

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

Aug 26, 2024 • 1h 17min
The Empire Test Pilot who Flew the X-32, and More
What do the Sea Harrier, F-15B Eagle, X-32 JSF contestant, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Hawk all have in common?Well, not much, actually, except that they have all been flown by this week's guest, retired Royal Navy Commander Paul "Pebbles" Stone. As an Empire Test Pilots' School graduate, Pebbles flew all these aircraft and many more and spins quite a yarn about them with guest cohost Paul "Tremors" Tremelling.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 5min
OFW-6: Fragile Precision, GPS Vulnerabilities in Modern Warfare
'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 episode, longtime FPP friend Brian "Sunshine" Sinclair explains the U.S. military's dependence on GPS and the system's vulnerability to jamming and interference. Sunshine provides a detailed explanation of how GPS works, its evolution over time, and the challenges associated with implementing effective jamming techniques. The conversation highlights the importance of anti-spoofing measures and ongoing efforts to improve GPS resilience.Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Aug 12, 2024 • 1h 28min
FPP195 - Comms & Bombs, Vietnam F-4 Phantom Pilot Tell-All
Jim "Reaper" Dunlap was a Marine F-4 Phantom pilot who flew nearly 200 missions during his year in Vietnam. ...But it wasn't all flying—Reaper earned his callsign while spending three months on the ground with his fellow Marines, patrolling with them as an imbedded FAC or forward air controller coordinating air power for his ground unit.For financial planning questions or assistance, contact Zach Mindel at zmindel@forumfinancial.com, (630) 474-3599, or visit https://www.forumfinancial.com/profile/zachary-mindel/Zach Mindel is a Financial Advisor with Forum Financial Management, a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither specialized services nor adherence to the fiduciary standard of conduct should be interpreted as a guarantee of specific outcomes. The success and effectiveness of planning services depend on various factors, including but not limited to the timing and manner of implementation, collaboration with the client and their other professionals, and market conditions. Military service benefits may have eligibility requirements. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investing comes with risk, including risk of loss. For more information, visit our website at www.forumfinancial.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

12 snips
Aug 5, 2024 • 1h 10min
The Israeli Air Force
Eyal Shay Shenkman, a retired Israeli Air Force officer and former F-4, F-15, and F-16 pilot, shares his fascinating journey through three decades of aerial combat. He discusses the rigorous training and unique responsibilities faced by IAF pilots, along with his gripping experiences during missions in Lebanon. Shenkman sheds light on tactical innovations, missile systems, and the evolution of air combat, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges and decision-making processes that define the reclusive Israeli Air Force.

Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 16min
The New "Sheriff" in Town
You've heard of "Maverick" but have you heard of "The Sheriff"? You should.Zane Sennett, a former Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot who is once again a RAF pilot, has amassed over 5,000 flight hours in the Hawk, Harrier, Hornet, and Typhoon, besides multiple trainers.Former RAF Red Arrow and combat experienced, "The Sheriff" is the legend you've never heard of.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Jul 22, 2024 • 1h 41min
Larry the 5,000-hour Intruder Guy
Larry "Mung" Munns is one of only two U.S. Navy aircrew (and the only pilot) to accrue 5,000 flight hours in the Grumman A-6 Intruder, including while forward deployed in Japan and during Operation Desert Storm.How did he do it? Find out on this week's episode...Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Jul 8, 2024 • 57min
OFW-5: Redefining the Battlefield, Remotely
'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 episode, Mike "Pako" Benitez and Andrew "Scar" Van Timmeren return to examine the concepts, abilities, and future of Remotely Piloted Aircraft in modern warfare. The discussion reviews the history of technology, from early trials in the 1910s to the current day and clarifies the difference between remotely piloted and autonomous aircraft.Pako and Scar further discuss the incorporation of autonomy in military operations as well as the advantages of autonomy in terms of reconstitution, consistency, improvement of tactical execution and integration of next-generation drones with manned aircraft, stressing the relevance of perception, decision-making, and execution in the human-machine teaming.Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Jul 1, 2024 • 2h 11min
FPP194 - "Heater," the Quintessential Navy Fighter Pilot
C.J. "Heater" Heatley is THE man.F-4 Phantom pilot. TOPGUN instructor. Adversary pilot (flying actual MiGs). F-14 pilot. Aviation photojournalist. Author of 'The Cutting Edge'. Inspiration for the smash film, 'Top Gun.'There's nothing Heater has not done.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Jun 24, 2024 • 1h 58min
All about Remotely Piloted Aircraft
We finally did it.The Fighter Pilot Podcast is going pilotless...er, well, remotely piloted (but is such an operator really a "pilot?")On this episode, Dan "Killjoy" Martin, former U.S. Air Force RPA expert, explains his experiences flying the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper.Check out Killjoy's book, Predator : The Remote-Control Air War over Iraq and Afghanistan here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 5min
FPP193 - Combat Search & Rescue in the Navy
Retired U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, Tamara "T-Lo" Graham explains the nuances of planning and flying CSAR missions in the U.S. Navy. Hosted by Matt "Flounder" Arny.Learn more about the Navy & Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Flight Academy here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations


