Flight Suit Friday
by Ryan Vandehei
Flight Suit Friday was a created by a group of Coast Guard Aviators to share stories, discuss the art of search and rescue, and most importantly, to revel in this demanding, yet impossibly rewarding, job. Also, check us out on Instagram @flightsuitfridayFor any Coasties out there past or present, aviators, sailors, watchstanders - there are tales of heroism and rules of life we can all live by and enjoy listening to. We hope to expand our reach beyond the Mighty 65 as the show goes on.Hosts: LT Nick Litchfield, LT Rob Mineo, LT Max ShernoSocial Media: LT Miranda FayCreator & Producer: LCDR Ryan VandeheiEditor & Technical Expert: Chuck SeayPrior Hosts: LCDR Nathan Shakespeare, LCDR Kenny Ingram, LCDR Sam HafensteinerDisclaimer:The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Flight Suit Friday podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency. The primary purpose of th
Episodes
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E99 O Canada!
It's Friday and you know what that means! Flight Suit Friday sits down with our friendly neighbors to the north to discuss all things Canadian search and rescue. Tune in and hear some crazy stories from the Canadian Royal Air Force crew and our very own U.S. Coast Guard exchange pilot. As always,...
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E98 Air Station San Francisco Inland Cliff Rescue
It's Friday and you know what that means! Flight Suit Friday hosts an amazing crew from San Francisco and chats about their recent inland cliff rescue. As always, check us out on Instagram @flightsuitfridayWe plan to release shows on a bi-weekly basis. On Fridays of course! Hosts: LT Nick...
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E97 The Big Sur Rescue
It's Friday and you know what that means! Flight Suit Friday hosts an amazing crew from San Francisco and chats about their recent inland rescue near the Big Sur, California. The crew details rescuing a fallen hiker from unforgiving terrain. Tune in to learn about atmospheric rivers and high...
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E96 North Bend High Altitude Rescue
The team sits down with the crew from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend to discuss their recent high altitude rescue that resulted in one life saved. The crew details their decision gates to continue or abort as well as some solid fuel planning and power management. Tune in, this one is spicy!…
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Real Talk on Mental Health
We got the old gang back together to get real on mental health, to include our own personal journeys. This episode dives in head first and doesn't hold back. Check out the new ALCOAST change to the 3710. If you resonate with any of this, know that you aren't alone. As promised, our numbers are...
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E94 NHA Aircrew of the Year
Let's hear it for the National Helicopter Association Aircrew of the Year (non-deployed)! The team sits down with the the recipients from Air Station Detroit. Tune in and listen how a fairly routine duty day turned into an unexpected cliff rescue of one survivor! As always, check us out on...
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E93 Helicopter Interdiction Tactical...RON (HITRON)
The team sits down with CDR's Charles Wilson and Daniel Schrader to discuss the Coast Guard's own Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON), the mission set, goals, and future growth. Although the team tries to to get the Commanders to spill the tea about the mission, they only give us...
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E92: Chuck Aaron - Keep your RPM’s up!
This is a good one folks! Take a listen as the team sits down with legendary stunt helicopter pilot Chuck Aaron. As the forerunner of helicopter aerobatics, Chuck describes how he got into the business, how he built a Cobra before it became illegal, and a few of the block buster movies he flew…
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E91: WAI Pt. 3 Where Do We Go From Here?
For our final installment of the Women in Aviation Series, Miranda talks with a few members of th eplanning committee to get a behind the scenes look at thier goals for the future. LCDR Michelle Cosenza, LCDR Cassie Hawley, and LCDR Maggie Champlain discuss this year's conference, planning...
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E90: WAI Pt. 2 Liz Booker
Part 2 of the WAI series, Miranda sits down with Liz Booker. Liz is a retired US Coast Guard helicopter pilot and foreign diplomat, and a writer for children and young adults. She built a community of readers, writers, and aviation enthusiasts around stories featuring women in aviation. Her...
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E89: First Responder PTSD
Welcome! As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, the team called Kenny and Ryan to pinch hit with Nick and a special guest, CAPT Patrick Dill. CAPT Dill has been spearheading a campaign to better track and take care of Coasties from all communities, even the ones who float on boats. He...
