The Pilot Project Podcast

On January 20th, 2019 Al-Qaeda forces conducted a complex attack on a FOB in Aguelhok, Mali which left several UN peacekeepers dead and others wounded and in desperate need of Medevac.  That's where Jackie and her crew stepped up.  Hear the story for the first time ever, now. What is it like to fly the largest helicopter in the RCAF? Jackie has flown the CH-147F Chinook all over Canada and Mali, a...

What is it like to fly over the Arctic in a twin engine aircraft? How do you succeed in competitive flight training as a group and an individual? Ryan talks about his experience flying the CC-138 Twin Otter out of Yellowknife.  Ryan flew the Twin Otter all over the Arctic (and Antarctic!), and currently instructs at 3 Canadian Forces Flight Training School in Portage la Prairie, MB.  He has also h...

What is it like to fly at 15 feet over the deserts of Iraq? How about aiding in disaster relief when the fires struck Fort McMurray? Pete shares his experiences flying tac hel and talks about the importance of maintaining joy in flying and going to work.  He’ll talk about why that’s essential to his success as a pilot. Pete has flown the Bell CH-146 Griffon in Canada and Iraq, and currently instru...

What does it take to make it in the intense world of fast jet flight training in Moose Jaw? What does courage and honesty have to do with excelling in flight, and staying alive? Jules shares some tips for crushing it while in Phase III Hawk training and why it’s important to be honest about your faults and work to improve them. Jules has flown a myriad of aircraft and has a whopping 6800 flight ho...

What does it take to excel in Phase III multi-engine flight training in Portage la Prairie? How can you stay positive even when you don’t get the job you hoped for? Dan shares some tips for excelling while in Phase III Multi-Engine training and loving life in the RCAF no matter where it takes you. Dan flew search and rescue missions out of Comox BC on the CC-115 Buffalo.  He instructed on the Phas...

What does it take to make it through Phase III Helicopter flight training in the RCAF?  Phase III Helo instructor Vic Weston shares his experiences with us and talks about what he thinks makes a great helicopter pilot. Vic flew as a Bell 412 pilot in Combat Support role in Cold Lake, Alberta as well as in Goose Bay, Labrador.  He now teaches at 3 Canadian Forces Flight Training School. Vic will ta...

What is it like to be deployed at Christmas? How do CAF members stay positive when they are away from family? Do they get Christmas dinner in the desert?  We’ll answer these questions and more by talking with 3 CAF members who've been away for Christmas and one family member who's waited at home in this special Christmas episode. Deploying through birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays is part of...

What does it take to make it through Phase II Flight Training at Moose Jaw? What is it like to fly into Baghdad in a C-17?  How do you takeoff in formation and stay safe in the clouds? Lauren has flown all over the world in the RCAF’s largest aircraft, the CC-177 Globemaster (C-17).  She has also instructed in Moose Jaw as both a military flight instructor on the Harvard and as a civilian on the s...

Is Phase I a weeding out process?  What does it take to pass?  After taking part in over 60 rescues, instructing on the Phase III helicopter course and being the Phase I Grob Flight Commander, Dawn knows what it takes to be successful, take responsibility for your success and to make sure you stay balanced and healthy while you strive for it. Dawn talks about how wellness can help you navigate dif...

This is the trailer/introductory episode for The Pilot Project Podcast.  In this podcast, Bryan introduces himself and talks about what inspired him to get into aviation, how his career has progressed, and what experience he has.  The episode also lays out the goals of the podcast and teases the next episode! Royal Canadian Air Cadet website (How Bryan got his start): https://aircadetleague.com/ T...