Warbird Radio

WARBIRD RADIO - Historic airplanes have a way of commanding attention in the air. On the ground, their survival depends on something quieter: organization.

On Episode 3 of Season 17 of WarbirdRadio.com, Kristin Schaick, executive director of EAA Warbirds of America, speaks plainly about what she believes the next chapter of warbird preservation requires: more hangars, more local organization and more people willing to step forward.

The Warbirds of America division operates under the umbrella of the Experimental Aircraft Association, a global organization of more than 300,000 members in over 100 countries. Its AirVenture gathering each summer may be...

WARBIRD RADIO - The second episode of WarbirdRadio.com’s 17th season turns its attention to a subject that has always lived at the heart of the program: not simply the machines, but the people who assume responsibility for them.

Jerod Flohr, a 2025 inductee into the aviation community’s “20 Under 40,” joins the program with news that is likely to ripple through the airshow world in 2026 — including the anticipated return of the F-4 Phantom to the circuit.

For many Americans, the Phantom was more than an aircraft. It was a symbol of Cold War resolve and Vietnam-er...

WARBIRD RADIO - The seventeenth season of Warbird Radio opens not with spectacle, but with sobriety. Last year, during what should have been a routine flight in a P-51 Mustang, veteran airshow pilot Jim Pietz encountered one of aviation’s most unforgiving emergencies: an in-flight fire. In an aircraft designed in the crucible of World War II, where systems are mechanical and margins can be thin, smoke in the cockpit is not an abstraction. It is immediate. It is disorienting. It is measured in seconds.

What followed, as Pietz recounts in a candid conversation that anchors the 2026 prem...

WARBIRD RADIO - The 17th season of Warbird Radio is almost ready for takeoff, but some stories can’t wait.

In this special report, Matt Jolley sits down with Darren Pleasance for a candid conversation in the wake of the recent announcement from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Over the past year, Pleasance has been one of the most visible leaders in general aviation, and the news of change at the organization has sparked serious discussion throughout the aviation community.

Beyond the immediate headlines, a larger question is emerging: what comes next for AOPA...

WARBIRD RADIO - This week on Warbird Radio, we’re diving into the lighter side of aviation with two guests who bring passion, personality, and serious talent to the hangar.

First up is Dan White from CockpitCreations.com. Known for his sharp humor and knack for turning aviation laughs into a full-blown business, Dan’s work is delighting aviation fans—especially kids. From witty cockpit cartoons to creative aviation-themed merchandise, Dan’s work brings joy to hangars and classrooms alike. In this episode, he shares how Cockpit Creations took off and where it’s headed next.

Also joini...

WARBIRD RADIO - The summer season of Warbird Radio kicks off in grand style with a brand-new episode featuring one of the true legends of the warbird world: Warren Pietsch.

Hailing from the iconic Pietsch family of North Dakota, Warren grew up surrounded by flying and hospitality at his family’s FBO operation at the Minot Airport — a place long known for its aviation excellence. While Warren’s flying talents are widely respected across the airshow circuit, this latest conversation dives deeper into his extraordinary ability to restore and preserve priceless aviation history.

Warren shares the incredib...

WARBIRD RADIO - We're finishing Safety Month 2025 with a special guest: John Lohmar, Principal at Air Safety Investigators. With a career spanning from airline captain to active warbird pilot, John brings a wealth of experience in aviation safety, risk assessment, and human factors in decision-making.

Air Safety Investigators specializes in helping pilots and organizations avoid costly mistakes through smart planning, good training, and attention to detail. Their expertise in risk assessment, avoidance, and mitigation assists aviators in understanding the cognitive biases that can lead even the best pilots to make critical errors. In addition to preventative measures...

Warbird Radio Kicks Off Safety Month with Dr. Ian Robertson and Lift Aviation’s Braydn Lentz

WARBIRD RADIO - March is Safety Month on Warbird Radio, and we’re starting the conversation with a deep dive into the science behind pilot decision-making. In our latest episode, host Matt Jolley sits down with renowned neuroscientist and clinical psychologist Dr. Ian Robertson to explore why even the most disciplined pilots sometimes make risky decisions in the cockpit. Dr. Robertson, a Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin and author of The Winner Effect, explains how the brain’s attention system i...