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E88 Jason Quinn, The Real ResQ
The team sits down Jason Quinn from The Real ResQ Podcast and discusses his former life as a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, his current adventures, and new rescue gear! Tune in and hear some different perspectives and techniques on high risk rescues! As always, check us out on Instagram...
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E87 2024 Women in Aviation Conference Pt. 1
Normally behind the scenes, Miranda Fay takes the mic to kick off our Women in Aviation International Conference coverage. Miranda is joined by 6 junior aviation members to talk about their experience at the conference, provide insight to the importance of the conference and talk about the take...
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E86 CDR Doug Watson (ret.) and CG 6020 Pt. 2
The team welcomes CDR Doug Watson (ret.). Doug recounts his experience from a survivors perspective as an HH-60 pilot whose helicopter entered the water during the dramatic M/V Selendang Ayu SAR case! P.S. Sam was last seen shredding some gnar in Europe, we really don't know where he is this…
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E85 CDR Doug Watson (ret.) and CG 6020 Pt. 1
The team welcomes CDR Doug Watson (ret.). Doug recounts his experience from a survivors perspective as an HH-60 pilot whose helicopter entered the water during the dramatic M/V Selendang Ayu SAR case! If you're at WAI, go find Miranda (our IG Guru), she is currently hosting the show down in...
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E84: Hangardeck Stories
We have a great show this Friday with LT Brian Dugal. He and Nick regale stories of hangardeck life before they switched to the dark side of officership and pilotage. Leigh Steinbeck joins as well to back up Nick as a host! If you're at WAI, go find Miranda (our IG Guru), she'll be hosting the…
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E83: SAR Stories
Back on track again! The team welcomes LT Leigha Steinbeck to the show to tell us another great SAR story. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the team bringing you the action yet again. If you're at the Heli Expo, check out booth 3015 and jump on the show with us! P.S. Sam had to switch to IPA's as he...
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Throwback: The Bail-Out
We are incredibly sorry for the delay between shows. We'll be back on track shortly, we promise. in a couple weeks the gang will be headed to the Heli Expo to record even more shows! Swing by and say hello on air if you're in the area! In the meantime, check out this throwback to one of our most...
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E82: British Bob
We're very sorry for the delay, Ryan had sar to take care of on duty. We are joined this week by Royal Navy pilot LCDR Bob Fleming! He is the first Royal Navy exchange pilot to fly at HITRON. One of our more humorous guests, he tells us his stories flying across the pond as well as his…
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Bonus Holiday Episode!
As a thank you all for standing the watch, we have a special episode for you all this holiday routine. The author of "Rescue Rob Saves Christmas" joins us today. AST1 Rob Evans is here to spread some holiday cheer and read his book to us all. But first, the team talks about what is on their...
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E80: M/V Selendang Ayu
This one is a big one. The case of the M/V Selendang Ayu is one of the most well known SAR cases in recent CG history. We have CAPT Tim Eason (ret.) join us to recount the story from the perspective of the MH-65 on scene. What a way to bring together our 80th episode on our 2-year anniversary!...
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E79: The Erickson Awardees
Kenny is still supervising Max as we post our stories from the Roost. Good thing too because Max forgot to hit record the first time, thanks Max. Get ready for a phenomenal SAR story again as CAPT Nate Coulter (ret.) and LT Chris Guernsey sit down in person to tell us about their harrowing Kodiak...
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E78: C-130 Elmer Stone Awardees
Kenny is back! Max needed supervision at the Roost so we sent the old guy in. Tommy Humphrey (LCDR ret.), now a Delta pilot, ilistens to Max and Kenny convince him they could land a passenger jet... AET1 David Segal and Josh Carwell also join the show as the crew tells us of the harrowing case…
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E77: Last Flight ROL's
We are back this week with some fantastic stories from HITRON, as well as a whirlwind final flight ROL from James Fennessey. Thankfully, Josh Alleman was there to keep him in line as they logged a life saved. Keep sending us the stories and if you're at the Roost in SD hit up Kenny and Max! We've...
