Fighter Pilot Podcast

Our monthlong celebration of the US Marine Corps' 250th birthday continues this week with retired Lieutenant Colonel Isaac "Whiskey" Lee who spent a 20-year career flying CH-53E Super Stallions.

Veteran of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Weapons & Tactics instructor...Whiskey chronicles hard-fought lessons learned and personal vulnerabilities in his book, Hangar 4: A Combat Aviator's Memoir. 

This Veterans Day, we are rebroadcasting a walk down memory lane first shared in 2024 featuring guests from past Fighter Pilot Podcast episodes.

To mark the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday on November 10, 2025, we are repurposing a 2023 Patreon Happy Hour featuring Doug Griffith who flew AH-1 Cobras during Operation Desert Storm.

Doug shares great stories and a master class on what it means to be a Marine Aviator.

November 10, 2025 marks the U.S. Marines' 250th birthday and to celebrate, we are dedicating the entire month to the Corps, beginning with this discussion featuring Jim "Bullet" Markel.

Bullet, who flew the Vought F-8 Crusader, describes flight training, meeting the love of his life, and flying combat operations over Vietnam—including a harrowing mission for which he was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The U.S. Navy has one of the largest air forces in the world comprised of a wide variety of aircraft from helicopters to strike fighters to patrol planes. While squadrons, air wings, and type wings have a well-established chain of command, ultimately they all fall under the purview of a single person. Known formally as the Commander, Naval Air Forces, the position is known better as simply, the Air Boss.

On this episode, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral and air boss Dan “Undra” Cheever, joins us to discuss the current state and future of naval aviation. We touch on numerous high-level strategic issues and spend several minutes answering listener questions.

This week, we pause our monthlong celebration of the U.S. Navy's 250th birthday to check in with FPP friend, Dave "Chip" Berke.

Fighter pilot extraordinaire, battle-proven forward air controller, and esteemed leadership coach, Chip codifies his many hard-won lessons learned into a powerful and concise new book, The Need to Lead.

"Every problem is a leadership problem," Chip asserts—find out why and, more importantly, how to effectively address these problems in this fascinating read available on Amazon and most major bookstores October 21, 2025.

Torpedoes vs missiles, tomahawks vs smart bombs, fluid mechanics, missions ranging from direct combat to attack to surveillance... turns out, submarines and military aviation have much in common!

On this episode marking the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary, former submarine commander Tony Grayson explains submarines for dummies, invoking aviation concepts and comparisons.

If your knowledge of subs is based on Crimson Tide, The Hunt for the Red October, or even Down Periscope, you might be pleasantly surprised how close to reality these epic movies come!

October 2025 marks 250 years of the U.S. Navy and we begin our monthlong celebration with retired Rear Admiral Jeremy "Bear" Taylor, who considers himself the luckiest man alive.

Commissioned in 1957, Bear would accumulate more than 6,000 flight hours in fighters and trainers and over 1,000 carrier landings during his 35+ years of service. He was assigned to 13 different aircraft carriers and flew 50 additional types and models of aircraft, including 10 helicopters.

During the Vietnam War, Bear flew the A-4 Skyhawk, accruing 200+ Rolling Thunder missions in North Vietnam. He fired numerous AGM-12 Bullpup air-to-ground missiles and was later involved in developing the JDAM. Bear commanded an A-7 Corsair II squadron, the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea, and the Strike Fighter Wing of the Pacific Fleet.

Visit https://www.rollingthunderremembered.com/ where Bear and other Vietnam veteran stories are chronicled.

Some aircraft have specialized roles most applicable to certain types of warfare—and thus only appear in certain conflicts around the globe.

And then there are the workhorses that show up everywhere.

On this episode, former Royal Air Force navigator-turned-pilot Elliott "Jellers" Jardine explains how the Boeing CH-47 Chinook is one of those aircraft. From Vietnam to the Falkland Islands to Sierra Leone and the more recent desert operations, the Chinook is always in demand. And always delivers.

Stay tuned after the feature interview for an important update on the future of this show.