Young Guns of Warbirds: Job Savage and Friends Bring Fresh Energy to Vintage Aviation

WARBIRD RADIO - If you’ve spent any time around the warbird community, you know it’s built on passion—passion for history, for flight, and for keeping these incredible machines in the air. But keeping that passion alive for the next generation? That’s a challenge. Fortunately, a new wave of young aviators and restorers are stepping up, bringing fresh energy to the movement, and leading the charge is none other than Job Savage.

On this episode of Warbird Radio, we sit d...

WARBIRD RADIO - If there were ever a real-life Indiana Jones for the warbird community, it’d be Jay Wisler. Instead of dodging booby traps and uncovering lost temples, Jay has spent over four decades scouring the globe in search of something just as precious—vintage warbird parts. From the dusty corners of forgotten warehouses to the bustling hangars of world-class restoration shops, Jay’s relentless quest has helped keep historic aircraft flying for generations.

On this episode of Warbird Radio, Matt Jolley sits down with Jay Wisler to talk about his legendary career in the warbird parts...

WWII B-17 Pilot John “Lucky” Luckadoo Speaks at NWOC and Joins Warbird Radio

WARBIRD RADIO – In a powerful moment during the National Warbird Operators Conference (NWOC) held in Dallas, Texas, World War II B-17 pilot John “Lucky” Luckadoo captivated the audience with his experiences and reflections. Known for his service with the notorious “Bloody 100th” Bomb Group, featured in Apple TV’s Masters of the Air series, Lucky’s stories brought history to life for those in attendance.

Addressing the crowd, Lucky remarked, “I am an example of those who flew these airplanes in the manner for which they w...

WARBIRD RADIO – We sit down with Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) President Darren Pleasance for an in-depth conversation about the vital role AOPA plays in the aviation community. As the leader of America’s largest aviation advocacy group, Darren not only works on behalf of pilots in Washington, D.C., but he’s also a dedicated warbird pilot himself, flying the T-6 Texan and the legendary P-51 Mustang.

AOPA’s mission extends far beyond advocacy, and in this special episode, Darren highlights key programs that directly impact warbird operators. From safety initiatives to pilot resources and preserva...

Exciting First Day at NWOC 2025 Kicks Off in Dallas!

Dallas, TX – The 2025 National Warbird Operators Conference (NWOC) is officially underway, and the energy is already soaring at the convention hall in Dallas. As exhibitors set up and attendees begin arriving, Warbird Radio caught up with some key industry leaders to talk about what’s in store for this year’s gathering of warbird operators, pilots, and restoration experts.

Corry Miller of Strix Aero: Allison 1710 Overhauls and More

One of the first to stop by was Corry Miller, founder of Strix Aero. Corry’s backgroun...

Warbird Radio to Feature ICAS President John Cudahy on the Popularity of Vintage Military Aircraft at Airshows

WARBIRD RADIO - On this episode Warbird Radio is set to welcome John Cudahy, President of the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), to discuss what the latest data reveals about the popularity of vintage military aircraft at airshows across the United States. The conversation will focus on findings from the 2023 Spectator Survey conducted by ICAS, which indicates that static warbird displays have seen a 4.7% decline in spectator interest since 2018, and when you factor in the 2000-2016 average, they've fallen 7.2...

Lost Coast Warbirds Takes Flight on Warbird Radio!

WARBIRD RADIO - There’s something about the sound of a vintage warbird roaring to life that stirs the soul. It’s the heartbeat of history, echoing the bravery of those who flew these machines into combat, the skilled hands that kept them in the air, and the pioneers who pushed them past their original mission into new frontiers like air racing. Few folks understand this legacy better than Justin Zabel and the team at Lost Coast Warbirds, and this week on Warbird Radio, we’re honored to have Justin...

Newly Appointed CAF CEO David Oliver Joins WarbirdRadio.com to Discuss His Vision for the Organization

WARBIRD RADIO - The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has entered an exciting new chapter with the appointment of David Oliver as its CEO. A longtime CAF member and accomplished warbird pilot, Oliver brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the organization’s mission to preserve and honor aviation history. He recently joined WarbirdRadio.com to discuss his new role, future plans for the CAF, and the upcoming National Warbird Operators Conference (NWOC) in Dallas, Texas.

During the...

Mark Clark Talks Warbird Market and NWOC on Warbird Radio

Warbird Radio host Matt Jolley sits down with Mark Clark of Courtesy Aircraft to discuss the current state of the vintage military aircraft industry in a special episode you won’t want to miss. As one of the most respected names in warbird sales, Mark provides key insights into market trends, aircraft sales, and what it takes to keep these legendary planes flying.

The conversation also highlights the upcoming National Warbird Operator Conference (NWOC), set to take place in Dallas, Texas. NWOC is the premier ga...

Warbird Radio’s Matt Jolley Welcomes Robert Arnold on Know The Past – Shape The Future

On this episode of Know The Past – Shape The Future, the official podcast of the Air Force Historical Foundation, Warbird Radio’s Matt Jolley sits down with Robert Arnold, grandson of two legendary figures in aviation history—General Hap Arnold and aeronautical engineer Donald Douglas.

In this special episode, Arnold shares rare family stories and personal experiences with the pioneers who shaped American aviation technology. From dinner table conversations with aviation giants to behind-the-scenes moments that influenced the development of the U.S. Air...

Warbird Radio’s Matt Jolley Explores the Legacy of Theodore von Kármán on Know The Past – Shape The Future

Warbird Radio’s Matt Jolley continues his deep dive into the early technological foundations of the United States Air Force on the latest episode of Know The Past – Shape The Future, the official podcast of the Air Force Historical Foundation. This episode spotlights the life and contributions of Professor Theodore von Kármán, the First Chief Scientist of the U.S. Air Force and one of the most influential aeronautical minds in history.

Joining Jolley...

Warbird Radio’s Matt Jolley Hosts New Episode of Air Force Historical Foundation Podcast

Warbird Radio host Matt Jolley continues his mission of preserving and sharing aviation and space history as the host of the Air Force Historical Foundation’s official podcast, Know The Past – Shape The Future. This compelling series brings listeners firsthand accounts of aerospace milestones from those who lived them, offering unparalleled insight into the legacy of air and space power.

From the storied missions of the B-17 to the groundbreaking innovations of unmanned aircraft, Know The Past – Shape The Future explores the people, t...

WARBIRD RADIO - Over the years we've had the honor of hosting many aviation legends, but few have left as lasting an impression as the late General Clarence "Bud" Anderson. Known for his incredible missions during World War II, where he became a triple ace, Anderson frequently graced our airwaves with tales of his aerial dogfights and his deep wisdom.

While his heroic exploits are well-documented in his book, "To Fly and Fight," and numerous interviews, it was his life lessons and mentoring moments that truly stood out to us. Those were the golden nuggets he shared...

WARBIRD RADIO - We're thrilled to announce a special guest appearance by John "Skipper" Hyle from the Museum Of The Forgotten Warrior. Skipper joins host Matt Jolley to share exciting updates about the museum’s upcoming airshow appearances, summer projects, and valuable insights for warbird operators new to the airshow scene.

The Museum Of The Forgotten Warrior is dedicated to remembering and educating the next generation about the unsung heroes of World War II—those service members who didn’t always make the headlines but were essential to the war effort. From instructors and maintenance crew to those...

WARBIRD RADIO - Hold onto your seats, because we've got an electrifying episode lined up for you on WarbirdRadio.com! Join us as we welcome the incomparable airshow pilot, RT Dickson, to the show.

Renowned for his performances in the iconic P-51 Mustang "Swamp Fox," RT Dickson's flights are a mesmerizing display of skill and passion. But that's just the beginning—get ready to be riveted as RT gets real regarding the journey behind the restoration of his F-86 Saber Jet "Patricia II." With every rivet, RT's dedication to preserving aviation history shines through. Plus, RT also sh...

