The Pilot Project Podcast

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The Pilot Project Podcast is an aviation podcast that aims to help new pilots learn what it takes to succeed in the world of flight, to help people in the flight training system learn what they may want to fly, and to give the Canadians and the world a peek into life on the flight deck in the RCAF. We want to help pilots succeed and thrive! We interview real RCAF pilots for their exciting stories as well as the lessons they've learned along the way. We'll learn their tips to develop resilience and the tools it takes to make it in flight training.

Bryan Morrison


    • Apr 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 56m AVG DURATION
    • 53 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Pilot Project Podcast

    Episode 51: The Commander: Commanding the RCAF and flying the CF-188 Hornet Part 1 - Eric Kenny

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 61:10 Transcription Available


    What does it take to complete Canada's "Top Gun", the Fighter Weapons Instructor Course? What is it like to deploy to Bosnia or take part in the bombing campaign in Kosovo with real air-to-air and ground-to-air threats? What does it take to coordinate strikes in Afghanistan? How are we shifting from a counter-insurgency to peer-to-peer warfighting mentality? Today we have Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander of the RCAF on the show to discuss all these things and much more. Eric has 2900 flying hours, 2200 of which are on the CF-188 Hornet. He has been there and done that at the pointy end as well as from a command perspective. Join us today for a great discussion on his career as we lead up to a discussion on the RCAF as a whole!

    Episode 50: The Inferno: Aerial Firefighting in the Palisades Fires in California and flying the Canadair CL-415 Part 2 - Pascal Duclos

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 51:29 Transcription Available


    What did it take to get the Pasisade Fires under control in LA County, California in the winter of 2025? How does aerial firefighting compare in Quebec and California? In this final part of our 2 part series on aerial firefighting, we sit down once again with aerial firefighter Pascal Duclos. Pascal has been fighting fires across Canada and the United States for many years, but this year he encountered conditions he had never previously seen. Tune in today to hear about bringing the LA County fires under control, as well as comparing firefighting in California and Quebec!

    Episode 49: The Inferno: Aerial Firefighting in the Palisades Fires in California and flying the Canadair CL-415 Part 1 - Pascal Duclos

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 62:20 Transcription Available


    What was it like to deploy to Los Angeles and fight the infamous fires of the winter of 2025? What does it take to hit the fires with precision every time? How difficult is it to scoop from a heavy sea state on the ocean, or from tight quarters in a California reservoir? In this episode we sit down with aerial firefighter Pascal Duclos. Pascal has been fighting fires across Canada and the United States for many years, but this year he encountered conditions he had never previously seen. Tune in today to hear about what it takes to be an aerial firefighter, as well as fighting the fires of LA County!

    Episode 48: The Div Commander: Commanding 1 Canadian Air Division as it prepares for the future and flying the CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook Part 3 - Chris McKenna

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 80:49


    What modernization projects and new aircraft is the RCAF getting? Why does the RCAF need a warfighting focus moving forward? Major-General Chris McKenna has over 2600 flying hours and is currently the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, or 1 CAD. In this episode we'll talk about the exciting new modernization projects and aircraft that are coming online in the near future (or are already here) like the MQ9B SkyGuardian and the CF35A Lightning, as well as the new focus on warfighting for the RCAF, with a particular focus on lethality, interoperability, and survivability. Finally, we'll take some questions from the audience! Tune in today!

    Episode 47: The Div Commander: Commanding 1 Canadian Air Division as it prepares for the future and flying the CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 64:14 Transcription Available


    What is it like to deploy as the Task Force Commander for a violent mission in Mali? What difficulties does working with the UN bring? What is it like to be the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, or 1 CAD, and have 5 different official jobs? What modernization projects and new aircraft is the RCAF getting? Major-General Chris McKenna has over 2600 flying hours and is currently the Commander of 1 CAD. In this episode we'll talk about his time in Mali, his time as the Commander of 1 Wing and his current position as Commander 1 CAD. We'll also begin our talk about the amazing new modernization projects and aircraft that are coming online in the near future (or are already here)! Tune in today!

    Episode 46: The Div Commander: Commanding 1 Canadian Air Division as it prepares for the future and flying the CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 68:52 Transcription Available


    What is it like to deploy to Kandahar City, Afghanistan with JTF2 as a young officer in the RCAF? What about to return flying the CH-147D Chinook? Major-General Chris McKenna has over 2600 flying hours and is currently the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, or 1 CAD. In this episode we'll talk about his early flight training, his deployments to Afghanistan, as well as his time as the Commanding Officer of 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron flying the CH-147F Chinook. Tune in today!

