Fighter Pilot Podcast
Tucker "Cinco" Hamilton, Retired U.S. Air Force Fighter Test Pilot
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About This Podcast
The Fighter Pilot Podcast explores the fascinating world of air combat: the aircraft, the weapons systems, and most importantly—the people.
Episodes typically feature guests who help explain various military aviation-themed topics, such as how ejection seats work or what it's like to fly on and off nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
If you love the roar of a high-speed flyby or are enamored by the poise and confidence of the brave men and women who fly, fix, and fight these aircraft, then this show is for you!
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Recent Episodes
FPP215 - U-2s on Aircraft Carriers: A Cold War Gamble
During the Cold War, the Lockheed U-2 gave the United States the ability to peer deep inside denied territory from altitudes once thought unreachable. But after the Francis Gary Powers shootdown and…
FPP214 - Fighting Falcons: VMF-221 and the Soul of Marine Aviation
From Buffalos at Midway to Corsairs off the deck of Bunker Hill, the Marines of VMF-221 fought, bled, and adapted their way through the Pacific War — and their story reveals far more about combat,…
FPP213 - Top Gun, Tomcats, and AI Wingmen: "Yank" Cummings on Tomorrow’s War
JJ “Yank” Cummings returns to the Fighter Pilot Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on F-14 Tomcats, carrier aviation, Top Gun: Maverick, and the rapidly approaching age of autonomous air combat.…
FPP212 - Four Stars, One Secretary, Zero Ego - Gen. Goldfein & Sec. Wilson on Servant Leadership
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, Tucker Hamilton sits down with two of the most consequential…
FPP211 - The Last Harrier: Inside the Final AV-8B Squadron
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:…
Artemis II: Back to the Moon! (Rebroadcast)
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…
What Happens After Talent Runs Out: Unlocking the Last 20%
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…
FPP210 - 600knots Through Chicago: From F-22 Raptor to Reinvention
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…
FPP209 - When (and Where) 5th Gen Simulation Meets Reality
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”…
FPP208 - The Making of an Astronaut: From Fighter Test to the Edge of Space
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 —…
FPP207 - Flying with the Algorithm: AI, Trust, and the F-35
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…
FPP206 - Delivering the Future: Aviation Acquisition
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…
The Fighter Pilot Podcast
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…
End of Year Recap - 2025
A look back at 2025 and introduction to 2026's new FPP host in this end-of-year wrap up episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
NORAD Santa Tracker (Rebroadcast)
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…
Scaled Composites: Flying the Impossible
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…
Warbirds, the Whale, and a Life Well Lived
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…
Honoring a Giant: The Life and Legacy of LtGen Richard Carey
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…
FPP205 - "Whiskey" at War | Combat Realities in the CH-53E
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…
Veterans Day Guest Mashup (Rebroadcast)
This Veterans Day, we are rebroadcasting a walk down memory lane first shared in 2024 featuring guests from past Fighter Pilot Podcast episodes.Support this podcast at —…
Frequently Asked Questions
Fighter Pilot Podcast has published 343 episodes since January 2018, covering topics in Aviation, Government.
Fighter Pilot Podcast is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 1h 8m.
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