

Fighter Pilot Podcast
E. Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello, Retired U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot
The Fighter Pilot Podcast explores the fascinating world of air combat: the aircraft, the weapons systems, and most importantly—the people.Episodes typically feature guests who help explain various military aviation-themed topics, such as how ejection seats work or what it's like to fly on and off nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.If you love the roar of a high-speed flyby or are enamored by the poise and confidence of the brave men and women who fly, fix, and fight these aircraft, then this show is for you!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 49min
The Merge-3: Impact
In this riveting discussion, guest Anthony Roy, an adversary pilot with the call sign Sloppy, describes the heart-stopping events of a mid-air collision on June 13, 2008. He shares insights into flight day preparations, emphasizing the importance of safety procedures. Listeners will be captivated by accounts of intense aerial challenges, the chaos of ejection, and the emotional aftermath of surviving a life-threatening incident. Roy's vivid storytelling brings the high-stakes world of naval aviation to life, blending adrenaline with valuable lessons.

Jul 22, 2025 • 26min
The Merge-2: Going to NAS Fallon
Tony Roy, a retired Navy captain with two decades of experience flying the F-18, F-16, and F-5, shares his incredible journey at NAS Fallon. He recounts the vital role of Fallon in fighter pilot training, the camaraderie formed during intense exercises, and the unique characteristics of the F-5, likening its simplicity to that of a trusty car. The discussion also highlights personal flight stories, mentorship, and the emotional impact of a tragic mid-air collision that changed lives forever.

Jul 15, 2025 • 18min
The Merge-1: Naval Aviation in the early 2000s
Fitz Lee, a retired U.S. Navy Captain with the call sign Dud, shares gripping insights into naval aviation in 2008. He recounts a tragic mid-air collision during a training flight that changed lives forever. Lee discusses the evolution from the iconic F-14 Tomcat to the F-18 Super Hornet, and sheds light on the intense training environments at Fallon. He also reveals the crucial role of Top Gun in pilot preparedness and the challenges faced in combat operations, painting a vivid picture of the stakes in aerial warfare.

Jul 13, 2025 • 26min
The Future of Air Warfare: Offensive Electronic Attack (Sponsored)
Benjamin "Chuck" Angus, Director of Business Development in Naval Power at Raytheon, sheds light on the evolving battlefield of electronic warfare. He discusses how controlling the electromagnetic spectrum is vital for modern combat, emphasizing the impact of offensive electronic attacks. Angus shares insights into the Next Generation Jammer, a cutting-edge system designed to disrupt enemy communications and air-defense mechanisms. The conversation also delves into the collaboration between the U.S. Navy and industry to innovate around jamming capabilities, enhancing military effectiveness.

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 57min
Boom Supersonic: Flight Testing the XB-1
In the early 2000s, Tesla upended the automotive industry with its ground-breaking electric vehicles and recharging network. Twenty years later, Boom Supersonic is attempting to do the same in the airline industry—will it work?On this episode, Tristan Brandenberg and Nick Sheryka join guest host Ken Katz to discuss Boom Supersonic's ambitious initiative to return supersonic airline travel, including creating all-new aircraft, engines, and supporting network. That begins with flight testing the one-off XB-1 technology demonstrator to prove supersonic overland travel can be nonintrusive to the underlying populace.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Jun 5, 2025 • 30min
The Future of Air Warfare: Modeling & Simulation (Sponsored)
Advanced weapons and sensors are required to prevail in modern combat, but determining how these and the many other pieces integrate into the broader joint fight can become costly.Tom Wiley, Senior Director Integrated Solutions Modeling & Architecture at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us this week to discuss how Raytheon's Rapid Campaign Analysis and Demonstration Environment (RCADE) assists decision-makers in thinking beyond individual systems, enabling them to see the entire operational ecosystem.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

21 snips
May 28, 2025 • 1h 1min
Manchester to Shackleton: the Lancaster Bomber Family Tree
Graham Barber, an expert on the Avro Lancaster family tree and the Shackleton aircraft, shares his extensive knowledge on the evolution of these remarkable machines. He discusses the transition from the Lancaster to the Shackleton and highlights the engineering innovations that enhanced their performance. Barber also delves into the restoration of Shackleton AEW2 WR963, emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of these historic British aircraft. Listeners will enjoy the captivating stories and insights from his experiences in aviation history.

May 18, 2025 • 1h 9min
OFW-12: AI and ML in Conflict Escalation & De-escalation
On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.On this final episode, OFW series host Scott "Roger" Chafian and guest Mike Roundtree discuss how artificial intelligence and machine learning figure in escalation and de-escalation of conflict. Beyond military forces increasing their readiness, escalation includes a nation’s infrastructure, communication networks, economy and other attributes. Continuous training with modeling helps build muscle memory to react and ensure situations never get to the point where they will have cataclysmic consequences.Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

May 8, 2025 • 1h 38min
The SBD Dauntless, Now and Then
Few aircraft earn the battle-tested distinction of singularly turning the tide of entire theaters of world wars. The SBD Dauntless may just be one of them.On this episode, Robert Harris, member of the Commemorative Air Force, and author Kevin Miller provide a tag team review of this venerable aircraft, from its pivotal role in World War ll in the Pacific to flying one of the few remaining airworthy examples remaining 80+ years later.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 23min
FPP202 - Behind the Yellow Visor: Jell-O Explains New Book
Longtime listeners of this channel sometimes comment that they seem to know more about each guest than they do the usual host, Jell-O.On this episode, guest host Paul "Tremors" Tremelling turns the tables and interviews Jell-O about his new book, Through the Yellow Visor, an Amazon Best Seller chronicling his life and career.Physical and e-book versions of Through the Yellow Visor can be purchased on Amazon; personalized hard cover or paperback copies signed by Jell-O can be purchased on the Fighter Pilot Podcast website.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations