Fighter Pilot Podcast

What does it take to lead when the mission is hard, the stakes are life-and-death, and nobody is watching? In this extraordinary episode of the Fighter Pilot Podcast, Tucker Hamilton sits down with two of the most consequential figures in modern Air Force history — General (Ret.) David Goldfein, former Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, and Dr. Heather Wilson, former Secretary of the Air Force and current President of UTEP — Air Force Academy classmates who reunited at the Pentagon 35 years after their cadet days to write Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership. From Goldfein's F-16 shoo...

The AV-8B Harrier is one of the most demanding, iconic, and battle-proven aircraft in military aviation history. Now, as the Harrier era draws to a close, one squadron remains to carry the torch: VMA-223, the Great American Bulldogs.

In this episode, Cinco sits down with the commanding officer (Traper) and executive officer (Porky) of the last AV-8B Harrier squadron to talk about the jet, the mission, the culture, and what it means to write the final chapter of an extraordinary community. This is a conversation about legacy, leadership, and the kind of airplane that shaped...

With the successful launch of Artemis II and NASA's return to the moon six decades later, we thought this a good time to dust off episode 189 from April 2024 featuring Reid "Tonto" Wiseman, mission commander.

Godspeed, astronauts!

At some point, talent is no longer enough. The same is true for preparation, intelligence, and ambition. What remains is the final margin—that last 20% where discipline, resilience, balance, and character decide the outcome.

In this episode, Jell-O sits down with Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton to discuss his upcoming book, Unlocking the Last 20%. Through stories from fighter aviation, combat, flight test, leadership, and the rise of AI, Cinco explores what it means to perform under pressure, lead with clarity, and become the kind of person who can carry real responsibility when the stakes are highest.

What does it take to command the F-22 Raptor at the edge of the envelope — and then pull the power to idle in a vertical tailslide over 100,000 people? — and then reinvent yourself beyond the cockpit?

Josh “Cabo” Gunderson joins Cinco to unpack elite performance, humility under pressure, the dominance of the Raptor at Red Flag, and the deeper question every operator must face: who are you when the afterburners go quiet? From Cuban immigrant roots to leading the F-22 Demonstration Team before millions, Cabo shares hard-earned lessons on discipline, decision-making, mission command, and finding purpose beyond the uniform...

As software has become the center of gravity for 5th generation fighters, simulation has become increasingly foundational to testing and fielding those aircraft.

On this episode, Doug “Rosie” Rosenstock, a U.S. Marine Corps Harrier-turned-test pilot who helped shape the F-35's mission systems and its simulation backbone, explores how the joint simulation environment was—and is—instrumental in the F-35's adoption by frontline forces.

What does it take to go from strapping into fighters to leaving Earth's atmosphere?

This week, Jameel “Chocolate” Janjua — Virgin Galactic astronaut and former U.S. and Canadian fighter test pilot — breaks down the mindset behind elite aviation, how test pilots really think about risk, and what it means to operate at the absolute edge of performance.

We follow his path from military flight test to commercial spaceflight, the lessons learned along the way, and why — even as technology accelerates — human judgment remains the final safety net. It’s a rare, inside look at a journey very f...

What happens when artificial intelligence starts sharing cockpit responsibilities?

On this episode, US Air Force Lt Col Raven “Rost” LeClair—F-35 Lightning II test pilot, squadron commander, and autonomy specialist—breaks down how AI is actually being integrated into 5th-generation fighters. We discuss what “human-machine teaming” looks like from the pilot’s seat, how trust in automation is built (and broken), and why the next leap in airpower depends more on judgment, training, and culture than raw hardware.

The future of airpower is not decided in the cockpit—it’s decided by the acquisition process.

In this episode, U.S. Air Force Colonel Tim “Ivy” Spaulding joins new FPP host Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton to break down modern aviation acquisition from a fighter pilot’s perspective. They explore why innovation so often struggles to reach the flight line, how risk and incentives become misaligned, and what it really takes to deliver capability at speed.

