The Afterburn Podcast

On 30 June 2020, Lt David “MEZr” Schmitz was killed in an F-16 mishap at Shaw AFB.  He was conducting a night mission qualification sortie.  Upon his initial landing attempt his aircraft struck the instrument landing system antennas resulting in significant damage to his aircraft.  Following approximately 30 mins of troubleshooting “MEZr” attempted to recovery the aircraft.  Shortly after touching...

Brian has 20+ years as an US Army Officer and Warrant Officer. Five years as an Armor/Cavalry officer as an M1 Tank and 120mm Mortar Platoon Leader. 15+ years as an Aviation officer with over 2,000 hours as OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and AH-64D/E Pilot. Two Combat Deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. Become a Patreon --> https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast Show website --> https://www.the...

"2Watt" is an A-10 pilot and on July 20th, 2017 he was conducted a low angle strafe during an operational check flight.  The gun malfunctioned which resulted in the canopy being jettisoned and damaging the aircraft's hydraulic system.   "2Watt" successfully recovered the stricken aircraft to a nearby field.  For his superior airmanship he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.   Become a Patr...

Col Hamilton is an Air Force Test pilot and has flown over 30 different types of aircraft.  He has flown numerous military fighter aircraft, including the F-15C, F-15E, as well as the F-35A/B/C.   He led a team of nearly 1000 individuals as the command of F-35 developmental test at Edwards AFB.  Become a Patreon --> https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast Show website --> https://www.theafterb...

"Tuna"is a former Air Force pilot and joins me on the podcast to talk about his aviation career. He has flown the A-10, the F-117, completed a Navy exchange in the F-18 (with well over 100 traps), and rounded out his career flying the F-4. He earned a Distinguished Flying Cross during a mission over Kosovo in the F-117.   He is a warbird pilot and restorer. He is checked out to fly the P-51, P-45,...

"Huggy" started flying the U-2 in 1989 and flew it for the majority of his Air Force career until his retirement.  Recently, he returned to fly U-2 as the USAF's first civilian instructor pilot to fly the high flying spy plane.  www.theafterburnpodcast.com Become a Patreon-->  https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast IG --> @rainwaters27 Youtube-->https://www.youtube.com/c/TheAfterburnPodcast S...

In this episode we discuss "Shiner's" second sortie where he was awarded his second Distinguished Flying Cross.    Less than 30 days after his first Distinguished Flying Cross, "Shiner" was tasked to rescue two army pilots downed in enemy controlled territory.  During the initial insertion, his aircraft received enemy fire, striking his flight engineer.   Over the next five hours "Shiner" and his...

In this episode Maj Lou "Shiner" Nolting and I talk about two sorties he flew while supporting operations in Afghanistan in 2011. "Shiner" is an HH-60 Air Force Pavehawk pilot, specializing in Combat Search and Rescue.  On March 29th, 2011 "Shiner" and his crew were alerted to respond to an urgent evacuation of four critically wounded Soldiers.  While setting up for a hoist extraction his aircraft...

On the night of September 5th, 2020 two California National Guard helicopter crews rescued hundreds of individuals, many with severe burns and injuries. They were trapped with no means of escape during the Creek Fire.  They navigated mountainous terrain, dense smoke, and darkness for hours. Truly impressive story. For their actions they were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by President Dona...

On the night of September 5th, 2020 two California National Guard helicopter crews rescued hundreds of individuals, many with severe burns and injuries. They were trapped with no means of escape during the Creek Fire.  They navigated mountainous terrain, dense smoke, and darkness for hours. Truly impressive story. For their actions they were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by President Dona...

"Flint" teaches America's newest pilot training graduates how to fly the mighty Viper.  He instructs students on the multi-role missions of the F-16.  He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has flown the F-16 in three operational assignments.  He has over 50 combat missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.   Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-afterburn-podcast/exclu...

"Mongo" has to wear a space suit in his office to keep his blood from "boiling."  Let that sink in for minute.  "Mongo" walks us through his aviation journey and more importantly what it is like to fly on the edge of space in a U-2 Spy Plane.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-afterburn-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Air Force Office...

Brian is currently an Air Force Reservist.  He spent 12 years on Active Duty prior to joining the reserves and pursuing a career in the airlines.  He is an ROTC graduate, former UPT T-1 instructor, C-130J, & C-40 pilot. www.theafterburnpodcast.com Become a Patreon -- > https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast IG --> @rainwaters27 Youtube -- >https://www.youtube.com/c/TheAfterburnPodcast Support...