WARBIRD RADIO - Take a listen to the second half of the Air Force Historical Foundation's Official Podcast! Dr. Jan Davis was born at Patrick Air Force Base and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. Dr. Davis has been surrounded by aviation and space her entire life.

She followed up her biomedical engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology with a mechanical engineering degree from Auburn University and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. During her career, she worked for Texaco and for NASA before being selected as an astronaut in 1987.

Davis flew...

WARBIRD RADIO - Take a listen to the debut episode of the Air Force Historical Foundation's new podcast! On this episode we follow Dr. Jan Davis as she retraces her path to the stars in her new book AIR BORN - Two Generations In Flight. Warbird Radio's own Matt Jolley hosts the show, and it's now available via the foundation's website, along with the second half!

Nancy Jan Davis (née Smotherman; born November 1, 1953) is a former American astronaut. A veteran of three space flights, Davis logged over 673 hours in space. She is now retired from NASA. She f...

WARBIRD RADIO - In the world of aviation, there are individuals whose passion for excellence propels them to new heights. Corry Miller, President and Powertrain Engineer at Strix Aero, is one such individual, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of aircraft maintenance and engineering. Recently, Miller took to the airwaves on Warbird Radio to share his insights and expertise, shedding light on his journey and the innovative work being done at Strix Aero.

Miller's journey into the world of aviation began with a deep-rooted love for engines and machinery, cultivated during his upbringing on a dairy farm in...

WARBIRD RADIO - We cap off our Safety Month discussion with Michel “Pumkin” Pelletier from AirshowSafety.com. Michel has created a wonderful tool for not just warbird operators to use, but anyone who participates in aerial events. Take a look, and then commit to making a quick video that could save your life, or some else's.

QUICK LINK: https://airshowsafety.com/

#warbirdradio #airshowsafety #aviationsafety #warbirds

WARBIRD RADIO - As Warbird Radio's Safety Month continues, we are thrilled to spotlight a true luminary in the field: the legendary warbird instructor, Thom Richard. With an illustrious career spanning air racing, air show demonstrations, and exemplary instruction, Thom is a beacon of expertise and safety in the skies.

Thom Richard isn't just your average pilot; he's a titan in the world of aviation. As the owner of Warbird Adventures and the visionary behind the American Dream SkyRanch, he has cultivated a haven for aviation enthusiasts seeking top-tier training coupled with unparalleled hospitality.

At...

WARBIRD RADIO - Every year we've broadcasted, we devote the month of March to bringing you special episodes on the crucial topic: warbird safety.

As part of our annual safety focus, we're joined by none other than Doug Rozendaal, a renowned expert in the field. Doug brings with him a wealth of experience and insights that are invaluable to both seasoned pilots and enthusiasts alike.

At WarbirdRadio.com, safety is paramount. Our aim is to reduce the annual accident rate by fostering important discussions and a culture committed to best practices. This year, we're doubling...

WARBIRD RADIO - He's not only the Museum Director at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, he's also an author, and former show host on Warbird Radio! Please welcome back...Chris Henry! We're supposed to be talking about his book THE FINAL MISSION, but get side tracked with stories on the EAA museum's F4U Corsair, and lots more. Take a listen, and then buy the book!

QUICK LINK: https://shop.eaa.org/products/the-final-mission-by-chris-henry-with-hal-bryan?_pos=2&_sid=1e8a7b570&_ss=r

#EAA #warbirdradio #thefinalmission #b17 #usaf #armyaircorp #wwii

WARBIRD RADIO - Warbird Radio Downunder Hosts Dave and Grant talk about Grant's visit to Hastings, near Napier in the North Island of New Zealand, during which time he caught up with Jan and Jerry Chisum at their hangar home on Bridge Pa aerodrome. Jan and Jerry own the 1920s de Havilland DH60 Gipsy Moth that Jan's father (Stan White) purchased in England and then flew down to Sydney, Australia before shipping it to New Zealand. 

Fascinating as that story is, for this episode, Jan talks about their Gardan Minicab aircraft, some of the history of Bridge P...

