The Pilot Project Podcast

In this episode, we continue our conversation with:Lieutenant-Colonel Luc Coates, Commanding Officer of 418 Search and Rescue Operational Training SquadronLieutenant-Colonel Francois Fasquelle, Commanding Officer of 442 Transport and Rescue SquadronMajor Dan Faux, subject matter expert on the CC-295 KingfisherWe dive deeper into the Kingfisher, exploring how simulation and training are shaping new SAR pilots, and how the aircraft has been performing in real-world operations so far. And perhaps most intriguing for our listeners: we take on every rumour and criticism we could find about the Kingfisher — separating fact from fiction and busting the biggest myths.

In this episode, we continue our conversation with:Lieutenant-Colonel Luc Coates, Commanding Officer of 418 Search and Rescue Operational Training SquadronLieutenant-Colonel Francois Fasquelle, Commanding Officer of 442 Transport and Rescue SquadronMajor Dan Faux, subject matter expert on the CC-295 KingfisherWe begin with Dan’s early days as a pilot and what led him to join the fixed-wing SAR project. From there, we explore why Canada needed a new fixed-wing Search and Rescue aircraft and what that journey looked like — from concept to selection. Finally, we dive deep into the Kingfisher itself: the modifications that set it apart, how it’s performing in operations so far, and the process of training a new generation of SAR crews to fly it.

What drives someone to choose the demanding — and often dangerous — career of Search and Rescue pilot? What early experiences shaped their paths, and what does it really take to fly missions where lives hang in the balance?In this episode, we sit down with three remarkable guests:Lieutenant-Colonel Luc Coates, Commanding Officer of 418 Search and Rescue Operational Training SquadronLieutenant-Colonel Francois Fasquelle, Commanding Officer of 442 Transport and Rescue SquadronMajor Dan Faux, a subject matter expert on the CC-295 KingfisherTogether, they share stories from their diverse beginnings, the lessons they’ve carried forward, and what ultimately led them to the unique world of SAR and Canada’s newest fixed-wing SAR aircraft, the Kingfisher.

What’s it like to go from flying helicopters in the Royal Canadian Air Force to becoming the voice in the headset for astronauts aboard the International Space Station? How do you transition from military aviation to serving as Deputy Branch Chief Operations Officer and CAPCOM at NASA?In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards — a Special Operations Aircraft Commander, Elsie MacGill Award recipient, and current CAPCOM working with NASA and the Canadian Space Agency.She shares her journey from commanding aircraft in Canada’s elite 427 Squadron to her first unforgettable call to the ISS. If you've ever wondered what it takes to lead under pressure — whether in the cockpit or mission control — this episode is for you.

What does it take to pass selection for one of Canada’s most elite aviation units — 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron? How do you earn the coveted role of SOF Aircraft Commander? And what happens when you trade a military cockpit for a mission control console at NASA?In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards, a trailblazing Canadian Armed Forces pilot who transitioned from flying special operations missions to becoming a CAPCOM — the voice between astronauts and Earth — at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.We explore the grit, mindset, and milestones that defined her journey, from the demanding world of tactical aviation to collaborating with the Canadian Space Agency and NASA in Houston.

How does a MARS Officer and Ship’s Team Diver become a Special Operations helicopter pilot? What does it take to get through the intense rigours of Phase III helicopter training — and then make the leap to 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron?In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards, a SOF Aircraft Commander, recipient of the prestigious Elsie MacGill Award, and currently serving as a CAPCOM at NASA in Houston.We explore her remarkable journey through the Canadian Armed Forces — from her early days at sea to commanding aircraft with Special Operations Forces. Erin shares personal stories of perseverance, leadership, and what it truly means to earn your place among the best.

What did it take to fly Search and Rescue in the venerable (but aging) CC-115 Buffalo? What does it feel like to return to 3CFFTS as a seasoned pilot, ready to learn about the world of instructing? What's it like to be taught by your former students as you learn to fly the CC-130H Hercules? Today we sit down for part 2 of our interview with Major Dan Conway, a fixed-wing SAR pilot with over 4000 hours of experience. We'll talk about all these topics as well as the future of fixed-wing SAR with the CC-295 Kingfisher.

What is it like to attend RMC and go through flight training in the RCAF? Why was the CC-115 Buffalo in Comox a desirable posting even with the airplane entering its sunset years? Major Dan Conway is the current Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO) of 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Greenwood NS, and soon to be the DCO of 3CFFTS in Portage la Prairie, MB. He has over 4000 flying hours including lots of fixed-wing SAR on the CC-115 Buffalo and the CC-130H Hercules. Today we sit down with Dan to talk about his early days in RMC and going through RCAF flight training, up to the time he was selected to fly the CC-115 Buffalo.

What does it take to take on the responsibility of being the Chief of Staff Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (COS CPCC) in the wake of the larger culture change effort that the Canadian Armed Forces has pursued over the last 10 or more years? Why is culture change necessary, and what does it even mean within the context of the military? Major-General Jeannot Boucher is a helicopter pilot with over 3000 flight hours. He has the experience at the tactical and command level to understand what it means to operate, but also has dedicated himself to learning about our culture and what it means to change and evolve. Today we will discuss his current position as COS CPCC as well as a larger discussion on culture change within the Canadian Armed Forces, and finally we will end with some questions from the audience.

What does it feel like to deploy as the Commander of Task Force Jerusalem in support of OP PROTEUS in the West Bank? What does it take to take over various commands in the Tactical Helicopter force? What goes into developing a defence policy update like "Our North Strong and Free" (ONSAF)? Today we sit down for part 2 of our chat with Major-General Jeannot Boucher, an experienced helicopter pilot with over 3000 flight hours and the current Chief of Staff Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (COS CPCC). We'll talk about his early command roles and his work with OP PROTEUS as well as his work on ONSAF.