Best RCAF Podcasts (2025)

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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

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12h 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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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

7d 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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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

14d 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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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

21d 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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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

29d 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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Episode 55: The Culture: The Evolution of Culture in the Canadian Armed Forces and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 1 - Jeannot Boucher 57:35

1M ago57:35

57:35

What was it like to deploy to Afghanistan as the Deputy Commanding Officer of Canadian Helicopter Forces in Afghanistan (CHFA)? What was the Tactical Helicopter role in Afghanistan at the time and how violent was it in 2009? Today we sit down with Major-General Jeannot Boucher, Chief of Staff Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (COS CPCC). Jeann…

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Celebrating 100 Years (S2 E3) 34:58

1M ago34:58

34:58

Colonel Jody Hanson and Chief Warrant Officer Philippe Cousineau discuss the Centennial of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Winnipeg.By Royal Canadian Air Force

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Episode 54: The Jet Jockey: Supersonic Stories: Flying the CF-188 Hornet in the Cold War Part 2 - Dan "Alf" McWilliams 1:18:44

1M ago1:18:44

1:18:44

What was it like to be one of the first cadres to fly the might CF-188 Hornet? What did it feel like to operate in Europe on the edge of the Iron Curtain during the Cold War? What was it like to deploy in support of the Gulf War? Dan "Alf" McWilliams is a retired RCAF Fighter pilot who operated during the Cold War. Today we sit down and talk about …

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Episode 53: The Jet Jockey: Tutor Tales: Flying and instructing on the CT-114 Tutor Part 1 - Dan "Alf" McWilliams 1:12:26

2M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

What was it like to live in Germany on a NATO base during the Cold War as a teenager? What does it feel like to follow in your dad's footsteps and achieve your dreams to become a jet pilot? What was it like to instruct at "The Big 2" Moose Jaw when there could be up to 30 CT-114 Tutors flying at once? Today we sit down with Cold War fighter pilot D…

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Episode 52: The Commander: Commanding the RCAF and flying the CF-188 Hornet Part 2 - Eric Kenny 1:10:00

2M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

What is it like to command the RCAF? What is the RCAF good at, and what needs fixing? Who are our potential main adversaries and why? What challenges will we face as we pursue modernization? Have US politics (as of recording mid-March) affected our strategies with the F35 and other acquisitions? What does the future hold for the RCAF? We will talk …

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Episode 51: The Commander: Commanding the RCAF and flying the CF-188 Hornet Part 1 - Eric Kenny 1:01:10

2M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

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 …

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Episode 50: The Inferno: Aerial Firefighting in the Palisades Fires in California and flying the Canadair CL-415 Part 2 - Pascal Duclos 51:29

2M ago51:29

51:29

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 Uni…

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Episode 49: The Inferno: Aerial Firefighting in the Palisades Fires in California and flying the Canadair CL-415 Part 1 - Pascal Duclos 1:02:20

3M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

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 …

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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 1:20:49

3M ago1:20:49

1:20:49

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…

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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 - Chris McKenna 1:04:14

3M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

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 26…

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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 - Chris McKenna 1:08:52

3M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

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 …

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Episode 45: The Merge: Changes to the podcast, air-to-air photography, and aviation publishing Part 2 - Mike Reyno 1:01:12

4M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

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 disc…

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Episode 44: The Merge: Changes to the podcast, air-to-air photography, and aviation publishing Part 1 - Mike Reyno 54:46

4M ago54:46

54:46

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 no…

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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 1:26:38

4M ago1:26:38

1:26:38

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 tra…

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Episode 42: The Wing Commander: Commanding 15 Wing Moose Jaw and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 2 - Dan Coutts 1:07:13

5M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

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 futur…

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Episode 41: The Wing Commander: Commanding 15 Wing Moose Jaw and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 1 - Dan Coutts 1:02:01

5M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

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 …

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Episode 40: The Knight: The Fighter Force and the CF-188 Hornet - Fred 1:04:10

6M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

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 airlin…

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Episode 39: The Holiday: Deploying at Christmas on the CC-130J Super Hercules - Mike B 38:09

7M ago38:09

38:09

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 …

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Episode 38: The Operator: Changing from SOF to Pilot - Ben 40:14

7M ago40:14

40:14

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 u…

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Episode 37: The Veteran: Remembrance Day and a Career to Remember Part 2 - Duncan 1:04:03

7M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

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 t…

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Full Circle (S2 E2) 31:25

8M ago31:25

31:25

Captain Pete Musters chats about the roots of his passion for flying, his experience as an RCAF pilot and flying instructor, and connecting past and present in one unforgettable flight.By Royal Canadian Air Force

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Episode 36: The Veteran: Remembrance Day and a Career to Remember Part 1 - Duncan 49:30

