets beyond fighters and even beyond aviation assets to train for modern multi-domain joint operations in settings such as Air Wing Fallon, Red Flag, and the Army’s NTC and JRTC. Host and panel stories illustrate the objectives and processes of these events as they have evolved over time as well as further demonstrate the limitations of exclusively physical training ranges and expense of flight hours both in monetary and airframe costs. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

“Putting it All Together” takes concepts from the preceding episodes and explains large scale exercises, introducing assets beyond fighters and even beyond aviation assets to train for modern multi-domain joint operations in settings such as Air Wing Fallon, Red Flag, and the Army’s NTC and JRTC. Host and panel stories illustrate the objectives and processes of these events as they have evolved over time as well as further demonstrate the limitations of exclusively physical training ranges and expense of flight hours both in monetary and airframe costs. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the gull-wing Navy and Marine Corps fighter plane that served from World War II through the Korean War, and a heroic story featuring the Corsair and two Naval Aviators from the later conflict. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The Benefield Anechoic Chamber located at Edwards AFB, CA, is the world's largest anechoic test facility capable of supporting and handling virtually all DoD aircraft. The facility and its hard working staff test avionics systems in a secure, controlled, and repeatable electromagnetically controlled free-space environment. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The third Fight's On! episode explores Air Force flight school from selection through primary and advanced training to winging, culminating in assignment to a pilot's first combat unit as told through the eyes of an F-16 combat veteran. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The second Fight's On! episode, "Down Low," explores the world of Army Aviation flight school from selection through primary and advanced training to winging, culminating in assignment to a pilot's first combat unit as told through the eyes of an OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and AH-64 Apache combat veteran. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The first Fight's On! episode, "Wings of Gold," chronicles the path of naval aviators from college graduate through winging and beyond. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

September 18, 2022 marks the 75th birthday of the U.S. Air Force and to celebrate, the FPP team created this special episode featuring many of our past USAF guests sharing their thoughts on this momentous milestone. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on flying the space shuttle, SpaceX dragon, and future space vehicles. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on how fighting woodland and forest fires from the air is much like air combat in a military sense. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discuss ion on the who / what / when / where / why / and—particularly—how former military jet aircraft and pilots compete in the fastest competitive motorsport on earth. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the history, hardware, and humans vital to the aerial control of the worlds seas over the past century. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on how the perpetual arms race and technology increases will shape the future of air warfare. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the emerging life-saving technology that should eventually eradicate mishaps due to air- and ground-collisions. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the technology that makes modern civil and military aircraft not just flyable but controllable--and safe. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A short visit with former U.S. Navy Reserve fighter pilot and TOPGUN graduate, Luke Mixon, who, having hung up his uniform, aspires to continue serving this great nation and his fellow Louisianans now on Capitol Hill. Luke Mixon's appearance on this show does not constitute endorsement of his candidacy by the Fighter Pilot Podcast or BVR Productions. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

'Top Gun Month' wraps up with a look at the 2008 Naval Aviation documentary featuring the trials and tribulations of two aspiring F-14 Tomcat pilots. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on how the Top Gun: Maverick magic was made with the Navy's sole advisor to Paramount. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the real flying and real challenges of filming 'Top Gun: Maverick' with the aerial coordinator, including the self-imposed requirements to make the film as authentic as possible. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Fighter Pilot Podcast host and former TOPGUN instructor, Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello and past podcast guests and fellow TOPGUN instructors Andy "Grand" Mariner (episode 7), Dave "Chip" Berke (59), and Jim "Jambo" Ray (143) review Top Gun: Maverick immediately following a private screening in San Diego, Calif. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion with two former F-14 pilots who were instrumental in the filming and storyline development of the 1986 blockbuster, 'Top Gun.' Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Captain Andy "Grand" Mariner rejoins the show five years after episode 7 to update us on his career and the Navy Fighter Weapons School since the retirement of the F/A-18A-D Hornet and the addition of the F-35 Lightning II. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The concluding discussion began on episode 141 of the Navy Fighter Weapons School based on the guest's nearly decade-long research and writing of 'TOPGUN: The Legacy: The Complete History of TOPGUN and its Impact on Tactical Aviation.' Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the challenges and conditions leading to the formation of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, and its first decade developing tactics and instructing students. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the air component of the Falkland Islands war between the U.K. and Argentina on this, the 40th anniversary. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on how technology and data can improve effectiveness and efficiency for military aviation operations and training. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the twin-turboprop multirole aircraft that served with distinction during the Vietnam War and more recently in the battle against ISIS. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on what it was like to land on wooden, straight-deck aircraft carriers during the Korean War. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the past, present, and presumed future relevance of America's capital warships: the aircraft carrier. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A discussion on the air traffic control procedures during aircraft carrier operations at sea. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations