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Fighter Pilot Podcast
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Fighter Pilot Podcast

Author: E. Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello, Retired U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot

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Description

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!

For advertising, partnerships or other business opportunities, please contact: chris.wilson@monster.com

320 Episodes
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Is it possible to capture the camaraderie of a fighter squadron ready room after hours in a spirits brand?Introducing Winglore. Founded by fighter pilots, for fighter pilots, Winglore captures the spirit of a squadron bar after a day in the skies—where stories get taller, roasts get louder, and the whiskey is always worth a toast.Founder Ernesto "Carlos" Howard joins the FPP to explain how Winglore came to be and how anyone over 21 (not just fighter pilots) can enjoy Winglore's signature spirits: Bogey Dope Bourbon and Nickel on the Grass American Single Malt Whiskey, and become a member of the Winglore squadron.Learn more at https://winglorespirits.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
After the Merge

After the Merge

2025-08-2628:07

A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.This bonus episode of The Merge reunites the two surviving F-5 aircrew, exploring how the mishap has affected their lives in the years since.Brought to you by BVR Productions.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.This concluding episode of The Merge features the widow of the lost pilot, Jeremy "Suge" Wise.Brought to you by BVR Productions.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.This fifth episode of The Merge explores the collision from other aviators airborne that tragic day.Brought to you by BVR Productions.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.This fourth episode of The Merge explores the unbreakable bond between flight lead and wingman, particularly on that fateful day.Brought to you by BVR Productions.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
The Merge-3: Impact

The Merge-3: Impact

2025-07-2948:491

A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.This third episode of The Merge explores the fateful flight of June 13, 2008 from the brief up to moment of impact.Brought to you by BVR Productions.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.This second episode of The Merge explores NAS Fallon and why squadrons detach there, and introduces this mini-series' main characters.The Merge is brought to you by BVR Productions.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.This first episode of The Merge introduces this mini-series with a description of Naval Aviation in 2008.Brought to you by BVR Productions.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
Electronic warfare is a crucial element of armed conflict involving controlling and protecting the electromagnetic spectrum which is vital for communication, navigation, and target identification. EW also permits the disruption and denial of adversaries' use of the spectrum, hindering their ability to operate effectively.Benjamin “Chuck” Angus, Director of Business Development in Naval Power at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us this week to discuss Raytheon's involvement in EW, specifically offensive electronic attack, with its Next Generation Jammer—an advanced electronic attack system that denies, disrupts and degrades enemy technology, including communication tools and air-defense systems.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
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
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
Manchester. Lancaster. Lincoln. Lancastrian. York. Tudor. Shackleton...To most, this is simply a list of obscure names. But to some, these are the beloved branches of a family tree of bombers, airborne early warning, and maritime reconnaissance aircraft that extends from World War II well into the Cold War.On this episode, Mr. Graham Barber explains the Avro Lancaster family tree, culminating in the Shackleton (AEW2 WR963) being restored and frequently started to keep the legacy of these magnificent British aircraft alive and well.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
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
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
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
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
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
Armed conflict is challenging enough, but when the very battlefield is a more significant threat than the enemy, the stakes are significantly raised.On this episode, US Air Force LtCol Jahara "Franky" Matisek and retired US Coast Guard LCDR Jeremy McKenzie explain how military operations in the Arctic present unique challenges. Temperatures well below freezing not only make basic survival a struggle, but LCDs on avionics and electronics quit working, as do most lubricants, and a dropped wrench can shatter upon impact.As the strategic importance of the Arctic increases, military operations there—and before long, perhaps Antarctica—require substantial consideration and investment that cannot be put off until the day before shooting begins.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
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
As armed combat ever evolves and airborne electronic threats become increasingly sophisticated, leading defense companies continually strive to achieve superiority for the U.S. warfighter.And among those companies, L3Harris is the undisputed leader.L3Harris is developing “Viper Shield”—an advanced digital electronic warfare suite for the next-generation F-16. Former F-16 Wild Weasel pilot, Robert "Trip" Raymond explains L3Harris's extensive EW experience is culminating in a system that will be vital for success on day one of the next conflict—and every day after.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
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Comments (59)

Darren Gladstone

This one got way too political for me. Not unsubscribing just yet but stopped and deleted the episode. yeah I get it your speaker is MAGA pro tariff. well a lot of us lost our jobs, a lot of family employers are scaling back cancelling orders slowing down. but sure giggle about it and how great it is... taking a break, hope you do better, I just like tech and stories.

May 22nd
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Neil Stimpson

Amazing podcast! #VSTOL

Jul 30th
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Neil Stimpson

Quite possibly the best podcast I've ever heard. Well done, Jello! #VSTOL

Jul 30th
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J Bee

Superb stories! Glad you got to meet!

Jul 16th
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Captain Creditor

Those two and their dry British humour. Quite funny!

Jun 5th
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Priya Dharshini

💚WATCH>>ᗪOᗯᑎᒪOᗩᗪ>>👉https://co.fastmovies.org

Jan 15th
Reply

SPYDOR

Love the metal version of Bowie's Space Oddity! Great job by Jamie Lopez.

Sep 16th
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Tod Lube

from a 10 year Marine, and 13 year national guard(active duty) helicopter mechanic, the easiest way to describe how helicopters fly is this; "they simply beat the air into submission". I was a tactical fluid guidance technician, or simply put, a hydraulics mechanic. worked on the AH-1J, AH-1T/TOW, AH-1W, UN-1N, **OV-10, CH-53D/E, CH-46 at IMA level**

May 9th
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Tod Lube

the men's department, lolol, that was always my reply back too.

May 3rd
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Tod Lube

back in 1980 I joined the Marines and was at New River Air Station assigned to HMA-269, at the time it was a Cobra sqdn. Next to us on the flt line was VMO-2, a OV-10 sqdn. They had the A & D models with them. The D models were outfitted with FLIR pods on the nose, they as I was told, couldn't carry any pax in the back due to the avionics package for the FLIR. The A models could carry five pax. I watched them remove the tail cone, then five Force Recon Marines got in the back wearing their chutes. They were facing towards the opening, knees pulled up and spread open, where the next Marine would back in between the formers knees... a$$hole to bellybutton. After the last Marine squeezed in, a three inch wide strap was hooked across the opening. For the drop, they would overfly the DZ and toss out a streamer to get the wind direction. on the next pass the bird would come in, then pull vertical and the five Marines would just fall out at about 1500 ft and get under canopy.

May 3rd
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DeadHead

I really enjoy these episodes with older aircraft!! Thanks for another stellar listen #FighterPilot #HawkerHurricane

Oct 29th
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Roger Peters

I thought his call sign was Irish. no big deal, great man no matter what the call sign.

Oct 23rd
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GenXGrayCat

Before the China virus. Geez. Great ain't it?

Jul 12th
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GenXGrayCat

Jello, what do you think of the marxist indoctrination stuff going on in our military?

May 19th
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GenXGrayCat

Not a real man, if you dont like spam!! lol

May 5th
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GenXGrayCat

AI IS NO GOOD. NO CHANGE....HERE

Apr 27th
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GenXGrayCat

Great point by mr germany, and the new Top Gun will be so Liberaled out itll be horrible i bet

Apr 27th
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GenXGrayCat

if you dont fight back against it, wont be a future

Apr 27th
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GenXGrayCat

Yall shouldn't be putting your lives and the future on hold for a virus

Apr 27th
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GenXGrayCat

Those BOYS who flew these bombers against the Nazis, and took such loss, are unbelievably brave heroes x3

Apr 27th
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