Shawn Ryan Show #148 Alan C. Mack - Flying Through Hell: Real Combat Stories from a Night Stalker Pilot
108 snips
Dec 9, 2024 
Alan C. Mack, a retired U.S. Army Master Aviator and author of "Razor 03: A Night Stalker’s Wars," shares gripping tales from his years as a Night Stalker pilot. He dives into significant missions like rescuing Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell and reflects on the camaraderie and chaos in combat aviation. With a mix of humor and heart, Mack discusses balancing military life and family commitments, the emotional toll of deployments, and personal challenges, offering insights into resilience and leadership forged in the face of adversity.
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Early Inspiration
- Alan Mack developed an interest in helicopters at a young age after seeing Hueys on the evening news during the Vietnam War.
- At age 10 or 11, he even sent a letter to an Army recruiter expressing his interest in becoming a pilot.
Improve Flight School Chances
- Aspiring pilots can increase their chances of flight school acceptance by first enlisting in aviation support roles.
- This allows them to learn about aircraft, the culture, and the specific language used in the field.
Unexpected Chinook Assignment
- Despite wanting to fly Hueys, Alan Mack was assigned to Chinooks due to a pilot shortage.
- Initially disappointed, he quickly fell in love with the Chinook's power and maneuverability.