    Episode 45: The Merge: Changes to the podcast, air-to-air photography, and aviation publishing Part 2 - Mike Reyno

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 61:12 Transcription Available


    What is it like to survive a mid-air collision with the Snowbirds? What does it feel like to join an Aurora crew on operations in the Mediterranean Sea for Op Sharp Guard? What does it take to make the jump from publisher to having an aviation podcast network?  Today, we sit down with renowned air-to-air photographer and publisher Mike Reyno to discuss his many adventures and experiences in air-to-air photography and beyond.

    Episode 44: The Merge: Changes to the podcast, air-to-air photography, and aviation publishing - Mike Reyno

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 54:46 Transcription Available


    Tune in to this episode for an exciting announcement about the podcast! Following that, we will sit down with renowned air-to-air photographer and publisher Mike Reyno. What is it like to work extensively with the RCAF conducting air-to-air photography with every Squadron in the RCAF? What does it take to get the perfect shot - and what gets you noticed by a publisher? We will talk about this and much more on today's episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.

    Episode 43: The Service Couple: Being an RCAF aircrew service couple and flying in the CH-149 Cormorant and the CP-140M Aurora - Paul and McKayla Goddard

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 86:38 Transcription Available


    What is it like to be an RCAF aircrew service couple? Paul is a CH-149 Cormorant pilot and McKayla is a retired ACSO who flew on the CP-140M Aurora. Hear all about their experience as a service couple from dating at RMC to the trials of being unmarried and long-distance, to finally the ups and downs of being a married service couple in two busy trades. Join us today on The Pilot Project Podcast to hear all about their story!

    Episode 42: The Wing Commander: Commanding 15 Wing Moose Jaw and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 2 - Dan Coutts

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 67:13 Transcription Available


    What is it like to be in charge of the one of Canada's largest pilot training bases? What does the future hold for pilot training in Canada, and what are we doing now to ensure our pilots are the best of the best? Colonel Dan Coutts is the current Wing Commander of 15 Wing Moose Jaw. In part 2 of our chat with him, we will discuss current and future plans for pilot flight training in Moose Jaw, we'll talk about why he continues to pursue flight even at the rank of Colonel, and we'll go into some questions from you, our listeners. Tune in today!

    Episode 41: The Wing Commander: Commanding 15 Wing Moose Jaw and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 1 - Dan Coutts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 62:01 Transcription Available


    What is it like to fly the CH-146 Griffon for 427 Squadron as it transitioned from a normal Tac Hel Squadron to being part of CANSOFCOM? What about flying in Bosnia, or being Special Operations Support in Afghanistan? How do you take 400 Reserve Tactical Helicopter Squadron and help prepare them for high readiness status? Colonel Dan Coutts is the current Wing Commander of 15 Wing Moose Jaw. In part 1 of our chat with him, we will discuss his early flying days, some of his deployments, as well as some of his leadership opportunities that prepared him leading up to his time as 15 Wing Commander.

    Episode 40: The Knight: The Fighter Force and the CF-188 Hornet - Fred

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 64:10 Transcription Available


    What is it like to fly a CF-188 Hornet? What does it feel like to break the sound barrier? How do our pilots stack up against friendly partners in exercises? How physically demanding is flying a fighter? Today we sit down for a chat with Fred "Penguin" Roy to talk all things CF-18. Fred is a former Reg Force fighter pilot who now flies as an airline pilot for Air Transat, while still flying the CF-18 as a pilot in the Reserve Force.

    Episode 39: The Holiday: Deploying at Christmas on the CC-130J Super Hercules - Mike B

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 38:09 Transcription Available


    What is it like to deploy away from your loved ones at Christmas? In this special Christmas episode, we'll dive into what it feels like to experience what thousands of CAF members have felt before - being half a world away from family and friends at Christmas. In this episode, we'll talk with Mike Behring, a CC-130J Super Hercules pilot as well as a recently qualified test pilot in the RCAF about his experiences deploying as an Aircraft Captain in support of Operation IMPACT in the Middle East during the holidays. Merry Christmas from us to you!

    Episode 38: The Operator: Changing from SOF to Pilot - Ben

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 40:14 Transcription Available


    What is it like to be a member of the elite force known as CJIRU? Why switch from Special Operations Forces Operator to Pilot? What challenges and opportunities do the trades have in common, and what useful traits overlap? Tune in this week as we chat with Ben, a former Special Operations Forces Operator who switched to the pilot trade, currently undergoing pilot training. We'll talk about what has been easy, what has been a challenge, and whether or not there is a large culture shock in switching between these diverse trades.

    Episode 37: The Veteran: Remembrance Day and a Career to Remember Part 2 - Duncan

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 64:03 Transcription Available


    What was it like to fly the legendary CP-121 Tracker, or the mighty CP-140 Aurora when it was a new aircraft? Duncan MacIsaac served for 27 years in the Regular Force and another 8 in the Reserves. He has flown many aircraft types in the RCAF, and has a ton of experience to share. Part 2 of our 2 part Remembrance Day episode will feature Duncan's time instructing on Sea Kings, flying the Tracker, and flying the Aurora. We'll also chat about his transition to civilian life, his work with the legion, and his work supporting the veteran community.

    Episode 36: The Veteran: Remembrance Day and a Career to Remember Part 1 - Duncan

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 49:30 Transcription Available


    What was it like to go through Moose Jaw in the 1970s? To fly the Sea King? To fly the legendary Tracker, or the mighty Aurora when it was a new aircraft? Duncan MacIsaac served for 27 years in the Regular Force and another 8 in the Reserves. He has flown many aircraft types in the RCAF, and has a ton of experience to share. Part 1 will feature Duncan's time in training and on the Sea King, as well as a discussion around loss and Remembrance Day.A video made to celebrate Duncan's career can be found here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lawuhcfE-jU&ab_channel=DuncanMacIsaac

    Episode 35: The Selection: The Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Test Part 2 - Dave

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 50:29 Transcription Available


    All RCAF pilots must pass through the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre (CFASC) - but what does it take to make it through? We sat down with Dave Chamberlin, former CO of CFASC, to find out exactly that - and much more! Today we'll discuss questions that you the audience asked as well as some FAQs they hear fairly often at CFASC. Join us today for part 2 of our 2 part series on Aircrew Selection!Links:https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/training-education/canadian-forces-aircrew-selection-centre/joining-instructions.html

    Episode 34: The Selection: The Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Test Part 1 - Dave

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 55:51 Transcription Available


    All RCAF pilots must pass through the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre (CFASC) - but what does it take to make it through? We sat down with Dave Chamberlin, former CO of CFASC, to find out exactly that - and much more! Dave has a multitude of experience, having flown and taught on the CT-155 Hawk and the CF-188 Hornet, as well as the CC-130J Hercules. Join us today for part 1 of our 2 part series on Aircrew Selection!Links:https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/training-education/canadian-forces-aircrew-selection-centre/joining-instructions.html

    Episode 33: The Leader: Part 2 - Developing Coaching Leaders in the RCAF- Scott C

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 57:39 Transcription Available


    How can a pilot strive to be a better leader both in the cockpit and on the ground? What is the RCAF doing well for leadership, and what do they need to work on? Today for part 2 of this interview we'll sit down with MGen(Ret) Scott Clancy and talk about some of the successes and challenges Scott faced as a leader, what challenges the RCAF faces in terms of leadership, and how we can develop pilots who lead. Scott served for 37 years in the RCAF and flew the CH-135 Twin Huey and the CH-146 Griffon. He held numerous leadership positions including the Commander of 1 Wing and its 7 Squadrons, as well as Director of Operations for NORAD. He is also an author and wrote the book "Developing Coaching Leaders".

    Episode 32: The Leader: Part 1 - Developing Coaching Leaders in the RCAF- Scott C

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 47:03 Transcription Available


    What does it take to be a leader in the RCAF? How does that translate to being a good pilot? What is the difference between coaching and leading, and how can we utilize both skillsets? Today we'll sit down with MGen(Ret) Scott Clancy and talk all things leadership as well as his book "Developing Coaching Leaders". Scott served for 37 years in the RCAF and flew the CH-135 Twin Huey and the CH-146 Griffon. He held numerous leadership positions including the Commander of 1 Wing and its 7 Squadrons, as well as Director of Operations for NORAD.

    Episode 31: The Cormorant Trophy: Conducting a Rescue in the CH-146 Griffon- Paula

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 56:51 Transcription Available


    A plane is down. Help is needed. You get the call. What is it like to know that seconds count? What happens when you're fuel critical and have a patient that needs to get to a hospital? What does it take to earn the coveted Cormorant Trophy? Paula Findlater is a Search and Rescue pilot in the RCAF. She has over 1000 hours on the CH-146 Griffon flying with 439 Combat Support Squadron in Bagotville, Quebec. We'll sit down and hear about the day her crew earned the Cormorant Trophy on this latest episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.

    Episode 30: The Watcher: Afghanistan Stories and The IAI Heron - Carson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 36:48 Transcription Available


    What is it like to take overwatch on Canadian troops on patrol in Afghanistan? What was it like when Kandahar Airfield came under attack? What is the future of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in Canada? In this episode, we sit down with Carson Choy, an Air Combat Systems Officer who flies on the CP-140M Aurora. Carson did two tours in Afghanistan flying the IAI Heron, one with the RCAF and one on exchange with the RAAF. We'll learn about all these things and more in this episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.

    Episode 29: The Student: Part 2 - Life on Phase III Mult-Engine and the C-90B King Air - Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 43:56 Transcription Available


    What is it like to train on the C90B King Air in the RCAF? How has the Phase III Multi-Engine course changed recently? What is it like to take to the skies in a King Air - without your instructor? In this episode we check back in with Scott Harding, recently winged graduate of the RCAF Phase III Multi-Engine course. This is a continuation of episode 15 when we first checked in with Scott on Phase I. Come enjoy some tales of adventure and growth in this latest episode of The Pilot Project Podcast!

    Episode 28: The Phoenix - From the Ashes to the Airwaves, the return of the show! - Bryan and Melissa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 19:48 Transcription Available


    Episode 27: The Guardian: Helicopter Search and Rescue in the RCAF and the CH-149 Cormorant - Paul

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 63:50 Transcription Available


    What is it like to help save a life? What does it take to hoist a SARTech onto a ship in rough seas, at night, in a storm? Why is it so important to treat aviation like a team sport?Paul has flown search and rescue out of Goose Bay, Labrador and Greenwood, Nova Scotia. He has conducted many rescues and SAR missions, and has had to learn some tough lessons along the line. Now, he's learning to instruct helicopter pilots to get their wings at 3CFFTS in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. You can't save them all. Sometimes a mission outcome will not be what you want. Sometimes you'll be terrified of the conditions. Hear about all these things and many more on this latest episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.Links to stories that Paul has been involved in:https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/yarmouth-county-canoeist-body-found-1.5876353https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/military-helicopter-grand-manan-1.6745475https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-naufrage-fisherman-search-1.5143017https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/search-for-villa-de-pitanxo-crew-continues-1.6353419https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/missing-fisher-canso-nova-scotia-search-jrcc-coast-guard-1.6383442https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/air-force-helicopter-bear-1.5744778

    Episode 26: Remembrance Day - Tactical Airlift and the CC-130H, Remembering the Fallen - Mike H

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 49:14 Transcription Available


    What is it like to airdrop cargo into a Forward Operating Base in the middle of a firefight? How does it feel to find out you're going to an active warzone? What is it like to regularly be exposed to rocket attacks? What's it like to attend dozens of repatriation ceremonies?For Mike, all these things became part of normal life as he went through his 7 tours in Afghanistan. Mike has flown cargo all around the world, has instructed students (including me!) to get their wings in the RCAF, and taught instructors how to do their jobs. Mike has definitely been there and done that.Mike will share his adventures in Afghanistan as well as his struggles to process those experiences; he'll tell us about how Remembrance Day has changed for him over the years as a result of his time in Afghanistan, and much more in this episode of The Pilot Project Podcast. 

    Episode 25: The Advance Party: Flying with the Snowbirds, Ejecting from the CT-114 Tutor, and Remembering Jenn Casey - Rich

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2023 56:33 Transcription Available


    What do the Advance and Safety Pilots do for the Snowbirds? What is the tryout process like? What does it feel like to eject, and how do you come back from the tragedy of losing a friend and teammate?Rich Macdougall has flown NORAD and air refueling missions around the globe as a Tanker Commander on the CC-130H Hercules. Later, after instructing on the CT-156 Harvard II, he decided to give his lifelong dream a shot and became a member of the Snowbirds. However, during Op Inspiration in 2020, tragedy struck as Rich took off from Kamloops BC, when a bird strike occurred and an ejection became necessary; resulting in severe injuries for Rich and the death of his friend Jenn Casey. Rich will tell us about his experiences that day, his injuries and recovery, his return to the Snowbirds and much more in this episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.

