You may have heard that Leonardo DiCaprio is developing a new series based on Tom Wolfe’s book “The Right Stuff”, which is about the very first astronauts. If you haven’t read that book or seen the 1983 film, you might want to do so because it is as much about fighter pilot culture as it is NASA’s … [Read more...] about “The Right Stuff to Become a Test Pilot”

A few weeks back, we had a pretty important conversation about what to do when in an emergency, why memorizing emergency procedures is so important, and what you can do to get started memorizing this stuff. One thing I kind of left out and want to address here on our Afterburner Club meeting for … [Read more...] about “Pushing the Clock”

Today’s talk is aimed at you folks aspiring for the Navy or Marines. I’m here to tell you, there really is nothing like the Navy Carrier to get a pilot excited and nervous at the same time. As much as I make fun of the Navy, the stuff that happens on the carrier deck is truly amazing. I have to be … [Read more...] about “All About the Boat”

Last time, we talked a little about some of the lingo that is common among America’s elite when transmitting to your wingmen in the cockpit. We continue this discussion with more terms that will familiarize you with the fighter pilot nomenclature: Bogey Dope – this is a request for information on … [Read more...] about “Fighter Pilot Lingo, Part 2”

Let’s let our hair down for a bit and have some fun! I’m about to give you your first lesson in a whole new language. That language is the all-too-elusive “Fighter Pilot Lingo.” It’s always funny when a bunch of pilots get together at a social occasion. We all break into this strange unintelligible … [Read more...] about “The Fighter Pilot Lingo, Part 1”