8M ago49:30

49:30

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 Dun…

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Episode 35: The Selection: The Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Test Part 2 - Dave 50:29

8M ago50:29

50:29

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 tod…

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Episode 34: The Selection: The Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Test Part 1 - Dave 55:51

9M ago55:51

55:51

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-130…

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From Cockpit to Command (S2 E1) 56:23

9M ago56:23

56:23

Major-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Deputy Commander of the RCAF, discusses her career journey, cultural evolution, and preparing today’s RCAF for the challenges of tomorrow.By Royal Canadian Air Force

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Episode 33: The Leader: Part 2 - Developing Coaching Leaders in the RCAF- Scott C 57:39

9M ago57:39

57:39

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…

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Episode 32: The Leader: Part 1 - Developing Coaching Leaders in the RCAF- Scott C 47:03

10M ago47:03

47:03

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 R…

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Episode 31: The Cormorant Trophy: Conducting a Rescue in the CH-146 Griffon- Paula 56:51

10M ago56:51

56:51

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 flyi…

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Episode 30: The Watcher: Afghanistan Stories and The IAI Heron - Carson 36:48

11M ago36:48

36:48

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 Afgh…

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Episode 29: The Student: Part 2 - Life on Phase III Mult-Engine and the C-90B King Air - Scott 43:56

11M ago43:56

43:56

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 episod…

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Episode 28: The Phoenix - From the Ashes to the Airwaves, the return of the show! - Bryan and Melissa 19:48

12M ago19:48

19:48

Where has the show been? What's been happening with Bryan's career and mental health? What will the show look like moving forward? We'll answer all these questions and have some fun along the way in this week's episode of The Pilot Project Podcast!By Bryan Morrison

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That Others May Live (S1 E5) 31:26

1+ y ago31:26

31:26

Master Warrant Officer Manuel "Manny" Seguin shares stories from his years serving as a Search and Rescue Technician, bringing help from above to people stranded or in distress in remote locations.By Royal Canadian Air Force

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A view from the CAOC (S1 E4) 25:57

1+ y ago25:57

25:57

LCol Phil Desmarais discusses working in the Combined Aerospace Operations Centre (CAOC), leadership, and cultural evolution in the RCAF.By Royal Canadian Air Force

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Charting Her Path (S1 E3) 28:38

1+ y ago28:38

28:38

A high school visit from a recruiting team led LCol Geneviève Dussault to embark on a multi-faceted career journey: flying as an Air Combat Systems Officer, passing on her skills and experience as an instructor, and today serving as Commanding Officer of 402 "City of Winnipeg" Squadron.By Royal Canadian Air Force

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In-Flight Announcement: A short pause 1:58

1+ y ago1:58

1:58

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!By Bryan Morrison

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Episode 27: The Guardian: Helicopter Search and Rescue in the RCAF and the CH-149 Cormorant - Paul 1:03:50

1+ y ago1:03:50

1:03:50

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…

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Looking back on Operation AEGIS (S1 E2) 35:54

1+ y ago35:54

35:54

Major Mylene Lavallee reflects on the challenges and rewards of her role in Op Aegis. Operation AEGIS was the CAF’s contribution to Canada’s efforts to evacuate Afghans with significant and/or enduring relationships with the Government of Canada, along with their accompanying family members. In coordination with international allies, the CAF succes…

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Episode 26: Remembrance Day: Tactical Airlift and the CC-130H, Remembering the Fallen - Mike H 49:14

1+ y ago49:14

49:14

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 h…

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Episode 25: The Advance Party: Flying with the Snowbirds, Ejecting from the CT-114 Tutor, and Remembering Jenn Casey - Rich 56:33

1+ y ago56:33

56:33

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 o…

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Episode 24: The Deployment: Afghanistan Stories - Greg 1:16:20

1+ y ago1:16:20

1:16:20

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…

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Episode 23: Military Family Appreciation Day: Spouse Perspectives - Melissa, Janet, McKayla, Lyndsay 1:39:00

2y ago1:39:00

1:39:00

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 depl…

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Episode 22: Remembering September 11, 2001: Canadian perspectives - Rob, Shelley, Bert 1:17:25

2y ago1:17:25

1:17:25

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 wor…

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Episode 21: The teacher, The Snowbird, The Student: A life as a pilot in the RCAF - Blake 1:02:02

2y ago1:02:02

1:02:02

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 …

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Episode 20: The Recruiter: Everything you want to know about joining the RCAF as a Pilot - Paul 59:26

2y ago59:26

59:26

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…

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Episode 19: The Sailor: Maritime Helicopter and the CH-148 Cyclone - Corey 1:07:11

2y ago1:07:11

1:07:11

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 hi…