

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

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

Apr 18, 2025 • 2h 4min
Flight Testing Autonomous Aerial Systems
What is the difference between automation and autonomy, and where does artificial intelligence fit in when it comes to military aviation?On this episode, Ms. Jessica "STING" Peterson, Ph.D. student and part time Instructor Flight Test Engineer at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, explains the nuanced differences, drawing on her experience flight testing the RQ-4 Global Hawk and collision avoidance systems.Aircraft, both civil and military, have been equipped with auto pilots for decades. With advancing technology, it seems all but inevitable that autonomous and artificially intelligent aircraft are the next logical step.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 6min
"Benj" the Boeing Bird of Prey Test Pilot
The Boeing Bird of Prey was a mid-1990's stealth technology demonstrator used to test low-observable stealth techniques and develop new methods of aircraft design. The recent F-47 sixth generation fighter, which will be a Boeing product, is thought to trace its lineage to the BBoP.This episode features retired U.S Air Force and Boeing Corporation test pilot Doug "Benj" Benjamin, originally recorded in 2021. Benj was the first and last BBoP test pilot, having amassed more hours in the demonstrator than any other test pilot.Benj also shares amazing stories from his experience flying the F-106, attending the French Test Pilot School, and conducting F-16 flight test. The conversation wanders into the F-22, F-35 and even Boeing 737 and 757 civilian airliners.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

18 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 31min
Extreme Environments: Arctic Military Operations
Guests Jahara "Franky" Matisek, an active duty U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and military professor, and Jeremy McKenzie, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander and Arctic operations expert, delve into the unique challenges of military operations in the Arctic. They discuss the extreme cold's impact on equipment and personnel, the historical context of Arctic warfare, and the growing importance of Arctic security amidst geopolitical tensions. Personal stories and insights highlight the need for robust infrastructure and collaboration in this treacherous environment.

Mar 18, 2025 • 52min
OFW-11: AI and ML in Future War
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 penultimate episode, OFW series regulars Scott "Roger" Chafian and Mike "Pako" Benitez discuss how big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are collectively changing not only our lives on a near-daily basis, but influencing armed conflict. And yet, humans must remain in the loop—find out whyBrought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Mar 8, 2025 • 1h 35min
FPP201 - Flying the F-35B Lightning II Demo
The F-35B Lightning ll is an aircraft like no other—going from a short takeoff to a supersonic dash to hovering in midair, all in seconds. And in the hands of a proficient US Marine Corps pilot, not only does this ability ensure winning in combat, it is sure to amaze at airshows.On this episode, Marine Majors Craig "Brembo" Norris and Craig "Chuckles" Turner explain the STOVL F-35 variant and how they fly it at airshows to inspire the next generation of Marine Corps pilots.Check out the AirshowStuffVideos used in this interview here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Mar 3, 2025 • 38min
The Future of Air Warfare: Radars (Sponsored)
In modern air combat, weapons are only as effective as the sensors that inform them.Joe “Grip” Beissner, Director of Requirements and Capabilities for Radio Frequency Solutions at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us this week to discuss Raytheon's active electronically scanned array radars providing aircrew unmatched situational awareness, targeting precision, and survivability.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 32min
"Judge" the Royal... well, Everything
Most military members spend their careers enmeshed in their own branch with scant exposure to their sister services. Not Judge.Jim "Judge" Dresner, originally a Royal Marine has been trained by, operated in, and/or deployed with the Royal Navy and Air Force, the British Army, and even the U.S. Marine Corps during his illustrious career flying helicopters to jump jets. His is a story of interoperability, resilience, and modesty.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Feb 23, 2025 • 22min
The Future of Air Warfare: Weapons (Sponsored)
Jon "Stormin" Norman, Vice President of Requirements & Capabilities at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us to discuss the cutting edge air-to-air and surface weapons and effectors the hard-working men and women of Raytheon produce for our warfighters.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations


