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The Pilot Project Podcast

Latest episodes

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Mar 4, 2025 • 55min

Episode 44: The Merge: Changes to the podcast, air-to-air photography, and aviation publishing - Mike Reyno

Tune in to this episode for an exciting announcement about the podcast! Following that, we will sit down with renowned air-to-air photographer and publisher Mike Reyno. What is it like to work extensively with the RCAF conducting air-to-air photography with every Squadron in the RCAF? What does it take to get the perfect shot - and what gets you noticed by a publisher? We will talk about this and much more on today's episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.
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Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 27min

Episode 43: The Service Couple: Being an RCAF aircrew service couple and flying in the CH-149 Cormorant and the CP-140M Aurora - Paul and McKayla Goddard

What is it like to be an RCAF aircrew service couple? Paul is a CH-149 Cormorant pilot and McKayla is a retired ACSO who flew on the CP-140M Aurora. Hear all about their experience as a service couple from dating at RMC to the trials of being unmarried and long-distance, to finally the ups and downs of being a married service couple in two busy trades. Join us today on The Pilot Project Podcast to hear all about their story!
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Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 7min

Episode 42: The Wing Commander: Commanding 15 Wing Moose Jaw and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 2 - Dan Coutts

What is it like to be in charge of the one of Canada's largest pilot training bases? What does the future hold for pilot training in Canada, and what are we doing now to ensure our pilots are the best of the best? Colonel Dan Coutts is the current Wing Commander of 15 Wing Moose Jaw. In part 2 of our chat with him, we will discuss current and future plans for pilot flight training in Moose Jaw, we'll talk about why he continues to pursue flight even at the rank of Colonel, and we'll go into some questions from you, our listeners. Tune in today!
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Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 2min

Episode 41: The Wing Commander: Commanding 15 Wing Moose Jaw and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 1 - Dan Coutts

What is it like to fly the CH-146 Griffon for 427 Squadron as it transitioned from a normal Tac Hel Squadron to being part of CANSOFCOM? What about flying in Bosnia, or being Special Operations Support in Afghanistan? How do you take 400 Reserve Tactical Helicopter Squadron and help prepare them for high readiness status? Colonel Dan Coutts is the current Wing Commander of 15 Wing Moose Jaw. In part 1 of our chat with him, we will discuss his early flying days, some of his deployments, as well as some of his leadership opportunities that prepared him leading up to his time as 15 Wing Commander.
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Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 4min

Episode 40: The Knight: The Fighter Force and the CF-188 Hornet - Fred

What is it like to fly a CF-188 Hornet? What does it feel like to break the sound barrier? How do our pilots stack up against friendly partners in exercises? How physically demanding is flying a fighter? Today we sit down for a chat with Fred "Penguin" Roy to talk all things CF-18. Fred is a former Reg Force fighter pilot who now flies as an airline pilot for Air Transat, while still flying the CF-18 as a pilot in the Reserve Force.
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Dec 17, 2024 • 38min

Episode 39: The Holiday: Deploying at Christmas on the CC-130J Super Hercules - Mike B

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!
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Dec 3, 2024 • 40min

Episode 38: The Operator: Changing from SOF to Pilot - Ben

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.
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Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 4min

Episode 37: The Veteran: Remembrance Day and a Career to Remember Part 2 - Duncan

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.
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Nov 5, 2024 • 50min

Episode 36: The Veteran: Remembrance Day and a Career to Remember Part 1 - Duncan

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
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Oct 22, 2024 • 50min

Episode 35: The Selection: The Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Test Part 2 - Dave

Dave Chamberlin, former CO of the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre, shares fascinating insights into the rigorous aircrew selection process. He emphasizes the importance of aligning personal goals with career choices in the military. The discussion covers the cognitive challenges candidates face and the implications of non-disclosure agreements. Dave also highlights the varied experiences of RCAF pilots and stresses the significance of continuous learning and teamwork in aviation roles. His stories reveal the camaraderie and rewarding moments of working at the selection center.

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