    Episode 24: The Deployment: Afghanistan Stories - Greg

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2023 76:20 Transcription Available


    What was it like to deploy with the Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan (CHFA)? What is it like when your door gunners engage the enemy, or to be shot at while flying in a firefight? What do you do when your helicopter gets shot up and you still have to make it to a safe place to land? Greg has been a Tac Hel instructor, and deployed early in his career to fight in Afghanistan with CHFA; flying nearly 600 combat hours in many sorties. Greg will share his adventures and his struggles in Afghanistan plus much more on this episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.

    Episode 23: Military Family Appreciation Day: Spouse Perspectives - Melissa, Janet, McKayla, Lyndsay

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 99:00 Transcription Available


    Did you know the third Friday of every September is Military Family Appreciation Day? What is it like to be a spouse or partner with someone in the RCAF? What are the challenges? What are the things that make it great? What advice would a spouse give to a new pilot to help them have a successful family life?What is it like if your new husband deploys? What about when you have a newborn, or you're pregnant? We will explore all these challenges and more as we sit down with 4 spouses to hear about the RCAF homefront on this episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.

    Episode 22: Remembering September 11, 2001: Canadian perspectives - Rob, Shelley, Bert

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 77:25 Transcription Available


    This week on The Pilot Project Podcast, we'll explore the events surrounding September 11 as viewed through the eyes of three air traffic controllers who were on duty on or following that day. Each provides a unique perspective.What was it like for a Canadian military controller working in New York at the time? What about a civilian controller working in Gander, a town of 9000 that took on 6000 stranded passengers? How did an isolated NORAD detachment in Inuvik respond to the changing situation?We will hear these stories and more in this week's episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.

    Episode 21: The teacher, The Snowbird, The Student: A life as a pilot in the RCAF - Blake

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 62:02


    What does it feel like to instruct the next generation of RCAF pilots? What about flying on the Snowbirds? How can vulnerability lead to new learning opportunities? Blake has flown the CT-156 Harvard, the CT-155 Hawk, been an instructor at 2CFFTS, flew with the Snowbird demonstration team for several seasons and now recently completed his training on helicopters to go fly the CH-149 Cormorant.Blake will talk about his methods for succeeding and thriving while you're in flight training, his area of expertise.  We'll learn about how getting comfortable with being uncomfortable can help you deal with your mistakes and much more on this latest episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.

    Episode 20: The Recruiter: Everything you want to know about joining the RCAF as a Pilot - Paul

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 59:26 Transcription Available


    What are the paths you can take to join the RCAF as a pilot? How much time will you have to serve? What are the eyesight requirements for a pilot? What can you do to make yourself an attractive applicant? Paul has flown the CP-140M Aurora and most recently been posted to Canadian Forces Recruiting Group in Borden, Ontario. There he became extremely well-versed in the ins and outs of recruiting; and gained a passion for helping applicants to succeed.Paul will talk about his advice for successfully joining the RCAF as a pilot, answer the questions kindly supplied by listeners and the Canadian Forces Subreddit and much more on this latest episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.

    Episode 19: The Sailor: Maritime Helicopter and the CH-148 Cyclone - Corey

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 67:11 Transcription Available


    What does it take to land a helicopter on a pitching ship deck at night in bad weather? How do you come back from tragedy and the loss of good friends? Corey has flown the Cyclone around the world from the decks of Royal Canadian Naval ships. He also instructs the helicopter course at 3CFFTS in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Corey will talk about his experiences flying the Cyclone and his journey to recovery after the Stalker 22 crash. He'll talk about why growth happens on those dark and stormy nights when your NVGs fail and much more on this latest episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.

    Episode 18: The Hunter: Long Range Patrol and the CP-140M Aurora - Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 63:30 Transcription Available


    What does it take to make it as a submarine hunter? What about as an instructor on the Harvard II at the Big 2 in Moose Jaw? Davis has seen it and done it around the world in the Aurora, and gone to many amazing places in the Harvard. After years of flying the Aurora, several tours overseas and instructing at Moose Jaw, Davis has transitioned to civilian life, but he has a ton of great stories and advice to help you thrive in adversity whether that be in flight training or life. Hear about how accepting that you will fail can be the key to succeeding more often, and much more in this latest episode.