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E76: CG Reserve RS #1
We've spoken with reserve pilots, but now it's time to explore the world of rescue swimmer reservists. In a time when people are of a premium for the organization, there are new ways to serve. Andrew Johnson is on the show this week to give us the full details of his new life and spill the beans…
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E75: Casa Time
We're back this week with LT Adam Haworth to talk about fixed wing life. Specifically, 144 life. Adam is an OPDEP pilot at ATC and the team dives into news, stories, and the benefits of serving beer at your AC board. Finally giving some love to the fixed wing community but don't worry, we make…
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E74: 60's vs. 65's
We get on the phone with CDR Mike Flint to discuss 60 and 65 product line updates as well as the big engineering/pilotage differences between the 60 and 65 (you know, other than being able to pull the collective through the ceiling without hitting a limit). Hope you enjoy a great episode from one...
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E73: Heartbeats
Old meets new. Well, old hangs out with new. Sam and Ryan are back to chat with the team. Sam can't help but ask questions and we all make fun of Nick. We get into the Stan Conference, EP's, Sam and Ryan gets sappy with life advice, and Sam tells us where in the world he's going on his temp sep....
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E72: Right Place, Right Time
Steve Harvey joins us! Well, AET2 Steve Harvey... As well as LT Will Colomb and LT Christian Toscano. These heros were traveling back from an airshow when they got the call. A brand new AC, no RS, and an aircraft that wasn't configured for SAR. Welcome to another future AC board scenario episode…
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E71: The Miami Rescue Story
As promised we have a fantastic story from Miami this week! Zach Gross, Landon Klopfenstein, Matt Gillett and Reese Williams tell us the details of their distant medevac case. Great CRM, risk management, and on the spot decision making are highlighted in the best of ways. Well done on a fantastic...
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E:70 SAR Stories
We dive in this week with Max Sherno's first SAR case as an AC with LT Nate Gallagher. Some big shout-out's this week as well with a wild case from Miami. Huge BZ to that crew, hopefully we can get you on soon to dive more into that one. Don't forget to take your DHS day! As always, check us out…
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E69: The New Guys and Stories
We are back with some new voices on the show! As with all CG jobs, people move and we try to fill their shoes. Nick, Rob, and Max settle down to chat stories, introduce themselves, and take the show into the future with renewed spirit. They chat about great SAR, memorable moments, and some…
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E68: The End of an Era - Goodbye Sam and Kenny
Get your tissues ready - this is the final episode featuring Sam and Kenny as your hosts. They take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their favorite shows and memorable aviation experiences. It's time to say goodbye to our hosts as they move on to the next chapters in life. Thank you to...
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E67: Orange County Fire
When we were at HAI we met up with an old friend in CG Reserves CDR Josh Murphy and Chuck Hawkins, both aircrew for Orange County Fire. It was late, we were sitting in a hotel lobby discussing safety, aero, SAR stories, and culture when we decided to grab some mics and let you sit in on the...
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E66: SNAILS and Flight School Stories
With some great shout-out's to start the episode, we dive next into flight school stories! We had a few SNAILS and Flight School Instructors jump on the podcast. Listen in for some great advice if you are currently in Flight School, and for some fantastic IP tales from some of our CG instructors...
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E65: Old Stories and Honesty
CAPT Tony Hahn (ret.) joins us on this episode to talk sea stories, dry-suit mishaps, and proper techniques for landing on centerline (slash, putting the gear down). This episode is a wild ride, but worth every moment as we get open and honest insight from a phenomenal aviator. Thanks for opening...
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E:64 Women in Aviation Conference Pt. 2
Part two of our time at WAI is out! We had too much fun to pack it all into one episode. Thank you to LCDR Amanda Montour for co-hosting, to all of our guests, and to the hosts of WAI for letting us show off this amazing event! We plan to release shows on a bi-weekly basis. On Fridays of course!...
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E63: Women in Aviation Conference
Kenny almost had to ride solo this week, but thankfully LCDR Amanda Montour stepped up to co-host! They are at the Women in Aviation conference to hear some great stories, and sit in on all the conference has to offer. Special guests include LT Cassie Hawley, LT Jackie Mcelligott, LT Gretchen...
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E62: Flight School Infamy(?)
Kenny, Sam and Nick start with an english lesson, but then get into one of the craziest flight school stories of all time. Now LCDR Mike Dubinsky tells of his harrowing flight school in-flight emergency. You've heard of the story, but now you can hear the ACTUAL story of the T-34 bail out. Buckle...
