The Pilot Project Podcast

Hey everyone! We'll be taking a short pause in releasing episodes while we deal with some circumstances outside of our control. Rest assured we will be back up and running ASAP with the same great content you expect from us! Cheers!

What is it like to help save a life? What does it take to hoist a SARTech onto a ship in rough seas, at night, in a storm? Why is it so important to treat aviation like a team sport?Paul has flown search and rescue out of Goose Bay, Labrador and Greenwood, Nova Scotia. He has conducted many rescues and SAR missions, and has had to learn some tough lessons along the line. Now, he's learning to instruct helicopter pilots to get their wings at 3CFFTS in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. You can't save them all. Sometimes a mission outcome will not be what you want. Sometimes you'll be terrified of the conditions. Hear about all these things and many more on this latest episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.Links to stories that Paul has been involved in:https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/yarmouth-county-canoeist-body-found-1.5876353https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/military-helicopter-grand-manan-1.6745475https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-naufrage-fisherman-search-1.5143017https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/search-for-villa-de-pitanxo-crew-continues-1.6353419https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/missing-fisher-canso-nova-scotia-search-jrcc-coast-guard-1.6383442https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/air-force-helicopter-bear-1.5744778

What is it like to airdrop cargo into a Forward Operating Base in the middle of a firefight? How does it feel to find out you're going to an active warzone? What is it like to regularly be exposed to rocket attacks? What's it like to attend dozens of repatriation ceremonies?For Mike, all these things became part of normal life as he went through his 7 tours in Afghanistan. Mike has flown cargo all around the world, has instructed students (including me!) to get their wings in the RCAF, and taught instructors how to do their jobs. Mike has definitely been there and done that.Mike will share his adventures in Afghanistan as well as his struggles to process those experiences; he'll tell us about how Remembrance Day has changed for him over the years as a result of his time in Afghanistan, and much more in this episode of The Pilot Project Podcast. 

Former tank commander and Snowbird member, Rich Macdougall, shares his experiences including flying with the Snowbirds, ejecting from the CT-114 Tutor, and recovering from the tragedy of losing a teammate. Topics covered include joining the Snowbirds, daily life as a Snowbird pilot, the process of ejecting from an aircraft, and recovering from tragedy in the line of duty.

Greg, an Afghanistan veteran and Tac Hel instructor, shares his adventures and struggles in Afghanistan, including engaging enemies in combat missions, daily routine and challenges, experiences with PTSD, seeking help for mental health, and maintaining mental health and fitness.

4 spouses of RCAF members share their experiences and challenges of military life. Topics include dating in the RCAF, the experience of deployment, challenges of communication and scheduling, reintegration difficulties, balancing parenthood and military life, and the importance of communication and support in military families.

Canadian air traffic controllers discuss their experiences on September 11, 2001, including a military controller in New York, a civilian controller in Gander managing stranded passengers, and a NORAD detachment in Inuvik. They share stories about heightened security measures, community support, personal impact, and reflections on the short-term impact and career perspectives after the 9/11 attacks.

Blake, an experienced pilot in the RCAF, discusses his time instructing future pilots, flying with the Snowbirds, and his transition to helicopter flying. Topics include the challenges of flying helicopters, admiration for SARS pilots, lessons learned in the Canadian Mission Control Center, and the role of a photo chase pilot in the RCAF.

Recruiting expert Paul talks about joining the RCAF as a pilot, eyesight requirements, and making yourself an attractive applicant. He shares his journey from video games to flight training and highlights the importance of teamwork. Paul also explains the pilot application process, his experiences at CFRG, and the rewarding aspects of being a recruiter. He explores the pros and cons of ground tours for RCAF pilots and discusses the qualities of a good pilot.

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.