The Flyboy Podcast

Aircraft flown: AH-1W  and AH-1ZRyan Cherry, a retired Marine Cobra pilot with four combat deployments to Iraq, shares his journey, insights into flying attack helicopters, and lessons learned from both training and combat missions. Discover the realities of military life, combat flying, and the lessons that shaped his career.

Aircraft flown: The OV-10 and the F-16Join us as JV Venable shares his incredible journey from childhood fascination with planes to leading the Air Force Thunderbirds and flying combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Discover insights into pilot training, aircraft cockpit experiences, in-flight emergencies, and the dedication required to serve as an aviator.

Aircraft flown: F-4, O-2, F-15, F-117Join us as Greg Gonyea, a seasoned fighter pilot with over 5,000 hours in the F-4, O-2, F-15, and F-117, shares his incredible experiences as the squadron commander of the 416th Ghost Riders during Desert Storm. Discover the insights, challenges, and lessons learned from a true combat aviation expert.

Aircraft flown: F-15, F-16, F-4, F-117, F-22, MiG-21, MiG-23, and 142 othersJoin us as Jim "JB" Brown, a seasoned test pilot with over 10,000 flying hours and experience in aircraft like the F-4, F-15, F-16, F-117, F-22, and several Russian MiGs, shares incredible stories from his aviation career. Discover insights into high-speed maneuvers, aircraft testing, and close calls that highlight the risks and thrills of flying advanced military jets.

Aircraft flown: A-10, AT-38, 727, 737, 757, 777Join us as Cliff Latta shares his incredible journey from childhood fascination with aircraft to over 4,000 hours flying the A-10 Warthog and his experiences in combat, air shows, and aircraft testing. Discover the challenges, heroism, and technical marvels of military aviation through firsthand stories.

Aircraft flown: B-1, F-117, T-38In this episode, Ken Tatum shares his extensive experience flying the B-1, F-117, and T-38 in the Air Force, including combat stories from the War in Kosovo, emergency situations, and transitioning to civilian aviation. Discover the technical differences, flying insights, and personal reflections from a seasoned pilot.

Aircraft flown: F-4, A-7, F-117, F-15EIn this engaging interview, retired Air Force Colonel Karl “Korky” von Kessel shares his flying experiences, including night solo in the F-117, emergency landings, and lessons on service and legacy. Discover insights from a seasoned aviator and learn about the challenges and rewards of military aviation.

Aircraft flown: T-38, A-10, F-117Join us as we explore the incredible flying experiences of Gary Woltering, including a record-breaking 18-hour sortie, combat missions in Serbia, and rescue stories from Operation Allied Force. Gain insights into high-stakes aviation, leadership, and the thrill of flying stealth aircraft.

Aircraft flown: F-4, AT-38, F-5, A-7, F-117, F-15, and the F-16In this compelling interview, General William Lake shares his extraordinary flying career, including his glider experience in an F-16, a harrowing ejection, and his role during Operation Allied Force. Discover insights into pilot safety, leadership, and the resilience required to navigate the skies and life's toughest moments.

Aircraft flown: F-111, F-117, F-15C, 737Guest Braden DeLauder, a seasoned pilot with 20 years in the Air Force and experience flying 14 different aircraft, shares his incredible flying stories. From low-level missions in the F-111 to high-speed runs in the F-117 and F-15, discover the skills, challenges, and unforgettable moments of a military aviator.

Aircraft Flown: F-111, F-117, A-7, F-16, 737In this episode of the Flyboy Podcast, host David Moore interviews Rick Glitz, a seasoned aviator with a rich history in military and commercial aviation. They discuss Rick's experiences flying various aircraft, memorable flights, in-flight emergencies, and the challenges of navigating through difficult weather. Rick shares insights on the realities of military aviation, including the loss of friends and the importance of mental health support for veterans. The conversation also touches on the decision to join the military, the thrill of flying, and the impact of flying on one's identity. Rick emphasizes the importance of encouraging the next generation of pilots and debunks urban legends surrounding military aircraft incidents.

Aircraft Flown: MH-47 Chinook Helicopter; C-130In this episode of the Flyboy podcast, host David Moore speaks with Heather Mercer, founder of Global Hope, about her extraordinary experiences in Afghanistan. Heather recounts her journey from arriving in Afghanistan as a young woman to being taken hostage by the Taliban for 105 days. She shares her insights on the challenges faced during her captivity, the unique perspective of experiencing 9/11 from within Afghanistan, and the dramatic rescue operation that ultimately freed her. Heather reflects on her continued commitment to serving communities in conflict-affected areas, emphasizing the importance of using her second chance at life to empower others.

Aircraft Flown: A-10, T-38, F-117, Airbus 350, P-51In this episode of the Flyboy Podcast, host David Moore interviews John Massee, a seasoned pilot with extensive experience in both military and civilian aviation. They discuss John's journey as a pilot, focusing on his time flying the A-10 Warthog, the evolution of its capabilities, and memorable experiences in combat. John shares insights into the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian flying, the importance of protecting ground troops, and the adrenaline rush of in-flight emergencies. The conversation also touches on advice for aspiring pilots and reflections on the identity of being a pilot.

Aircraft Flown: B-1, T-38, F-117, Gulfstream GVIn this episode of the Flyboy Podcast, host David Moore interviews Thad Darger, a seasoned pilot with extensive experience flying various military aircraft, including the F-117 and B-1. Thad shares his remarkable journey, from his first solo flight to his longest sorties, and reflects on the challenges and triumphs of combat flying. He discusses memorable air show experiences, the loss of fellow aviators, and the importance of pursuing a career in aviation. Thad also offers advice to aspiring pilots and highlights the legacy of his daughter, who is also a pilot in the Air Force.

Aircraft Flown: F-4, A-7, MU-2, F-117, F-16In this episode of the Flyboy Podcast, host David Moore interviews Mark Dougherty, a veteran pilot with nearly 30 years of experience in the US Air Force. Mark shares his favorite flying memories, the challenges he faced during sorties, and the impact of weather on flying. He discusses the differences between various aircraft he has flown, including the F-4 Phantom, F-16 Falcon, F-117 Nighthawk, and A-7 Corsair. Mark also reflects on the friendships formed in aviation, the importance of safety, and offers advice for aspiring pilots. The conversation highlights the significance of being a pilot in shaping one's identity and the lasting memories created through flying.

Aircraft Flown: F-15, F-117, A-7