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E61: Brotallion "The Pilots Lounge"
The team is at HAI speaking with "The Pilots Lounge" hosts Nick and Spencer. This is a collaboration of their 41st episode. The Brotallion guys are doing great things for the DoD community and strike an immediate rapport with Sam and Nick. The Brotallion team runs a non-profit for Army Gold Star...
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The Real ResQ Podcast Episode 131
Uh oh, we are the ones being interviewed this time. Nick, Sam, and Ryan sit down on the other side of the microphone to be interviewed by Jason Quinn, USCG Rescue Swimmer 500 and host of The Real ResQ Podcast (@therealresq). He graciously allowed us to post his show on our forum as well! Go check...
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E59: MOI (a re-release)
The team is a bit busy right now recording at the Women in Aviation conference as well as preparing to go out to the Heli Expo (Booth B4562)! So here is a flashback of our most popular episode discussing Methods of Instruction. It was a very casual conversation of us sitting around a table…
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E58: Wardroom Beers
We moved the P-course wardroom stories to the podcast booth this week. But the crew may have pre-gamed in the wardroom with some "woorfoord reserve"... Thanks LCDR Anders Manley, LT Ryan O'neill and LT Cori Sanchez for the relaxed and fun story time! We plan to release shows on a bi-weekly basis....
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E57: The Great Fred North
If you want to feel motivated by greatness as a pilot or aviator, look no further than the king of us all. Fred North has years of flight time under his belt and no longer has to think while he flies. Sam and Kenny nerd out on his experiences and look for ways we can all improve ourselves. If you...
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E56: Night Vert Surface Pt. 2
The suspense is over! We finish up with the Humboldt crew as they begin their second sortie attempting to pull their survivor off the cliff face while at night and surrounded by power lines and other obstacles. Offline we got into a cool discussion about Recognition Primed Decision Making (RPDM)...
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E55: Night Vertical Surface Pt. 1
We're back to our roots with this one as we dive into the heroics of this Humboldt Bay aircrew. We have LCDR Shea Quinn, LT Jonathan Thomas, AST1 Nick Kemp, and AET3 Reed Schneider join us for part one of their amazing story. Decision-making, CRM, an excellent training program, and supreme...
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E54: The Real ATC
Ever wonder what it's like on the other side of the radar scope? Kenny and Sam host Derek Vento, a New York City air traffic controller, to hear all about what it means to coordinate flights through some of the world's busiest airspace. And they get to learn just how bad they sound on the radio....
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E53: Patio Beers Volume 2
DATA CALL: Sam and Kenny want to know all the records in the fleet. Overtorques, people, goats, dogs, pee bag usage, flap overspeed, any and all records you think you may hold. Send them to any of the crew: Sam, Kenny or Ryan! Back in the studio again! This time we decided to sit back, relax, and...
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E52: ALC Finale
We are wrapping up the ALC visit with a final sit-down with CAPT Wilson. Sam and Kenny attempt to review what they've learned while CAPT Wilson gives a final plug for the phenomenal work his people do for us day in and day out. Thank you to the ALC team for the fantastic visit! To our listeners…
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E51: ALC Special Divisions
We are back to work after the brewery experience. Sam and Kenny sit down with a handful of the many other divisions at ALC to better understand all that they do for us! We plan to release shows on a bi-weekly basis. On Fridays of course! Hosts: LCDR Kenny Ingram, LCDR Sam Hafensteiner...
About this show
Flight Suit Friday was a created by a group of Coast Guard Aviators to share stories, discuss the art of search and rescue, and most importantly, to revel in this demanding, yet impossibly rewarding, job. Also, check us out on Instagram @flightsuitfridayFor any Coasties out there past or present, aviators, sailors, watchstanders - there are tales of heroism and rules of life we can all live by and enjoy listening to. We hope to expand our reach beyond the Mighty 65 as the show goes on.Hosts: LT Nick Litchfield, LT Rob Mineo, LT Max ShernoSocial Media: LT Miranda FayCreator & Producer: LCDR Ryan VandeheiEditor & Technical Expert: Chuck SeayPrior Hosts: LCDR Nathan Shakespeare, LCDR Kenny Ingram, LCDR Sam HafensteinerDisclaimer:The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Flight Suit Friday podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of the United States Coast Guard or any other government agency. The primary purpose of th
Hosted by
Ryan Vandehei
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