Colonel James "Fangs" Valpiani knows a thing or two about flight test because he's seen a thing or two: first an Air Force Academy graduate, then a combat-tested F-15E Strike Eagle pilot, a graduate of the French Test Pilot School, and most recently Commodore of the USAF TPS.

On this episode, Fangs shares his expertise on the various schools he has attended or led and the aircraft they test, including the X-62 VISTA.

Per theirwebsite, the "Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents." Awesome, but what does that mean for the men and women comprising the team? How do they join, and what is a typical week like during show season?

On this episode, former USAF Thunderbird solo pilotMichelle "MACE" Curranexplains her rocky road to the Air Force, the seat of an F-16 fighter jet, and a coveted slot on the demonstration team. Now a keynote speaker, MACE distills her many lessons learned into a format we can all benefit from with her new book,The Flip Side, How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear into Your Superpower.

Is it possible to capture the camaraderie of a fighter squadron ready room after hours in a spirits brand?

Introducing Winglore. Founded by fighter pilots, for fighter pilots, Winglore captures the spirit of a squadron bar after a day in the skies—where stories get taller, roasts get louder, and the whiskey is always worth a toast.

Founder Ernesto "Carlos" Howard joins the FPP to explain how Winglore came to be and how anyone over 21 (not just fighter pilots) can enjoy Winglore's signature spirits: Bogey Dope Bourbon and Nickel on the Grass American Single Malt Whiskey, and become a member of the Winglore squadron.

Learn more at https://winglorespirits.com/

A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.

This bonus episode of The Merge reunites the two surviving F-5 aircrew, exploring how the mishap has affected their lives in the years since.

Brought to you by BVR Productions.

A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.

This concluding episode of The Merge features the widow of the lost pilot, Jeremy "Suge" Wise.

Brought to you by BVR Productions.

A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.

This fifth episode of The Merge explores the collision from other aviators airborne that tragic day.

Brought to you by BVR Productions.

A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.

This fourth episode of The Merge explores the unbreakable bond between flight lead and wingman, particularly on that fateful day.

Brought to you by BVR Productions.

A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.

This third episode of The Merge explores the fateful flight of June 13, 2008 from the brief up to moment of impact.

Brought to you by BVR Productions.

A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.

This second episode of The Merge explores NAS Fallon and why squadrons detach there, and introduces this mini-series' main characters.

The Merge is brought to you by BVR Productions.

A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.

This first episode of The Merge introduces this mini-series with a description of Naval Aviation in 2008.

Brought to you by BVR Productions.

Electronic warfare is a crucial element of armed conflict involving controlling and protecting the electromagnetic spectrum which is vital for communication, navigation, and target identification. EW alsopermits the disruption and denial of adversaries' use of the spectrum, hindering their ability to operate effectively.

Benjamin “Chuck” Angus, Director of Business Development in Naval Power at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us this week to discuss Raytheon's involvement in EW, specifically offensive electronic attack, with its Next Generation Jammer—an advanced electronic attack system that denies, disrupts and degrades enemy technology, including communication tools and air-defense systems.

In the early 2000s, Tesla upended the automotive industry with its ground-breaking electric vehicles and recharging network. Twenty years later, Boom Supersonic is attempting to do the same in the airline industry—will it work?

On this episode, Tristan Brandenberg and Nick Sheryka join guest host Ken Katz to discuss Boom Supersonic's ambitious initiative to return supersonic airline travel, including creating all-new aircraft, engines, and supporting network. That begins with flight testing the one-off XB-1 technology demonstrator to prove supersonic overland travel can be nonintrusive to the underlying populace.

Advanced weapons and sensors are required to prevail in modern combat, but determining how these and the many other pieces integrate into the broader joint fight can become costly.

Tom Wiley, Senior Director Integrated Solutions Modeling & Architecture at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us this week to discuss how Raytheon's Rapid Campaign Analysis and Demonstration Environment (RCADE) assists decision-makers in thinking beyond individual systems, enabling themto see the entire operational ecosystem.

Manchester. Lancaster. Lincoln. Lancastrian. York. Tudor. Shackleton...

To most, this is simply a list of obscure names. But to some, these are the beloved branches of a family tree of bombers, airborne early warning, and maritime reconnaissance aircraft that extends from World War II well into the Cold War.

On this episode, Mr. Graham Barber explains the Avro Lancaster family tree, culminating in the Shackleton (AEW2 WR963) being restored and frequently started to keep the legacy of these magnificent British aircraft alive and well.

On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.

On this final episode, OFW series host Scott "Roger" Chafian and guest Mike Roundtree discuss how artificial intelligence and machine learning figure in escalation and de-escalation of conflict. Beyond military forces increasing their readiness, escalation includes a nation’s infrastructure, communication networks, economy and other attributes. Continuous training with modeling helps build muscle memory to react and ensure situations never get to the point where they will have cataclysmic consequences.

Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.

Few aircraft earn the battle-tested distinction of singularly turning the tide of entire theaters of world wars. The SBD Dauntless may just be one of them.

On this episode, Robert Harris, member of the Commemorative Air Force, and author Kevin Miller provide a tag team review of this venerable aircraft, from its pivotal role in World War ll in the Pacific to flying one of the few remaining airworthy examples remaining 80+ years later.

Longtime listeners of this channel sometimes comment that they seem to know more about each guest than they do the usual host, Jell-O.

On this episode, guest host Paul "Tremors" Tremelling turns the tables and interviews Jell-O about his new book, Through the Yellow Visor, an Amazon Best Seller chronicling his life and career.

Physical and e-book versions of Through the Yellow Visor can be purchased on Amazon; personalized hard cover or paperback copies signed by Jell-O can be purchased on the Fighter Pilot Podcast website.

What is the difference between automation and autonomy, and where does artificial intelligence fit in when it comes to military aviation?

On this episode, Ms. Jessica "STING" Peterson, Ph.D. student and part time Instructor Flight Test Engineer at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, explains the nuanced differences, drawing on her experience flight testing the RQ-4 Global Hawk and collision avoidance systems.

Aircraft, both civil and military, have been equipped with auto pilots for decades. With advancing technology, it seems all but inevitable that autonomous and artificially intelligent aircraft are the next logical step.

The Boeing Bird of Prey was a mid-1990's stealth technology demonstrator used to test low-observable stealth techniques and develop new methods of aircraft design. The recent F-47 sixth generation fighter, which will be a Boeing product, is thought to trace its lineage to the BBoP.

This episode features retired U.S Air Force and Boeing Corporation test pilot Doug "Benj" Benjamin, originally recorded in 2021. Benj was the first and last BBoP test pilot, having amassed more hours in the demonstrator than any other test pilot.

Benj also shares amazing stories from his experience flying the F-106, attending the French Test Pilot School, and conducting F-16 flight test. The conversation wanders into the F-22, F-35 and even Boeing 737 and 757 civilian airliners.

Armed conflict is challenging enough, but when the very battlefield is a more significant threat than the enemy, the stakes are significantly raised.

On this episode, US Air Force LtCol Jahara "Franky" Matisek and retired US Coast Guard LCDR Jeremy McKenzie explain how military operations in the Arctic present unique challenges. Temperatures well below freezing not only make basic survival a struggle, but LCDs on avionics and electronics quit working, as do most lubricants, and a dropped wrench can shatter upon impact.

As the strategic importance of the Arctic increases, military operations there—and before long, perhaps Antarctica—require substantial consideration and investment that cannot be put off until the day before shooting begins.

On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.

On this penultimate episode, OFW series regulars Scott "Roger" Chafian and Mike "Pako" Benitez discuss how big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are collectively changing not only our lives on a near-daily basis, but influencing armed conflict. And yet, humans must remain in the loop—find out why

Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.

The F-35B Lightning ll is an aircraft like no other—going from a short takeoff to a supersonic dash to hovering in midair, all in seconds. And in the hands of a proficient US Marine Corps pilot, not only does this ability ensure winning in combat, it is sure to amaze at airshows.

On this episode, Marine Majors Craig "Brembo" Norris and Craig "Chuckles" Turner explain the STOVL F-35 variant and how they fly it at airshows to inspire the next generation of Marine Corps pilots.

Check out the AirshowStuffVideos used in this interview here.

In modern air combat, weapons are only as effective as the sensors that inform them.

Joe “Grip” Beissner, Director of Requirements and Capabilities for Radio Frequency Solutions at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us this week to discuss Raytheon's active electronically scanned array radars providing aircrew unmatched situational awareness, targeting precision, and survivability.

Most military members spend their careers enmeshed in their own branch with scant exposure to their sister services. Not Judge.

Jim "Judge" Dresner, originally a Royal Marine has been trained by, operated in, and/or deployed with the Royal Navy and Air Force, the British Army, and even the U.S. Marine Corps during his illustrious career flying helicopters to jump jets. His is a story of interoperability, resilience, and modesty.

Jon "Stormin" Norman, Vice President of Requirements & Capabilities at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us to discuss the cutting edge air-to-air and surface weapons and effectors the hard-working men and women of Raytheon produce for our warfighters.

On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.

This tenth episode explores the vulnerability of computer chip manufacturing. With over 98% of logic and memory chips fabricated in just two countries, both located in the Indo-Pacific region, what happens if the supply of these chips is threatened? How can the United States meet this challenge? Host Scott Chafian and guest Daniel Marujo explore solutions.

Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.

In late 1944 when it was clear the war in the Pacific was lost, the Imperial Japanese Navy employed a frightening tactic to attack the US Navy: suicide attacks. Invoking the "divine wind" that twice turned back marauding Mongrols, such attacks were called kamikaze.

On this episode, New York City-based author Gary Santos explains the scourge of kamikaze attacks during World War ll, including an attack on the USS Randolph--the aircraft carrier his father Eugene served on. Gary explains the mindset and techniques used by Japanese pilots to commit aerial hari-kari.

Check out Gary's book, A Grand Pause chronicling a single day in 1945 between battling U.S. and Japanese navies here.

The T-38 has been an exceptional tactical trainer for six decades responsible for qualifying thousands of pilots to fly dozens of platforms. But with the advent of 5th generation fighters, a replacement for the beloved Talon is long overdue.

On this episode, Jonathan "Gremlin" Aronoff, of the U.S. Air Force's 419 Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, California, describes the rigorous testing and development needed to introduce a new trainer more than a half century since the last time a tactical jet trainer debuted.

On Future War' is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.

This ninth episode explores the vulnerability of "lines of communication." Little threatened, or changed, since the end of WWll, today's shipping lanes involve significant vulnerabilities when supporting an "away game" conflict. How can the U.S. address this challenge? Host Scott Chafian and guest Sal Mercogliano explore solutions.

Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.

From over-the-wing-mounted AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on the SEPECAT Jaguar to kick-in-the-back acceleration on the Eurofighter Typhoon, Royal Air Force Wing Commander Mike "Sooty" Sutton has just about seen and done it all.

On this episode, guest host Paul "Tremors" Tremelling and pal Sooty share stories of flight school, flying the Jag and Typhoon, and finding deeper meaning and purpose in combat aviation--as in life.

Be sure to pick up Sooty's book, Typhoon, available on Amazon.

In 2020, we released a bonus episode describing the Canadian and American forces of NORAD, or the North American Aerospace Defense Command, who continuously monitor the airspace of our two countries--and indeed most of the world--to ensure threats to our nations are identified and managed.

But not everything that enters our airspace is a "threat." Every year, NORAD ensures the safe and unhindered passage of jolly ol' St. Nick and his precious cargo of Christmas cheer to all the North American children on his nice list.

Enjoy this replay of how Santa Claus is detected, tracked, and escorted, plus how you can play along on the NORAD Santa Tracker website.

Derek "Grinner" Smith got his start like many military pilots: at an airshow as a kid. One look at the English Electric Lightning and Grinner knew the vector for his life.

On this episode, guest host (and fellow Brit) Paul "Tremors" Tremelling interviews Grinner to learn how he fared getting into the Royal Air Force and flying the eclectic Lightning before transitioning to the Panavia Tornado.