    Episode 17: The Freeze: Everything you want to know about the DEO Pilot Hiring Freeze - John

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2023 41:09 Transcription Available


    The RCAF has frozen the hiring process for direct entry officer (DEO) applicants. Why are they doing this? What does it mean? How long will it last? We'll sit down with Brigadier General John Alexander, commander of 2 Canadian Air Division to answer all these questions and more. John has flown several helicopters around the world including a stint flying the Puma with the RAF. He has deployed in many theatres and is now in command of 2 CAD which handles all training and education in the RCAF. He'll answer a ton of questions asked by you, the audience, and the Canadian Forces subreddit.

    Episode 16: The Hauler: Air Mobility, Tactical Airlift, and the CC-130J Super Hercules - Skye

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2023 71:57 Transcription Available


    What is it like to fly Canada's tactical airlift fleet? How about showing up as the fleet's only female pilot (at the time)? How does it feel to land by an active volcano, or to explore the globe on one of Canada's busiest fleets?After flying all around the world as well as instructing on the CC-130J Super Hercules, Skye has been there, done that, and thrived in the RCAF. Skye will talk about why a stick of gum and a whole lot of knowledge can get you out of almost any situation.  She'll also talk about taking part in evacuations during Alberta's wildfires, overcoming imposter syndrome, and how she overcame the biggest scare of her flying career through openness and honesty.

    Episode 15: The Student: Part 1 - Life on Phase I and the Grob G-120A – Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2023 52:10 Transcription Available


    What does it take to switch from a different trade to pilot, and what is the process? What does it feel like to be in flight training in the RCAF right NOW?After extensive experience as an Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO) Scott decided to join the good guys and be a pilot. He just finished a shortened Phase I course and has began his training in Phase II. In this episode we check in with him to hear his experiences as an ACSO on the Alpha Jet, doing electronic warfare, and what it's like to be a pilot trainee right now in the RCAF.Scott talks about what it's like to turn 'n burn in an Alpha Jet and the importance of Electronic Warfare in the battlespace, as well as the importance of teamwork during flight training. He'll talk about student life, what it's like at the mess, and why preparation and visualization (chair flying) are critical to success.

    Episode 14: The Support: Combat Support, the CH-146 Griffon and Thomas “Toast” McQueen – Vic

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2023 68:25 Transcription Available


    Imagine you are on a training flight and you get a call that there has been a crash. As Combat Support, you respond to the scene to find the worst - the pilot has not survived. After a long day of recovering remains and securing the crash, you find out the person who died was one of your best friends. What would you do? How do you recover? Vic will tell us about this experience firsthand.Vic was featured in our episode about Phase III Helicopter Training, and while that episode is not 'required listening' before checking this out, we highly recommend it.Vic is a highly experienced helicopter pilot who has flown Combat Support, done lots of SAR work and currently instructs students on the Phase III Helicopter course. Vic will tell us about Combat Support, about his hardest day, and what it took to recover and thrive through this incredible adversity.

    Episode 13: The Cost: My journey with PTSD, anxiety, and mental health in the RCAF - Bryan and Melissa

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2023 47:50 Transcription Available


    What happens if you have mental health issues as a pilot in the RCAF? What does it look like to navigate that system? Is there a large stigma against coming forward?For this special Mental Health Awareness Month episode, Bryan will sit in the guest seat and his wife Melissa will take a turn interviewing. Bryan has flown around the world in the CP-140M Aurora, but the missions that left their mark indelibly ended up being in Iraq against ISIS.  Bryan will talk about his journey from good health to a mental health injury, the struggle of accepting a diagnosis, as well as what he has learned about identity, what it means to be a pilot, and what he has gained and lost along the way. Through it all we will do our best to provide good information on what it is like to navigate the mental health system in the RCAF, and to provide great resources for anyone who is struggling.  Remember, if you or a loved one are a CAF member and in need of assistance, the Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program is there for you.Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program - 1-800-268-7708

    Episode 12: The Heavy: Air Mobility, Strategic Airlift and the CC-177 Globemaster III - John

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2023 68:45


    What is it like to fly Canada's largest aircraft? What was it like to be part of the evacuation of Afghanistan? How can you make sure your failures become learning experiences instead of stumbling blocks?After flying all around the world in the C17 and now instructing on the Phase III multi-engine course at 3CFFTS, John knows what it takes to succeed as a pilot in the RCAF. John talks about his adventures around the world in the C17, but he'll also talk about why he believes it is critical to take ownership of your own professional education and stay in the books to maintain a high level of readiness as an Air Force pilot.  He'll also emphasize the importance of shared experiences among peers to keep each other sharp. We'll culminate with an exciting account of evacuating refugees from Afghanistan as the country fell to the Taliban.