This candid conversation dives into trust, culture, and people—why acquisition works when operators, engineers, and decision-makers are aligned, and why it fails whe...

Welcome to the Fighter Pilot Podcast!

This trailer describes who this show is from, who it's for, and what it's all about. Be sure to check out our website and for exclusive content, subscribe to our Patreon Page.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. To connect with us, email: questions@fighterpilotpodcast.com.

A look back at 2025 and introduction to 2026's new FPP host in this end-of-year wrap up episode.

Near the end of each year, we feature the hard working men and women of NORAD who tirelessly monitor threats all year long and then, on December 24th, add the mission of tracking Santa.

Enjoy this 2022 rebroadcast on the NORAD Santa Tracker program featuring then-U.S. Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, the Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield, the NORAD and NORTHCOM Senior Enlisted Leader.

Merry Christmas from all of us here at the Fighter Pilot Podcast.

Few companies in aviation history can claim an average of one new aircraft flown every year for four decades. Enter Scaled Composites.

Founded in 1982 by legendary designer Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites specializes in designing, building, and flight-testing proof-of-concept, prototype, and milestone-achieving aircraft—often pushing the edge of what’s thought possible.

On this episode, Scaled Composites President Greg Morris and engineering test pilot Justin Gillen pull back the curtain on this extraordinary organization. They explain how Scaled safely develops and flies so many radically different aircraft, why real-world flight test is far more disciplined than Holl...

We’re opening the vault for another Happy Hour—this one from 2021 with retired U.S. Navy Captain Matthew “Tom” Maxwell.

Tom flew numerous World War II– and Korean War–era aircraft from carriers around the world before eventually finding his way into his favorite platform: the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior. In the “Whale,” he famously saved a fuel-starved F-8 by breaking the rules and refueling the Crusader over North Vietnam, getting the pilot safely back “feet wet.”

He was also aboard USS Oriskany during the devastating October 1966 fire that claimed the lives of 44 sailors. Tom captured these stori...

We close out our month-long tribute to the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday with a special replay of a 2021 Happy Hour conversation featuring Lieutenant General Richard E. Carey.

Across nearly four decades in uniform, General Carey rose from enlisted grunt to three-star general, serving everywhere from the Inchon landings and Chosin Reservoir to the skies over Vietnam. He went on to amass more than 9,000 hours in every fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft the Marine Corps flew. Yet what stands out most is his quiet warmth and the timeless wisdom he shared—like sitting down with a beloved grandfather who’s seen...

Our monthlong celebration of the US Marine Corps' 250th birthday continues this week with retired Lieutenant Colonel Isaac "Whiskey" Lee who spent a 20-year career flying CH-53E Super Stallions.

Veteran of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Weapons & Tactics instructor...Whiskey chronicles hard-fought lessons learned and personal vulnerabilities in his book, Hangar 4: A Combat Aviator's Memoir. 

This Veterans Day, we are rebroadcasting a walk down memory lane first shared in 2024 featuring guests from past Fighter Pilot Podcast episodes.

To mark the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday on November 10, 2025, we are repurposing a 2023 Patreon Happy Hour featuring Doug Griffith who flew AH-1 Cobras during Operation Desert Storm.

Doug shares great stories and a master class on what it means to be a Marine Aviator.

November 10, 2025 marks the U.S. Marines' 250th birthday and to celebrate, we are dedicating the entire month to the Corps, beginning with this discussion featuring Jim "Bullet" Markel.

Bullet, who flew the Vought F-8 Crusader, describes flight training, meeting the love of his life, and flying combat operations over Vietnam—including a harrowing mission for which he was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The U.S. Navy has one of the largest air forces in the world comprised of a wide variety of aircraft from helicopters to strike fighters to patrol planes. While squadrons, air wings, and type wings have a well-established chain of command, ultimately they all fall under the purview of a single person. Known formally as the Commander, Naval Air Forces, the position is known better as simply, the Air Boss.

