#0034 - Kim "KC" Campbell - Flying In the Face of Fear

Kim "KC" Campbell, a former A-10 fighter pilot, shares her experiences and challenges as a female pilot in the Air Force. She discusses how she received her call sign, the unique camaraderie among A-10 pilots, and the physical demands of flying the aircraft. Kim also recounts her harrowing experience of being hit by enemy fire during a mission in Iraq and the difficult decision she had to make to land the damaged aircraft. Despite the challenges, Kim's determination and training allowed her to safely return home. Kim "KC" Campbell shares her experience of flying a damaged A-10 aircraft back to safety after being hit by a surface-to-air missile in Iraq. She talks about the challenges she faced during the flight, including loss of hydraulic systems and control, and the fear she felt throughout the ordeal. Despite the difficulties, she remained calm and confident, relying on her training and the support of her team. The aircraft sustained over 600 holes of damage but managed to make a successful landing. Show Links Get 1-month of FREE access to the ⁠Vet Collective Community⁠ by using discount code: NLT1UQTI Join us here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.collective.vet⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.collective.vet⁠⁠⁠ Episodes also available on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music. https://linktr.ee/harder_not_smarter KC's Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-kc-campbell/ https://kim-kc-campbell.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Call Signs 03:54 Becoming an A-10 Pilot 05:05 Challenges as a Female Pilot 15:31 A Harrowing Experience in Iraq 28:39 Landing the Damaged Aircraft: Overcoming Fear and Doubt 40:22 The A-10's Resilience: Built to Take Hits 46:56 Transitioning from the Military: Finding Purpose and Passion 50:39 Sharing Stories and Lessons: Inspiring Others on Their Journeys 54:02 Putting in the Work: Overcoming Fear and Doing Hard Things Takeaways The call sign for A-10 fighter pilots is a rite of passage and often has a hidden meaning or acronym associated with it. The camaraderie among A-10 pilots is strong, and they have unique traditions and celebrations within their squadrons. Being a female pilot in a male-dominated field comes with challenges, but Kim Campbell proved herself through her skills and performance in the aircraft. Kim's experience of being hit by enemy fire in Iraq and making the decision to land a heavily damaged aircraft showcases her bravery and determination. Training and preparation are crucial for pilots to handle emergency situations and make split-second decisions. The physical demands of flying an A-10 include experiencing high G-forces and the need to stay hydrated and in good physical shape. Kim's story highlights the importance of teamwork and having a reliable wingman in challenging situations. The A-10's mission of supporting troops on the ground is a driving force for pilots like Kim, who find purpose in their work. Facing fear and taking action in difficult situations is crucial. Training and preparation are essential for handling challenging circumstances. Having a supportive team can make a significant difference in overcoming obstacles. Even in the face of damage and adversity, it is possible to achieve success.