The Pilot Project Podcast

Dec 05 2023 26
The Pilot Project Podcast artwork

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 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.

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In-Flight Announcement: A short pause

Dec 05 2023 1 mins  
Hey everyone! We'll be taking a short pause in releasing episodes while we deal with some circumstances outside of our control. Rest assured we will be back up and running ASAP with the same great content you expect from us! Cheers!

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

Nov 21 2023 63 mins  
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

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

Nov 07 2023 49 mins  
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

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

Oct 24 2023 56 mins  
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

Episode 24: The Deployment: Afghanistan Stories - Greg

Oct 10 2023 76 mins  
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 wi

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

Sep 26 2023 99 mins  
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 new

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

Sep 12 2023 77 mins  
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 th

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

Aug 29 2023 62 mins  
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-14

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

Aug 15 2023 59 mins  
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 o

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

Aug 01 2023 67 mins  
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 a