FPP037 - F/A-18 (Super) Hornet

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 autonomy specialist—breaks down how AI is actually being integrated into 5th-generatio ... Show More

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 break down modern aviation acquisition from a fighter pilot’s perspective. They e ... Show More

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 

The F-18 is called a Hornet, but it’s not an actual hornet. It’s not even part bug, okay? Andwhile it can do all sorts of things… one thing it definitely can’t do, is sting you like a bug. So don’t worry. You might see one in a movie or you might see one flying through the skyabo ... Show More

In the wake of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, paranoia reigned across the western US -- and the country entirely. From California to Washington, civilians and the military alike were terrified that another attack was imminent. The country's aircraft manufacturers were promi ... Show More

Dropping bombs from planes was unheard of until 1st November 1911, when Italian Lieutenant Giulio Gavotti embarked on an aerial mission over Libya. With a handful of lightweight grenades resting in his lap, he headed to Ain Zara, a village near Tripoli, and chucked them overboard ... Show More

This episode focuses on the “Queen of the Skies,” the Boeing 747. The last Boeing 747. Photo by @Jetcitystar. Boeing 747 We look at the history of the Boeing 747, some facts and figures, our memories of the plane, the 747 in the news, and we discuss a few of the accidents and inc ... Show More

<p>The convoy HG-76 sailed from Gibraltar to Britain in December 1941. The Royal Navy commander in charge was 'Johnnie' Walker, an anti-submarine expert who had developed new, aggressive U-boat hunting tactics. Accompanying the escorts was HMS Audacity, the Royal Navy's first esc ... Show More

<p><strong>Please note, this episode contains discussion of suicide.</strong></p><br><p>In 1945, after lengthy delays, the Royal Navy sent a powerful fleet into the Pacific. After the disastrous Japanese invasions in Southeast Asia, Churchill was desperate to reassert British mil ... Show More

Pivot’s special series on the future of travel wraps up with a last stop: planes. What exactly is happening with Boeing? How will AI play a role in aviation? And most importantly, what is everyone’s favorite, and least favorite airport? Kara and Scott discuss it all with Pete Mun ... Show More

On a winter day in 1903, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Wright Brothers changed history when they took the world's first engine-powered flight. It didn't take long for countries around the world to realise that the Wright flying machine had the potential to revolutioni ... Show More

<p>Approximately 100 thousand flights take off and land each and every day. A months long journey on a boat is condensed to just a few hours with the help of aircraft, and the birth of planes introduced an entirely new form of warfare.</p><br><p>Orville and Wilbur Wright, the Wri ... Show More

The founder and Executive Director of the Flying Tigers 69th DRS Association discusses the legacy of the men who kept the Flying Tigers in the air during World War II. In the news, GPS jamming and spoofing aircraft positioning systems, 737 MAX 9 lawsuits, Boeing quality actions, ... Show More