Landing an F-35B Lightning aboard a ship at sea is not as simple as pulling alongside and then setting down from a hover. Numerous procedures, policies, and contingencies come into play, which is why it's always a good idea to have a trained LSO monitoring the approach.

U.S. Marine Major Brian "SAK" Kimmins, a former AV-8B-turned F-35B pilot explains the efforts he is undertaking to develop a formal landing signal officer school similar to what Jamboy explained exists for conventional carrier aircraft on episode 178.

'On Future War' is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.

This episode explores critical supply chain topics including sourcing raw materials and manufacturing facilities (some still remnants from World War II) with host Mike Benetiz and guest Garry Haase.

Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.

Longtime FPP friend Billie Flynn returns to the show to provide an update on the F-35 Lightning II and ground collision avoidance systems before addressing his new crusade: the need to provide military aviators the same coaching as professional athletes to ensure they perform at their best in the demanding future of air combat.

Crew Resource Management is the "effective use of all available resources for flight crew personnel to assure a safe and efficient operation, reducing error, avoiding stress and increasing efficiency." (skybrary.aero)

But is all CRM the same? How does it differ from, say, a Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 to an unmanned aerial system to Boeing 737?

On this episode, Paul "Lombers" Lombardi, who has flown all of the above, joins guest host Paul "Tremors" Tremelling to discuss CRM and so much more.

The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is the first operational aircraft to use the tiltrotor configuration, combining the attributes of both helicopters and airplanes. Today, more than four decades after development began, the Osprey remains one of the most sophisticated aircraft ever built.

But how does a tiltrotor really work? How is this type of aircraft tested, first on the ground and then in flight?

On this episode, former U.S. Navy flight test engineer Jennifer Uchida joins guest host Ken Katz to discuss the operational requirements that led to the V-22, the amazing features and technology of it, tiltrotor aerodynamics and flight control, and stories from flight testing.

'On Future War' is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.

This episode addresses the U.S. Navy's challenges to project power in a potential "away game" conflict. Following the Cold War, surface ship design changed radically. Revolutionary concepts were introduced including the Zumwalt destroyer and Littoral Combat Ship. When technology didn’t work the only way to pay for fixes in the Global War on Terror era was to retire existing hulls and cut back on ship building. This has led to closure of public and private shipyards, limiting our capacity to build ships and grow the fleet.

Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.

In this conclusion of the 1924 World Flight, Matt "Flounder" Arny, alongside special guests Lance "Boil" Lewis, Mike Lockwood, and Rob Crotty, recount the final leg of the odyssey—crossing the Atlantic via Iceland and Greenland, and then crossing the U.S.

Listeners will be on the edge of their seats during the nerve-wracking rescue of Wade and Ogden after their aircraft, Boston, was forced to land in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Even as the crews approach the finish line, they continue facing daunting and unexpected challenges.

Drawing from historical sources like First World Flight by Lowell Thomas, Around the World in 175 Days by Carroll Glines, and First Flight Around the World by Tim Grove, this episode brings to life the harrowing final moments of one of history’s most remarkable aviation achievements.

In this exciting follow up, Matt "Flounder" Arny continues the epic story of the 1924 World Flight, diving into the challenges and adventures faced after the final preparations. Guests Lance "Boil" Lewis, Mike Lockwood, and Rob Crotty return to discuss the harrowing flight through Alaska, including the tragic loss of the Seattle. They explore the Pacific crossing, touching on U.S. relations of the time with Japan and the newly-formed Soviet Union, and the critical role of maritime support from the Navy, US Coast Guard, and others.

Listeners will hear gripping tales of dodging sampans and junks in Asian harbors, changing an engine under a bridge, and a look at the UK’s participation and the unfortunate fate of the British team. The episode wraps up with liberty adventures in Shanghai and Bangkok.

Drawing from historical sources like First World Flight by Lowell Thomas, Around the World in 175 Days by Carroll Glines, and First Flight Around the World by Tim Grove, this episode captures the drama and international intrigue surrounding one of the greatest feats in aviation history.