Go Bold #81: Stories from the Cockpit: An exclusive interview with Capt. Stephen Kane, the only RCAF fighter pilot flying the US Air Force F-22 Raptor

I am very proud to say that this episode is a global exclusive and is the first interview that my guest has given in his current role, so I'm thrilled that Go Bold is being recognized for the high profile guests that we feature, and the for the topics we discuss.My guest for this episode is Captain Stephen Kane, a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-18 Hornet fighter pilot who is currently on exchange with the United States Air Force (USAF).Capt. Kane is the only active-duty Canadian fighter pilot currently flying the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, the most advanced and only air dominance fighter on the planet!The F-22 is a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force, and is designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances. The F-22 is a combination of stealth, super-cruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics that represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities when compared to previous generation fighter aircraft.Capt. Kane is assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron, also known as the Bulldogs, which is stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska.Capt. Kane is the second RCAF pilot to participate in the F-22 exchange program, making him one of a select few foreign pilots to fly the F-22 Raptor which is unique to the U.S. Air Force.The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fleet is currently based at Joint-Base Langley-Eustis, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Eglin AFB, Nellis AFB, and Edwards AFB. The type previously operated from Tyndall AFB and Holloman AFB.The Raptor’s primary missions consist of Offensive Counter-Air (OCA), Defensive Counter-Air (DCA), and an air-to-ground capability.As a mission qualified fighter pilot with the 525th Fighter Squadron, Capt. Kane can be deployed worldwide as required by the USAF.We’ll dive deep into what it’s like to fly the F-22, and how 5th Generation capabilities are reshaping air combat.We also delve into what that means for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s future as the service eyes cutting-edge advancements as it prepares to induct the 5th Generation F-35 into service.This episode is packed with insights, and of course, we’ll also get a rare, inside look at the training and missions of an elite fighter pilot who’s pushing the boundaries of modern warfare.My thanks to Capt. Kane, and to the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), and the U.S. Air Force for enabling this conversation.To get another perspective of the mighty F-22 Raptor, please visit our "Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala" YouTube channel for a video which features Capt. Samuel Larson, a U.S. Air Force F-22 fighter pilot and the demo pilot for the F-22 Raptor Demo Team! It's a great video which describes the Raptor, and the newly modified demo routine!Go Bold!