The Flyover Podcast

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Welcome to THE FLYOVER PODCAST, part of USAFA Aviation. We will explore a variety of military aviation related topics by having Air Force pilots from across the wing at the United States Air Force on the podcast. Be sure to follow so you never miss the next flyover! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

USAFA Aviation


    • Jan 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 53m AVG DURATION
    • 37 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Flyover Podcast

    #36 - Lt Col (ret) John "Rico" Ballenger (Marine One Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 50:58


    Joined by Lt Col (ret) John "Rico" Ballenger, a former Marine One pilot, we discussed flying the president around the world, watching Top Gun with President Trump, and the uniqueness of the Marine Corps. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #35 - Maj Scott "Ogre" Portue (F-35A Lightning II Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 62:24


    Joined by Maj Scott "Ogre" Portue, a F-35 pilot, we discussed the next generation of flying in the Air Force, how technology will be leveraged in the future fight, and the Next Generation Air Dominance Program! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #34 - Captain Drea "Mystique" Moffett (UH-1N Huey Helicopter Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 45:44


    Joined by Captain Drea "Mystique" Moffett, an outstanding Huey pilot and experienced aviator, we discussed the challenges of flying an older model aircraft in a modern Airforce, the benefits of being a language enabled Air Force Officer, and the changes coming to the helicopter pilot pipeline! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components. *

    #33 - Maj Alex “Auggie” Arcidiacono (C-17 Globemaster III Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 41:36


    Joined by Major Alex “Auggie” Arcidiacono, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot with a plethora of experience, we talked about the long-range missions of the C-17, effective action during operation ALLIES REFUGE, training and retention of pilots in the Air Force, the changes we can expect for the C-17 in the future, including a possible offensive setting, and how drones might be involved in the agile combat environment that is the air. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #32 - Capt Jimmy Owenby (UH-60 Black Hawk & UC-35 Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 46:21


    Joined by Capt Jimmy Owenby, a UH-60 Black Hawk and UC-35 pilot, we discussed what the differences between flying in the Army and the Air Force, Active Duty vs. Reserves, and the mission of the Black Hawk. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #31 - Lt Col Matt "Indy" Ziemann (Intelligence Officer)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 56:30


    Joined by Lt Col Matt “Indy” Ziemann, an Air Force Officer specialized in Intelligence, we discussed what it's like to support special operations through the intelligence realm, the difficulty and intricacies of flying combat missions in that role, and what deployed environments are like with someone who's an expert at them. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #30 - Lt Col O'Bryant (EC-130H Compass Call Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 55:39


    Joined by Lt Col Collin O'Bryant, an EC-130H Pilot and seasoned veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, we discussed the unique mission set of jamming airborne communications, the differences between conventional airpower and specialized mission sets, and how our relationship with NATO shapes and defines our warfighting capabilities. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components. *

    #29 - Maj Micheal Shaw (F-16 Wild Weasel Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 45:14


    Joined by Major Michael Shaw, a F-16 Wild Weasel Pilot and former instructor at Air Force Weapons School, we talked about the air dominance and power that the F-16 commands in the joint fight, the heritage, meaning, and complexities of the Wild Weasel mission set, and what the future of the F-16 looks like in a conflict with a near-peer adversary. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode!  *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #28 - Lt Col Joshua Cadice (U-2 Dragon Lady and KC-135 Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 41:05


    Joined by Lt Col Joshua Cadice, a former KC-135 and U-2 Dragon Lady Pilot, we talked about the intricacies of aerial refueling, the difficulties of flying an aircraft on the edge of the atmosphere, and what the future of the Air Force looks like in terms of AI and ISR with a near peer adversary. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #27 - Col Peter Lee (F-35A Lightning II & F-15C Eagle Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 52:56


    Joined by Col Peter Lee, a F-35A Lightning II & former F-15C Eagle Pilot, we talked about the integration of the F-35 with our allies, the vast differences in mission sets, an officer's role as a political strategist in D.C., and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #26 - Capt Samuel "RaZZ" Larson (F-22 Raptor Demo Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 40:11


    Joined by Captain Samuel "RaZZ" Larson, the commander of the F-22 Raptor Demo Team, we talked about the future of the aircraft, what it brings to the joint fight, what it means to be a pilot of the F-22 Demo Team, and how it feels to burn in the open blue sky. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #25 - Maj Tyler "Slasher" Clark (AF Thunderbird 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 26:12


    Joined by Maj Tyler "Slasher" Clark, Thunderbird 3, we discussed what it is like being a member of the Thunderbirds, the hardest maneuver in the demonstration, the value the Thunderbirds bring to the Air Force, the differences between the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #24 - Lt Col Matthew "Goon" Spitler (F-22 Raptor & F-15C Eagle Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 51:52


    Joined by Lt Col Matthew "Goon" Spitler, an F-15C turned F-22 pilot, we discussed why an F-22 shot down the Chinese "spy" balloon, AI in BFM, the differences between the Eagle and the Raptor, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #23 - Lt Col Adam Otten (RQ-4 Global Hawk RPA Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 49:35


    Joined by Lt Col Adam Otten, a RQ-4 Global Hawk pilot, we discussed how the RQ-4 is flown, the differences in mission sets between different RPAs, the future of RPAs, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #22- Maj Mark "Mack" Griffin (CV-22 Osprey Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 57:26


    Joined by Maj Mark "Mack" Griffin, a CV-22 Osprey pilot, we discussed the Osprey's evolving role in combat, how it mixes being a helicopter with being a plane, how the CV-22 would be used in a near-peer conflict, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #22- Maj Mark "Mack" Griffin (CV-22 Osprey Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 57:26


    Joined by Maj Mark "Mack" Griffin, a CV-22 Osprey pilot, we discussed the Osprey's evolving role in combat, how it mixes being a helicopter with being a plane, how the CV-22 would be used in a near-peer conflict, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #21 - Lt Col Przemek "Fridge" Strekowski (HH-60G Pavehawk & MH-60S Seahawk Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2024 57:16


    Joined by Lt Col Przemek "Fridge" Strekowski, an HH-60 and MH-60 pilot, we discussed his role in the Kabul, Afghanistan evacuation, lessons learned about officership during an exchange with the Navy, the adaptability of the rescue community, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #20 - Col Joshua "Hustler" Egan (F-15E Strike Eagle Test Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 103:07


    Today on the show, we are joined by Col Joshua "Hustler" Egan, a test pilot who has flown over 40 different aircraft. We discussed his experiences flying in the Air Force, how radar and stealth technology impact warfare, the impacts of the test community, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #19 - Maj Mark "Rage" Favinger (B-52H Stratofortress Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 52:53


    Today on the show, we are joined by Maj Mark "Rage" Favinger, a B-52H Stratofortress pilot. We discussed his experiences flying in the Air Force, what is was like flying the one of the oldest aircraft in the Air Force, how the military executes nuclear deterrence, what the future holds for the B-52, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #18 - MSgt William "Wild Bill" Shaffell (Airborne Korean Linguist & Signals Intelligence)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 41:14


    Today on the show, we are joined by MSgt William Shaffell, our first enlisted guest, who has served in the Air Force as an Airborne Korean Linguist and in the Signals Intelligence community. We discussed his experiences in the Air Force, how the enlisted and officer corps interact and work together, what the future holds for the Signals Intelligence career field, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #17 - Capt Jacob Riley (C-5M Super Galaxy & TG-16A Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 46:44


    Today on the show, we are joined by Capt Jacob Riley, a C-5M pilot who is also involved in the Soaring program at USAFA in the TG-16A glider. We discussed his experiences flying in the Air Force, what is was like flying the largest aircraft in the Air Force, what the future holds for the C-5, and more. Be sure to follow so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #16 - Lt Col Eric "Mako" Scott (F-15E & A-29B Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 55:14


    Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Col Eric "Mako" Scott, a F-15E pilot who also flew the A-29B. We discussed his experiences flying in the Air Force, what is was like to eject from an aircraft, how the F-15EX will be used in the future fight, and more. Be sure to follow so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #15 - Lt Col Kristen “KJ” Heiserman (U-28A Draco & MQ-1B Predator Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2024 39:38


    Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Col Kristen Heiserman, an U-28A Draco pilot and former MQ-1B Predator pilot. We discussed her experiences flying in the Air Force, how the Air Force utilizes ISR platforms, and more. Be sure to follow so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #14 - Lt Gen Richard Clark (B-1 Lancer & EC-135 Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 56:54


    Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Gen Richard Clark, the Superintendent of the Air Force Academy and also a former EC-135 and B-1 bomber pilot. We discussed his experiences flying in the Air Force, how the Air Force is preparing for the future fight, and more. Be sure to follow so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #13 - Maj Parker Huge (MC-12W Liberty & RC-135 Rivet Joint Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 71:39


