Best Military Aircraft Operations Podcasts (2025)

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Workhorse - E56 - Flight Instructing with Ash Pendergast 1:10:12

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7h ago1:10:12

1:10:12

Ash Pendergast had a long association with the Royal Australian Air Force's 36 Squadron where he was a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI); took part in original NVG trials; and was a Flight Commander. Ash recalls these roles and his RAAF career in this episode.By Bill 'K9' Kourelakos

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Episode 48 - "Desert Island Books" : Our Top 10 Bomber Command Reads 50:09

43m ago50:09

50:09

Send us a message or question! This week we each share our top 5 Bomber Command books in the categories of popular history, memoir, academic, fiction and we also throw in a wild card! What are your favourites? Do you love or hate our picks? Spoiler alert: If you don't want to know what we chose, avoid the shopping list below! Jane's choices Popular…

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The Merge-3: Impact 48:49

1d ago48:49

48:49

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 b…

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Episode 63: The Kingfisher: Developing, acquiring and flying the CC-295 Kingfisher Part 1 - Luc Coates, Francois Fasquelle, Dan Faux 1:05:36

13h ago1:05:36

1:05:36

What drives someone to choose the demanding — and often dangerous — career of Search and Rescue pilot? What early experiences shaped their paths, and what does it really take to fly missions where lives hang in the balance? In this episode, we sit down with three remarkable guests: Lieutenant-Colonel Luc Coates, Commanding Officer of 418 Search and…

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Episode 47 - Remembering the Bombing War in Normandy, with Paul Woodadge 50:26

6d ago50:26

50:26

Send us a message or question! This week, we tackle some thorny issues with our with guest Paul Woodadge, the host of YouTube show WW2TV about the multifaceted history of RAF Bomber Command during World War II. Growing up near former USAAF airbases in Suffolk, just across the border from Essex and Colchester, Paul, who most of you will know simply …

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The Merge-2: Going to NAS Fallon 26:04

6d ago26:04

26:04

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 character…

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Ep 9 - EAA AirVenture 2025 Day1 22:10

7d ago22:10

22:10

Send us a text https://www.specializedaeroworks.com/ https://vaporglobalaviation.com/ https://mikekloch.com/ https://www.instagram.com/specialized_aero_works/ https://www.instagram.com/vaporglobalaviation/ https://www.facebook.com/SAWFlyers https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063695354828By Vapor Reddan and Cuckoo Kloch

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Ep 119: 'An RAF Spokesperson Said...' 1:02:51

7d ago1:02:51

1:02:51

His job could be described as both getting the RAF in the news and keeping the RAF out of the news – neither are easy. This week’s InsideAIR heads to Main Building in the Ministry of Defence to hear from Wing Commander Martin ‘Tinny’ Tinworth, Chief Press Officer for the Royal Air Force. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Re…

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A Flying Computer: The Triumphs and Troubles of America's Most Controversial Fighter 2:13:15

7d ago2:13:15

2:13:15

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message: The F-35 Lightning II embodies aviation's greatest paradox—a marvel of engineering weighed down by political reality and sky-high expectations. Initially conceived as "one jet to rule them all," this fifth-generation fighter was meant to revolutionize warfare by replacing dozen…

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270 - Bruce Lockhart and the Political Warfare Executive 1:00:10

7d ago1:00:10

1:00:10

In this episode of the WW2 Podcast, I am joined by Professor James Crossland to discuss the extraordinary life of Robert Bruce Lockhart — a British diplomat, journalist, author, and secret agent. Though not a household name, Lockhart was a key figure behind the scenes of 20th-century history. His career began before the First World War and took him…

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(EARLY ACCESS) Episode 47 - Remembering the Bombing War in Normandy, with Paul Woodage 50:26

12d ago50:26

50:26

Send us a message or question! This week, we tackle some thorny issues with our with guest Paul Woodadge, the host of YouTube show WW2TV about the multifaceted history of RAF Bomber Command during World War II. Growing up near former USAAF airbases in Suffolk, just across the border from Essex and Colchester, Paul, who most of you will know simply …

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Episode 46 From the Channel Dash to the Long March: The Navigator's Story, with Stuart Green. 47:52

13d ago47:52

47:52

Send us a message or question! This week, hosts Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies chat to Stuart Green, who shares the remarkable story of his father Alan, a Bomber Command navigator on Wellingtons and Stirlings. Alan Green took part in some of the most famous operations of the war, including the Channel Dash, the 1000 Bomber Raid, and the s…

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The Merge-1: Naval Aviation in the early 2000s 18:04

13d ago18:04

18:04

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 Prod…

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Episode 62: The CAPCOM: Earning the Elsie MacGill Award, flying the CH-146 Griffon, and working with NASA in Houston Part 3 - Erin Edwards 55:16

15d ago55:16

55:16

What’s it like to go from flying helicopters in the Royal Canadian Air Force to becoming the voice in the headset for astronauts aboard the International Space Station? How do you transition from military aviation to serving as Deputy Branch Chief Operations Officer and CAPCOM at NASA? In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards — a Spec…

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269 - The Diary of a German POW 50:41

13d ago50:41

50:41

In this episode of the WW2 Podcast, I am joined by Bernd Häber to discuss the remarkable story of his grandfather, Fritz Häber — a German soldier who became a prisoner of war in American custody at the end of World War II. During his 16 months in a U.S. POW camp, Fritz kept a diary that not only captured the daily realities of captivity but also re…

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F-15EX: Old Airframe, New Dominance in Modern Warfare 15:26

17d ago15:26

15:26

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message: The Eagle has landed – again. But this time, it's been completely reborn for the modern battlefield. While stealth fighters dominate headlines, the US Air Force is making a strategic pivot by investing billions in the F-15EX Eagle II, a fighter with roots dating back to 1972 th…

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Ep 8 - Aerobatics (a.k.a. Vitamin G) For All My Friends 1:05:11

16d ago1:05:11

1:05:11

Send us a text https://www.specializedaeroworks.com/ https://vaporglobalaviation.com/ https://mikekloch.com/ https://www.instagram.com/specialized_aero_works/ https://www.instagram.com/vaporglobalaviation/ https://www.facebook.com/SAWFlyers https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063695354828By Vapor Reddan and Cuckoo Kloch

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The Future of Air Warfare: Offensive Electronic Attack (Sponsored) 25:50

17d ago25:50

25:50

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, Di…

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Episode 45 - Flying into the Storm: Early War Bombers, with Chris Sams 50:53

21d ago50:53

50:53

Send us a message or question! This episode has EVERYTHING! (even the Titanic). This week, Jane and James engage in a rich and absorbing discussion with historian Chris Sams about his book, Flying into the Storm, about the early war bombers of the RAF. The conversation covers personal anecdotes, the significance of various bombing operations, and t…

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Boom Supersonic: Flight Testing the XB-1 1:57:13

20d ago1:57:13

1:57:13

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 init…

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Episode 61: The CAPCOM: Earning the Elsie MacGill Award, flying the CH-146 Griffon, and working with NASA in Houston Part 2 - Erin Edwards 51:59

21d ago51:59

51:59

What does it take to pass selection for one of Canada’s most elite aviation units — 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron? How do you earn the coveted role of SOF Aircraft Commander? And what happens when you trade a military cockpit for a mission control console at NASA? In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards, a trailblazing Can…

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Episode 44 - The Greatest Enemy - Meteorological Flights, with Jamie Heffer 43:04

27d ago43:04

43:04

Send us a message or question! Welcome to Series 3! In the first episode of the new series of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes discuss the often-overlooked role of meteorology in RAF Bomber Command during World War II. Joined once more by Jamie Heffer from RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre, , they explore t…

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Six Turning, Four Burning: The B-36 Peacemaker Legacy 37:25

30d ago37:25

37:25

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message: The year was 1950, and in the skies over America flew a true engineering marvel – a magnesium-skinned colossus that dwarfed everything that came before it. Pilots described it as "sitting in a bay window while flying an apartment building," and for good reason. Meet the Convair…

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Episode 60: The CAPCOM: Earning the Elsie MacGill Award, flying the CH-146 Griffon, and working with NASA in Houston Part 1 - Erin Edwards 53:34

28d ago53:34

53:34

How does a MARS Officer and Ship’s Team Diver become a Special Operations helicopter pilot? What does it take to get through the intense rigours of Phase III helicopter training — and then make the leap to 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron? In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards, a SOF Aircraft Commander, recipient of the pre…

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268 - The First US Army Rangers of WWII 1:02:33

27d ago1:02:33

1:02:33

In the early stages of America’s involvement in the Second World War, the U.S. Army began forming a new kind of fighting force—elite units trained for speed, surprise, and special operations behind enemy lines. These were the first Army Rangers, inspired by British Commandos and destined for some of the toughest missions of the war. In this episode…

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U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation (Rebroadcast) 1:32:44

29d ago1:32:44

1:32:44

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. Support this podcast at — https://redc…

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Workhorse - E55 - Engine Fire with Ben Charters 1:31:25

1M ago1:31:25

1:31:25

In mid-March 1997, the yacht Queen Charlotte was being skippered from New Zealand to Japan by Australian Bob Cornell, with four passengers. On 19 March, the yacht was located approximately 600 nm east of Cairns when it ran into Cyclone Justin and its emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) was activated. In response, Ben Charters and his…

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Operation Midnight Hammer: How Seven B-2s Rewrote Modern Warfare 18:24

1M ago18:24

18:24

Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message: Seven black bombers slip into the night sky as America launches its most daring military operation in decades. Operation Midnight Hammer has begun. What follows is unprecedented: a perfect storm of deception, stealth, and overwhelming force. The mission targets Iran's deepest, …

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Episode 59: The Seeker: Fixed Wing Search and Rescue and flying the CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules Part 2 - Dan Conway 1:06:33

1M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

What did it take to fly Search and Rescue in the venerable (but aging) CC-115 Buffalo? What does it feel like to return to 3CFFTS as a seasoned pilot, ready to learn about the world of instructing? What's it like to be taught by your former students as you learn to fly the CC-130H Hercules? Today we sit down for part 2 of our interview with Major D…

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U.S. Army AH-64 Apache (Rebroadcast) 1:00:48

1M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations…

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267 - The T-13 Tank Destroyer 1:14:13

1M ago1:14:13

1:14:13

During the critical interwar years, Belgium found itself walking a diplomatic tightrope—maintaining neutrality while neighbouring Germany rapidly rearmed. Faced with the growing threat of conflict, the country was forced to modernise its defences. One of Belgium’s key military developments during this period was the T-13 tank destroyer—an armoured …

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Episode 58: The Seeker: Fixed Wing Search and Rescue and flying the CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules Part 1 - Dan Conway 59:34

1M ago59:34

59:34

What is it like to attend RMC and go through flight training in the RCAF? Why was the CC-115 Buffalo in Comox a desirable posting even with the airplane entering its sunset years? Major Dan Conway is the current Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO) of 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Greenwood NS, and soon to be the DCO of 3CFFTS in Portage la Prair…

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U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa (Rebroadcast) 1:10:56

1M ago1:10:56

1:10:56

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.…

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266 - Robert Capa's D-Day Photographs 59:03

1M ago59:03

59:03

On the morning of June 6th, 1944, war photographer Robert Capa waded ashore on Omaha Beach during the Allied landings in Normandy. What happened next became the stuff of legend: under withering fire, Capa supposedly captured over a hundred photographs of the chaos and courage of D-Day, only for all but eleven to be lost in a darkroom accident. Thes…

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Episode 57: The Culture: The Evolution of Culture in the Canadian Armed Forces and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 3 - Jeannot Boucher 1:04:30

2M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

What does it take to take on the responsibility of being the Chief of Staff Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (COS CPCC) in the wake of the larger culture change effort that the Canadian Armed Forces has pursued over the last 10 or more years? Why is culture change necessary, and what does it even mean within the context of the military? Major…

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Ep 118: The Warfighting Chef 1:05:02

2M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Which is the best profession in the Royal Air Force? If you said Pilot, Aircraft Technician, or Regiment Gunner, Chef Warrant Officer Chris Beavis, might disagree. InsideAIR dropped into the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess at RAF Benson to find out why WO Beavis loves being a Chef and to find out what life is like feeding the RAF. InsideAIR i…

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U.S. Army Flight School (Rebroadcast) 51:58

2M ago51:58

51:58

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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donat…

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The Future of Air Warfare: Modeling & Simulation (Sponsored) 30:07

2M ago30:07

30:07

Advanced weapons and sensors are required to prevail in modern combat, but determining how these and the many other pieces integrate into the broader joint fight can become costly. Tom Wiley, Senior Director Integrated Solutions Modeling & Architecture at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us this week to discuss how Raytheon's Rapid Campaign Analy…

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Episode 56: The Culture: The Evolution of Culture in the Canadian Armed Forces and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 2 - Jeannot Boucher 50:04

2M ago50:04

50:04

What does it feel like to deploy as the Commander of Task Force Jerusalem in support of OP PROTEUS in the West Bank? What does it take to take over various commands in the Tactical Helicopter force? What goes into developing a defence policy update like "Our North Strong and Free" (ONSAF)? Today we sit down for part 2 of our chat with Major-General…

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U.S. Army Aviation Overview (Rebroadcast) 1:03:54

2M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthday. To celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, beginning with this rebroadcast of episode 087 exploring the policies, programs, and aircraft—including the little-known fleet of Army airplanes—with CWO5 Aaron Nance of the Washington Army National Guard. Support this podcast at — htt…