Rob Holland pushes the aviation limits in the world of aerobatics and flying.  Rob is a five-time consecutive World Champion and nine-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion.  He is both humble and approachable.  All around great American, listen in to hear about Rob’s journey.   www.theafterburnpodcast.com Become a Patreon -- > https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast IG --> @rainwaters27 Youtub...

“Knuckles” played college football prior to joining the Air Force as a flight surgeon for an F-16 Fighter Squadron.  We talk about the role of the flight surgeon and “Knuckles” journey to becoming a Squadron Flight Doc.  “Knuckles” has now a year into his journey to becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon.     www.theafterburnpodcast.com Become a Patreon -- > https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast IG...

Mike Goulian is an accomplished pilot and businessman.  He found a passion for aviation early in life and grew that passion into a successful career.  The Goulian name is synonymous with excellence in the aerospace world.  He raced on the Red Bull Air Race circuit for 12 years in the Master Class Series.  He is one of the youngest pilots to win the US Unlimited Aerobatic Championship and he has wo...

"Tally" tells her path to going to the United States Air Force Academy, flying the mighty Viper, and then a rather unique story while flying a combat mission on her last deployment.   Tally started off as a T-6 instructor pilot before flying the F-16.  She is now a T-38 adversary pilot flying primary against the F-22 and F-35.   Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-afterburn-podcast...

During a clearing operation in Sangin District in Helmand, Afghanistan Caleb and his team discovered a large Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory.  During the operation a pressure plate IED exploded underneath Caleb leaving him gravely wounded.   Caleb’s journey to becoming a Green Beret is inspiring let along hearing his journey of recovering following the IED blast.   Today, Caleb is an ada...

"Bond" is a former Royal Air Force Tornado pilot, the first exchange pilot in the F-22 program, and founder of Red 6 Aerospace.   He grew up in a relatively poor area of England and climb to the pinnacle of aviation.  Following his father's suicide he returned home to run the family business.  He has now combined his skills as a fighter pilot, a businessman, and life’s lessons to create an aerospa...

Ever wonder what the requirements are to become an officer in the Air Force?  The process to become an officer?  Regardless of your answer you might find something useful inside this episode to apply to your everyday life.   But for those of you seeking to become a pilot, this is your first step.   Capt Colin Slade, aReserve Officer Training Corps instructor, joins me to discuss the requirements a...

Chaos is an F-16 instructor pilot at the US Air Force Weapon School.  In this episode we talk about his journey through aviation, the loss of his father in an aircraft accident, as well as the death of our friend and squadron mate “Pyro.” Chaos is the epitome of the Weapon School’s mantra of “Humble, approachable and credible.”  A simple mantra that I feel is applicable to nearly everything in lif...

From providing close air support in the mountains of Afghanistan to leading the A-10 Demonstration team, ShiV has a great story as an A-10 pilot.  His journey started as an enlisted airman serving as a Russian linguist on the EC-130.  He excelled and earned a Officer Training School slot and subsequently went on to pilot training.  We discuss challenges and hurdles he had to overcome to become a p...

After surviving an IED blast in Iraq, Steve was medically retired from the USMC. Steve is credited with a kill of an insurgent from over 1600 meters when he was deployed to Iraq in 2004. He founded Tier 1 Group, which specialized in training for defense and other government agencies, and grew the company to an industry leader for defense and tactical training.  Shop https://bit.ly/AfterburnMerch P...

From fighting ISIS in Afghanistan to instructing in the F-35, “Fifty” talks about his journey in the Air Force. This episode covers everything from his initial medical disqualification to flying the most advanced fighter ever built. Also, we hit on why the F-35 evolution of the F-35, bad press, and how it is not a replacement for the A-10. https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com/ 00:40 – Episode Sampl...

50 Special Ops troops are engaged in a heavy firefight with ISIS fighters. A-10 pilot, Major Tyler “Leeroy” Schultz (USAF) is called in and helps turn the fight around. His actions earn him the Distinguished Flying Cross. That day 83 ISIS fighters are killed during the 5 hour firefight. Listen in to hear “Leeroy’s” journey becoming an U.S. Air Force A-10 pilot and the actions he took to save 50 U....