    Today on the show, we are joined by Maj Parker Huge, a MC-12W Liberty and RC-135 Rivet Joint Pilot. We discussed his background, how ISR platforms have been used in the Middle East and will be used in the future fight, his experiences helping troops on the ground in the MC-12W, where the Air Force is going in regards to ISR platforms, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #12 - Maj Dominic "VooDoo" Collins (F-16 Fighting Falcon Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 43:01


    Today on the show, we are joined by Maj Dominic "VooDoo" Collins, a F-16 Pilot. We discussed his background, the differences between the F-16 compared to fifth gen fighters, his experiences employing the F-16 on deployment, where the Air Force is going in regards to fighters, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #11 - Maj Isaiah "Knots" Harp (F-35 Test Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 56:54


    Today on the show, we are joined by Maj Isaiah "Knots" Harp, a F-35 Test Pilot. We discussed his background, the differences between the F-22 and F-35, his experiences as a test pilot, where the Air Force is going in regards to fighters, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #10 - Lt Col (Ret) Art Elser (Vietnam O-1 Bird Dog & O-2 Skymaster Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 74:21


    Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Col (Ret) Art Elser, a Vietnam Veteran who flew a variety of aircraft. We discussed his background, his time in Vietnam, his Silver Star mission, how the Academy was as a member of the first graduating class, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #9 - Col David Buchanan (KC-10 Extender Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2023 43:06


    Today on the show, we are joined by Col David Buchanan, a KC-10 Extender pilot. He is currently the Department Head of the English Department at the U.S. Air Force Academy. We discussed his background, the role the KC-10 plays in the Air Force, the relationship between his military career and English, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #8 - Maj Micah "SLAP" Morris (MQ- 9 Reaper RPA Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 41:54


    Today on the show, we are joined by Maj Micah "SLAP" Morris, a MQ-9 Reaper drone pilot. He is currently the Air Officer Commanding of Cadet Squadron 17 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. We discussed his background, the role the MQ-9 plays in the Air Force, his transition from being a Weapons System Officer to a drone pilot, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #7 - Lt Col (Ret) Kyle Stewart (C-17 Globemaster III Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 48:48


    Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Col (Ret) Kyle Stewart, a former C-17 pilot. He retired from the military this past March and now flies for Delta. We discussed his background, the role the C-17 plays in the Air Force, flying evacuation missions in Operation Allies Refuge, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #6 - Lt Col Tyler "Matrix" Robarge (F-22 Raptor Test Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2023 41:31


    Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Col Tyler "Matrix" Robarge, a F-22 test pilot. He is currently an instructor in the Department of Aeronautics at the United States Air Force Academy. We discussed his background, the role the F-22 plays in the Air Force, the future of fighters, and his deployment and duty stations as an F-16 pilot. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #5 - Maj PJ Hussey (HH-60G Pave Hawk Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2023 51:07


    Today on the show, we are joined by Maj PJ Hussey, a HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot and current instructor in the History Department at the United States Air Force Academy. We discussed his background, the role the Pave Hawk plays in combat search and rescue, and the differences between different helicopter platforms across the services. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #4 - Maj LK "Amp" Waters (C-130J Super Hercules Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 66:54


    Today on the show, we are joined by Maj LK "Amp" Waters, a C-130J pilot and Air Officer Commanding of CS-39 at the United States Air Force Academy. We discussed her background, the Air Force Weapons School, and how C-130s are being kept up to date. Be sure to subscribe so you do not miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #3 - Col Beth "Twister" Makros (B-2 Spirit Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 64:22


    Today on the show, we are joined by Col Beth Makros, a B-2 Spirit pilot and Chief Learning Officer at the United States Air Force Academy. We discussed her background, what it is like being the 5th woman ever to fly the B-2, and how strategic bombers like the B-2 would be leveraged in conflict. Be sure to subscribe so you do not miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #2 - Lt Col Ryan Rutter (A-10 Warthog Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2023 72:08


    Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Col Ryan Rutter, an A-10 Warthog pilot and current Air Officer Commanding of Cadet Squadron 9 at the United States Air Force Academy. We discussed his background, the role the A-10 plays in the Air Force, and what a military without the A-10 will look like. Be sure to subscribe so you do not miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

    #1 - Col Matt "Meta" Dietz (F-15E Strike Eagle Pilot)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 59:05


    Today on the show, we are joined by Col Matt Dietz, a F-15E Strike Eagle pilot and current Head of the History Department at the United States Air Force Academy. We discussed his background, the role the F-15E plays in the Air Force, and what the future fight looks like. Be sure to subscribe so you do not miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

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