    Episode 11: The Tanker: Air Mobility, Air-to-Air Refuelling and the CC-150 Polaris - Jeff

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2023 72:25 Transcription Available


    What is it like to refuel a fighter over Iraq? What about going straight to one of the largest aircraft in the RCAF from a small twin engine turboprop?  How can chair flying change the way you train, and how do you do it properly? Jeff will tell us all these things and many more.  Jeff walked into the RCAF with zero flight experience.  Now, Jeff has flown all over the world in the CC-150 Polaris.  He has immense experience and is now a qualified multi-engine instructor at 3 Canadian Forces Flight Training School.  Jeff will talk about what it's like to fly royalty, Prime Ministers, and other dignitaries around the world. He talks about the importance of stress outlets, mental rehearsal, and support structures, as well as the importance of taking things one day at a time.  

    Episode 10: The Wait: Training Delays and how we'll fix them - Colin and Morty

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2023 69:32 Transcription Available


    What are the wait times like in the RCAF pilot training system?  Are they long? What is being done to make them shorter? We'll answer these questions and many more, largely sourced from you, our fans! In this special episode we sit down with Lieutenant-Colonel Colin Peek and Colonel Chris "Morty" Morrison to chat about training delays as well as some of the future plans for pilot training in the RCAF.Colin flew the CH-124 Sea King, and Morty flew the CH-146 Griffon.  Both have extensive experience as pilots, leaders, and as commanding officers.  Now both are involved in the training, both pre- and post-wings of RCAF pilots.

    Episode 9: The Valkyrie: Tac Hel, Mali, and the CH-147F Chinook - Jackie

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 70:03 Transcription Available


    On January 20th, 2019 Al-Qaeda forces conducted a complex attack on a FOB in Aguelhok, Mali which left several UN peacekeepers dead and others wounded and in desperate need of Medevac.  That's where Jackie and her crew stepped up.  Hear the story for the first time ever, now.What is it like to fly the largest helicopter in the RCAF? Jackie has flown the CH-147F Chinook all over Canada and Mali, and now instructs new pilots on the Chinook.She'll talk about flying the Chinook as well as the tools she developed to go from failings tests from pre-test jitters to teaching new pilots. She'll also tell us the incredible story of flying medevacs in Mali, including after an Al-Qaeda ambush.CBC article on medevac

    Episode 8: The Explorer: Arctic flying and the CC-138 Twin Otter - Ryan

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2023 68:10 Transcription Available


    What is it like to fly over the Arctic in a twin engine aircraft? How do you succeed in competitive flight training as a group and an individual? Ryan talks about his experience flying the CC-138 Twin Otter out of Yellowknife. Ryan flew the Twin Otter all over the Arctic (and Antarctic!), and currently instructs at 3 Canadian Forces Flight Training School in Portage la Prairie, MB.  He has also had some civilian experience at West Jet before returning to the RCAF during the uncertainties of Covid.Ryan talks about flying the CC-138 Twin Otter as well as his insights into the importance of teamwork both as a flight crew, but especially as a team in flight training. We'll talk about why helping your course-mates can be one of your best tools for your own success.

    Episode 7: The Grunt: Tac Hel and the CH-146 Griffon - Pete

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2023 42:25 Transcription Available


    What is it like to fly at 15 feet over the deserts of Iraq? How about aiding in disaster relief when the fires struck Fort McMurray? Pete shares his experiences flying tac hel and talks about the importance of maintaining joy in flying and going to work.  He'll talk about why that's essential to his success as a pilot.Pete has flown the Bell CH-146 Griffon in Canada and Iraq, and currently instructs at 3 Canadian Forces Flight Training School in Portage la Prairie, MB.  He's been a high school teacher and had many other  occupations before joining which makes him unique among my guests so far!Pete talks about flying the CH-146 Griffon and some of his passion projects; through it all what shines through is someone whose generosity and passion for helping others also keeps him loving the Air Force Lifestyle.Eagle's Wings Flight School

