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The Pilot Project Podcast

Latest episodes

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Aug 1, 2023 • 1h 7min

Episode 19: The Sailor: Maritime Helicopter and the CH-148 Cyclone - Corey

Experienced Cyclone pilot and instructor, Corey, talks about landing helicopters on ships, dealing with bad weather and tragedy, and the importance of continuous learning in military aviation. He also discusses the appeal of flying the Cyclone helicopter and the challenges faced during maritime helicopter training.
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8 snips
Jul 18, 2023 • 1h 4min

Episode 18: The Hunter: Long Range Patrol and the CP-140M Aurora - Davis

Former submarine hunter Davis shares stories and advice on thriving in adversity as a military pilot, including the importance of learning from mistakes, the challenges of flying in different locations, the experiences of flying over battles, and the unique sights and opportunities pilots get to witness.
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Jul 4, 2023 • 41min

Episode 17: The Freeze: Everything you want to know about the DEO Pilot Hiring Freeze - John

The RCAF has frozen the hiring process for direct entry officer (DEO) applicants. Why are they doing this? What does it mean? How long will it last? We'll sit down with Brigadier General John Alexander, commander of 2 Canadian Air Division to answer all these questions and more. John has flown several helicopters around the world including a stint flying the Puma with the RAF. He has deployed in many theatres and is now in command of 2 CAD which handles all training and education in the RCAF. He'll answer a ton of questions asked by you, the audience, and the Canadian Forces subreddit.
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12 snips
Jun 20, 2023 • 1h 12min

Episode 16: The Hauler: Air Mobility, Tactical Airlift, and the CC-130J Super Hercules - Skye

The podcast features Skye, a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, discussing her experiences flying Canada's tactical airlift fleet and overcoming challenges. She shares stories about landing by an active volcano, taking part in evacuations during wildfires, and the importance of competence, confidence, and humility in being a good pilot.
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7 snips
Jun 6, 2023 • 52min

Episode 15: The Student: Part 1 - Life on Phase I and the Grob G-120A – Scott

Former Air Combat Systems Officer Scott shares his transition from a different trade to becoming a pilot in the RCAF. He discusses his experiences in electronic warfare, teamwork during flight training, and the importance of preparation. The podcast also explores the significance of electronic warfare in modern battle space and the benefits of military experience as a pilot.
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6 snips
May 23, 2023 • 1h 8min

Episode 14: The Support: Combat Support, the CH-146 Griffon and Thomas “Toast” McQueen – Vic

Former combat support personnel, Thomas “Toast” McQueen, shares his firsthand experience of losing a close friend in a crash during a training flight. The podcast covers topics such as combat support, recovery from adversity, the preference for glass cockpits in aviation, the importance of calling for help and using personal locator beacons, the challenges of cold weather survival gear, preserving cause factors in accidents, repatriating remains, the origin of the call sign DD Mal, and the significance of sleep and self-monitoring in the aviation industry.
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6 snips
May 9, 2023 • 48min

Episode 13: The Cost: My journey with PTSD, anxiety, and mental health in the RCAF - Bryan and Melissa

Former RCAF pilot Bryan discusses his journey with PTSD and mental health issues, highlighting the challenges, resources, and support in the RCAF mental health system. Bryan's wife Melissa interviews in this special Mental Health Awareness Month episode, providing insights into the stress of the RCAF lifestyle, the importance of seeking help, and the positive outcomes of their mental health journey.
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Apr 25, 2023 • 1h 9min

Episode 12: The Heavy: Air Mobility, Strategic Airlift and the CC-177 Globemaster III - John

What is it like to fly Canada’s largest aircraft? What was it like to be part of the evacuation of Afghanistan? How can you make sure your failures become learning experiences instead of stumbling blocks?After flying all around the world in the C17 and now instructing on the Phase III multi-engine course at 3CFFTS, John knows what it takes to succeed as a pilot in the RCAF. John talks about his adventures around the world in the C17, but he’ll also talk about why he believes it is critical to take ownership of your own professional education and stay in the books to maintain a high level of readiness as an Air Force pilot.  He’ll also emphasize the importance of shared experiences among peers to keep each other sharp. We’ll culminate with an exciting account of evacuating refugees from Afghanistan as the country fell to the Taliban.
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Apr 11, 2023 • 1h 12min

Episode 11: The Tanker: Air Mobility, Air-to-Air Refuelling and the CC-150 Polaris - Jeff

What is it like to refuel a fighter over Iraq? What about going straight to one of the largest aircraft in the RCAF from a small twin engine turboprop?  How can chair flying change the way you train, and how do you do it properly? Jeff will tell us all these things and many more.  Jeff walked into the RCAF with zero flight experience.  Now, Jeff has flown all over the world in the CC-150 Polaris.  He has immense experience and is now a qualified multi-engine instructor at 3 Canadian Forces Flight Training School.  Jeff will talk about what it's like to fly royalty, Prime Ministers, and other dignitaries around the world. He talks about the importance of stress outlets, mental rehearsal, and support structures, as well as the importance of taking things one day at a time.  
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Mar 28, 2023 • 1h 10min

Episode 10: The Wait: Training Delays and how we'll fix them - Colin and Morty

What are the wait times like in the RCAF pilot training system?  Are they long? What is being done to make them shorter? We'll answer these questions and many more, largely sourced from you, our fans! In this special episode we sit down with Lieutenant-Colonel Colin Peek and Colonel Chris "Morty" Morrison to chat about training delays as well as some of the future plans for pilot training in the RCAF.Colin flew the CH-124 Sea King, and Morty flew the CH-146 Griffon.  Both have extensive experience as pilots, leaders, and as commanding officers.  Now both are involved in the training, both pre- and post-wings of RCAF pilots.

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