WARBIRD RADIO - Long-time warbird owner/operator Rick Siegfried talks about the upcoming National Warbird Operator Conference in Coco Beach, Florida.

QUICK LINK: https://www.warbirdradio.com/post/national-warbird-operators-conference-soars-into-cocoa-beach-florida-for-2024

#warbirdradio #warbirds #nwoc #aviation #airshows

WARBIRD RADIO - Warbird Radio Downunder Hosts Dave and Grant speak with Matt Henderson, who with his wife Kaz moved to Tocumwal airport's airpark in New South Wales in 2017, and then in 2019 they set up the Tocumwal Aviation Museum there. 

Matt has researched the fascinating history of Tocumwal, which was one of he biggest aerodromes in the world when it was built by the Australian Government for the US Forces in WWII. By the time the construction was completed the war situation had changed, and the USAAF no longer required it. It was therefore handed over to t...

WARBIRD RADIO - Ray Fowler, The Chief Pilot for the Liberty Foundation talks about their B-25's new paint scheme, and their future plans for a museum home. Also, learn the latest on their B-17 restoration and future tour stops. Take a listen...and please subscribe!

#warbirdradio #libertyfoundation #b25 #b17 #djangostudios

WARBIRD RADIO - CAPT Robert "Bob" Batterson not only survived the December 7th surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, he continued to serve his country as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy. This is his incredible story and one we were blessed to record. Take a listen!

Here's the backstory:

Captain Robert E. "Bob" Batterson was a man of honor, courage, and unwavering dedication. Born in the rolling hills of West Virginia, his journey through life would take him from the coal mines of his hometown to the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean...

WARBIRD RADIO - In this episode, a recording of a presentation Peter made to an audience in 2014, he takes the listener on a bomber mission, describing all that was involved for the average bomber crew member on an average operational sortie. He also talks about the poor treatment by the British Government and the media of Bomber Command's leader, Sir Arthur Harris, and gives a perspective of 'Bomber' Harris as viewed from one of the men who flew in Bomber Command.

He delves into the baffling controversies that have been generated in recent decades about Harris and...

WARBIRD RADIO - Zane Adams is back with an all new episode of the Texas Warbird Report. On this episode he checks in with Kelly Mahon from the Mid America Flight Museum.

QUICK LINK: https://midamericaflightmuseum.com/

#warbirdradio #texaswarbirdreport #midamericaflightmuseum

WARBIRD RADIO - The MCAS Miramar Airshow is one of the largest military airshows in the USA. Airshow Director, Christopher Van Stelle joins Matt Jolley with a preview of the 2023 event happening September 22-24. Ken Ashmore, from Pacific Airshow also joins in with a look at the unbelievable modern military line-up happening the following weekend in Huntington Beach September 29th - October 1st.

Buy your tickets now, and go to both shows!

QUICK LINK: https://miramarairshow.com/

QUICK LINK: https://pacificairshowusa.com/

#pacificairshow #miramarairshow #warbirdradio #airshowannouncer

WARBIRD RADIO - The Wings Over New Zealand Show LIVE host Dave Homewood is back on Warbird Radio, with a similar show but the new name is Warbird Radio Downunder. He and occasional co-host Grant McHerron will present stories to Warbird Radio listeners from both New Zealand and Australia, and perhaps beyond. 

Dave is the host of the long-running series The Wings Over New Zealand Show, which covers all sorts of stories from the world of New Zealand aviation. He is also an aviation magazine editor and journalist, Administrator for the Sport Aircraft Association of New Zealand, and f...

WARBIRD RADIO - She's a Reno air racer, warbird owner, and airshow pilot. The amazing Vicky Benzing is the focus of this episode! With well over 9500 hours of flying, and over 1300 parachute jumps, Vicky Benzing LOVES aviation in all forms.

She's just completed the restoration of Clay Lacy's famous purple P-51 Mustang, now called Plum Crazy, and she's headed to race it in the final Reno National Air Race in September of 2023. Take a listen!

QUICK LINK: https://www.vickybenzing.com/

#plumcrazyp51 #vickybenzing #p51 #renoairraces #warbirdradio #airshowannouncer