    Episode 6: The Teacher: Part 5 - Phase III Fast Jet Training and the CT-155 Hawk - Jules

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2023 47:18 Transcription Available


    What does it take to make it in the intense world of fast jet flight training in Moose Jaw? What does courage and honesty have to do with excelling in flight, and staying alive? Jules shares some tips for crushing it while in Phase III Hawk training and why it's important to be honest about your faults and work to improve them.Jules has flown a myriad of aircraft and has a whopping 6800 flight hours, with about 3200 of that being instructional.  He instructs on the Phase III Hawk course in Moose Jaw, and is currently the Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO) of 2CFFTS in Moose Jaw.  Jules has a ton of experience and knows all about jet training, but also about what it's like to move into a leadership role as a pilot – and why you might want to.Jules talks about the Phase III Hawk course and what it takes to make it in the world of flight fighter jets, as well as some of the future plans for jet training in Canada.

    Episode 5: The Teacher: Part 4 - Phase III Multi-Engine Training and the C90B King Air - Dan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 56:12 Transcription Available


    What does it take to excel in Phase III multi-engine flight training in Portage la Prairie? How can you stay positive even when you don't get the job you hoped for? Dan shares some tips for excelling while in Phase III Multi-Engine training and loving life in the RCAF no matter where it takes you.Dan flew search and rescue missions out of Comox BC on the CC-115 Buffalo.  He instructed on the Phase III Multi-Engine Flight Training course in Portage la Prairie, eventually achieving A category, standards, instrument check pilot, and more.  Dan is extremely knowledgeable about what it takes to do great on Phase III, but also to be grateful and enjoy your career no matter where it takes you.Dan talks about the Phase III Multi course, some of the unexpected turns his career has taken, and why they were even better than what he could have planned for himself.KFAero Contracted Flight Training for Phase III Multi

    Episode 4: The Teacher: Part 3 - Phase III Helicopter Flight Training and the Bell 206 and Bell 412 - Vic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2023 41:00 Transcription Available


    What does it take to make it through Phase III Helicopter flight training in the RCAF?  Phase III Helo instructor Vic Weston shares his experiences with us and talks about what he thinks makes a great helicopter pilot. Vic flew as a Bell 412 pilot in Combat Support role in Cold Lake, Alberta as well as in Goose Bay, Labrador.  He now teaches at 3 Canadian Forces Flight Training School.Vic will talk about his passion for flying, why he loves to teach and what he thinks it takes to thrive in your flying career and life!3CFFTS website (KF Aero, the contracted company)

    Episode 3: A Very Special Deployed Christmas Episode: Afghanistan, Haiti, Iraq, and home - Greg, Rob, Mom, and Jack

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2022 40:19


    What is it like to be deployed at Christmas? How do CAF members stay positive when they are away from family? Do they get Christmas dinner in the desert?  We'll answer these questions and more by talking with 3 CAF members who've been away for Christmas and one family member who's waited at home in this special Christmas episode.Deploying through birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays is part of being in the CAF. Today, we'll hear stories from Greg Juurlink, Rob Truscott, Jack Wesselo, about what it was like to be deployed for the holidays, and how they spent that time. We'll also hear special guest and the host's mom, Diana Morrison, about what it was like to have a son deployed at Christmas.Episode 1 PhotosWrite to the Troops Message Board"Go for Shakedown", by Stephen Robertson

    Episode 2: The Teacher: Part 2 - Phase II Flight Training and the CT-156 Harvard II - Lauren

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2022 48:18


    What does it take to make it through Phase II Flight Training at Moose Jaw? What is it like to fly into Baghdad in a C-17?  How do you takeoff in formation and stay safe in the clouds?Lauren has flown all over the world in the RCAF's largest aircraft, the CC-177 Globemaster (C-17).  She has also instructed in Moose Jaw as both a military flight instructor on the Harvard and as a civilian on the simulator.  Lauren is intimately familiar with what it takes not just to make it through, but to crush Phase II and to be a great pilot!Lauren talks about the Phase II course and the attitudes that can help you or hold you back in military aviation. She also talks about the advantages military flying can give you if you eventually decide to fly in the airlines!Info on our mission in IraqNato Flight Training Centre (NFTC), the training school in Moose Jaw

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