The Pilot Project Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

On January 20th, 2019 Al-Qaeda forces conducted a complex attack on a FOB in Aguelhok, Mali which left several UN peacekeepers dead and others wounded and in desperate need of Medevac.  That's where Jackie and her crew stepped up.  Hear the story for the first time ever, now.What is it like to fly the largest helicopter in the RCAF? Jackie has flown the CH-147F Chinook all over Canada and Mali, and now instructs new pilots on the Chinook.She'll talk about flying the Chinook as well as the tools she developed to go from failings tests from pre-test jitters to teaching new pilots. She'll also tell us the incredible story of flying medevacs in Mali, including after an Al-Qaeda ambush.CBC article on medevac