On this episode, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral and air boss Dan “Undra” Cheever, joins us to discuss the current state and future of naval aviation. We touc...

This week, we pause our monthlong celebration of the U.S. Navy's 250th birthday to check in with FPP friend, Dave "Chip" Berke.

Fighter pilot extraordinaire, battle-proven forward air controller, and esteemed leadership coach, Chip codifies his many hard-won lessons learned into a powerful and concise new book, The Need to Lead.

"Every problem is a leadership problem," Chip asserts—find out why and, more importantly, how to effectively address these problems in this fascinating read available on Amazon and most major bookstores October 21, 2025.

Torpedoes vs missiles, tomahawks vs smart bombs, fluid mechanics, missions ranging from direct combat to attack to surveillance... turns out, submarines and military aviation have much in common!

On this episode marking the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary, former submarine commander Tony Grayson explains submarines for dummies, invoking aviation concepts and comparisons.

If your knowledge of subs is based on Crimson Tide, The Hunt for the Red October, or even Down Periscope, you might be pleasantly surprised how close to reality these epic movies come!

October 2025 marks 250 years of the U.S. Navy and we begin our monthlong celebration with retired Rear Admiral Jeremy "Bear" Taylor, who considers himself the luckiest man alive.

Commissioned in 1957, Bear would accumulate more than 6,000 flight hours in fighters and trainers and over 1,000 carrier landings during his 35+ years of service. He was assigned to 13 different aircraft carriers and flew 50 additional types and models of aircraft, including 10 helicopters.

During the Vietnam War, Bear flew the A-4 Skyhawk, accruing 200+ Rolling Thunder missions in North Vietnam. He fired numerous AGM-12 Bullpup air-to-ground missiles and was later involved in...

Some aircraft have specialized roles most applicable to certain types of warfare—and thus only appear in certain conflicts around the globe.

And then there are the workhorses that show up everywhere.

On this episode, former Royal Air Force navigator-turned-pilot Elliott "Jellers" Jardine explains how the Boeing CH-47 Chinook is one of those aircraft. From Vietnam to the Falkland Islands to Sierra Leone and the more recent desert operations, the Chinook is always in demand. And always delivers.

Stay tuned after the feature interview for an important update on the future of this sh...

Colonel James "Fangs" Valpiani knows a thing or two about flight test because he's seen a thing or two: first an Air Force Academy graduate, then a combat-tested F-15E Strike Eagle pilot, a graduate of the French Test Pilot School, and most recently Commodore of the USAF TPS.

On this episode, Fangs shares his expertise on the various schools he has attended or led and the aircraft they test, including the X-62 VISTA.

Per their website, the "Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents." Awesome, but what does that mean for the men and women comprising the team? How do they join, and what is a typical week like during show season?

On this episode, former USAF Thunderbird solo pilot Michelle "MACE" Curran explains her rocky road to the Air Force, the seat of an F-16 fighter jet, and a coveted slot on the demonstration team. Now a keynote speaker, MACE distills her many lessons learned...

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 Wh...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

...

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.

June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthday

To celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, concluding with this rebroadcast of episode 160 exploring the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment with U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Trey Williams and retired U.S. Army CW5 Stan Wood.

June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthday

To celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, continuing with this rebroadcast of episode 090 exploring this tank-busting, Cold War-era attack helicopter with CWO4 Tim "Dorothy" Settle.

June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthday

To celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, continuing with this rebroadcast of episode 089 exploring the helicopter that is small in stature but huge in capability and adored by the ground forces it defends.

Learn more about our guest, Ryan Robicheaux's Scout's Out project here.

June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthday.

To celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, continuing with this rebroadcast of episode 088 covering the U.S. Army's flight school syllabus, aircraft, and training locations with CWO2 Nicholas Allen.