People love
fighter jets.

Whether it’s the thunderous roar of a high-speed flyby, the dramatic news footage from far away conflicts, or the captivating self-assuredness of the men and women who pilot them, military aircraft are fascinating to a lot of folks.

…of course, if you are reading this you already know all that. In fact, you’re probably one of them.

I am too.

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 radio show that explores the fascinating world of air combat.

Vincent "Jello" Aiello

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 of a century as a US Navy fighter pilot flying aircraft such as 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 US 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….” Circumstances permitting, the 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 a lot of people out there who would love to know more about what it’s like in the world of combat 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

The Fighter Pilot Podcast is a thrice-monthly internet radio show that explores the fascinating world of air combat: the aircraft, the weapons systems, and—most importantly—the people.

Each episode lasts about an hour and features a guest who helps explain a relevant topic such as what an ejection seat is or how aerial refueling is performed. There is also a Q&A segment to answer listener questions.

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.

You can e-mail us at questions@fighterpilotpodcast.com or leave a voice message at 877-MACH-101 (877-622-4101). Who knows? You may hear yourself on an upcoming episode.

Thanks for tuning in. I hope you enjoy the show.

Jell-O

Oleh K, Listener

I am an instructor pilot on L-39C Albatross jet trainer in [the] Ukrainian Air Force. Just want to let you know that your show makes difference outside the United States. It is a great opportunity for people like me, who are working on developing the “fighter pilot mind set” among young generations, to learn something […]

Jayden C, Listener

I tried to enlist in the army to fly helicopters [but] was medically disqualified. I was completely devastated. I’ve spent the last few years feeling lost without a purpose and in a very dark place. Since I’ve found The Fighter Pilot Podcast it has reignited a fire and a passion in me I had forgotten […]

Gary M, Listener

I want to thank you for the respect you show for your listener’s time…I appreciate that you don’t spend 10 minutes BS’ing about the horrible burger you had for lunch or the terrible traffic you had to endure over the weekend, which I’ve unfortunately learned is fairly common on other podcasts I’ve stumbled across. Your […]

Matt K, Software Engineer

I hope you know how much your work is appreciated, not just by the kids who want to follow in your footsteps, but by older folks who – for whatever reason – never lived the dream. Thank you for sharing a bit of your world, and for being an awesome storyteller & interviewer…

Kevin B, Listener

I want to say what an AWESOME podcast you have. I have an hour and a half round trip commute daily so I listen to a lot of podcasts…..let me repeat, a……lot….of…..podcasts. Yours is the best. And by a margin wide enough to slip the earth and the moon in and still leave room for […]

Julian H, PhD

You have a humility, compassion and honesty that is infectious to listen to. It’s not just about the aeroplanes, nor necessarily the people – there are other sources that cover some of that ground – but you do it in a way that makes me feel amongst my own kind. Your guests reflect your enthusiasm, […]

Brian Shul, SR-71 ‘Sled Driver’

Really enjoyed our time together, one of the better interviews I’ve done.

Patrik P, Patreon Supporter

I have been working in the world’s largest underground iron mine. I have been playing your podcast and everyone loves it even if they are not someone who has a former interest in aviation. I only wanted to tell you that your passion and experience is not only heard in the air but also deep […]