About Me
Hello! My name is Vincent Aiello, callsign “Jell-O” (more on callsigns in episode 2), and this is the Fighter Pilot Podcast, the internet show that explores the fascinating world of air combat: the aircraft, the weapons systems, and—most importantly—the people.
My infatuation with military jets began in early childhood and quickly became my life’s calling. After college I was fortunate to spend nearly a quarter century as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot flying the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and A-4 Skyhawk. I deployed overseas on aircraft carriers numerous times and was selected to attend (and instruct at) the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, better known as TOPGUN.
I met many people over the course of my career who reminded me of the public’s more-than-passing interest in combat aircraft. Responses to learning what I did were typically, “that’s cool!” or, “man, I wanted to do that, but….” My new acquaintance and I would frequently spend the next several minutes (or sometimes hours) discussing what it was like to fly a high-performance jet fighter, pull G’s, or land on an aircraft carrier at night.
This fascination with my profession was humbling and I know this experience was not unique to me—most of my fighter pilot friends report similar interactions.
Before retiring from the Navy in early 2017 I knew it was important to find a way to stay connected to the profession that so indelibly shaped my life. I also realized there must be many people out there who would love to know more military aviation but might never have an opportunity to find out, short of a chance encounter with a military pilot.
The Fighter Pilot Podcast seeks to satisfy both.
About the show
From its launch on January 1, 2018, the Fighter Pilot Podcast was a thrice-monthly audio-only podcast, but in January 2023 the show pivoted to a weekly video-centric format with audio versions still available on most podcast players.
Each episode lasts an hour or more and features expert guests who help explain a relevant topic such as what an ejection seat is or how aerial refueling is performed.
If you would like to help fund this listener-supported show, and in the process gain access to exclusive content, please visit our Patreon page.
So jump right in and join the discussion! Look for the Fighter Pilot Podcast on
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
To contact us, e-mail questions@fighterpilotpodcast.com or leave a voice message at 877-MACH-101 (877-622-4101).
Thanks for tuning in. I hope you enjoy the show.
Jell-O