The Pilot Project Podcast

Colonel Todd O’Malley continues our four-part look at the history of Canadian tactical and special operations aviation. In Part 2, the current Director Air and Space at CANSOFCOM returns to his first operational years with 427 Squadron, flying the CH-135 Twin Huey on deployments to the Sinai Desert and Honduras. Todd describes navigating the Sinai with paper maps, demanding nighttime approaches, a fatal helicopter crash, and the challenges of low-level jungle flying during the final years of the Cold War. He also recalls the culture of Canadian tactical aviation in the 1980s and the experimental introduction of night-vision goggles, when crews developed procedures while learning the technology in real time. From driving a Jeep on NVGs to leading 12-ship formations at night, the episode captures a pivotal transformation in Canadian military helicopter operations. CONTINUE THE FLIGHT EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes Chapters (00:00:00) Introduction and Welcome (00:01:53) First Deployment: The Mission in the Sinai Desert (00:04:26) Navigating the Desert with Paper Maps (00:07:02) Flying Over the Sinai’s Unforgiving Terrain (00:09:30) Dangerous Nighttime Approaches in the Desert (00:13:08) A Helicopter Crash in the Sinai Desert (00:20:15) “What Are You Doing Friday?” Deploying to Honduras (00:21:34) The Canadian Helicopter Mission in Honduras (00:23:24) Living “On the Economy” in Honduras (00:25:47) Which Is Harder: Desert or Jungle Flying? (00:27:29) The Challenges of Low-Level Jungle Flying (00:28:55) Did Flying in Honduras Feel Like Vietnam? (00:29:27) Playing Cat and Mouse with a Three-Letter Organization (00:32:09) Tactical Aviation Culture in the 1980s (00:35:19) Did Tactical Aviators Feel Stuck? (00:37:37) The Early Days of Night-Vision Flying (00:40:41) Crew Rest in Tactical Aviation (00:42:15) Flying 12-Ship Formations at Night (00:45:02) The Physical Cost of Flying with NVGs

Colonel Todd O’Malley begins a four-part journey through the history of Canadian tactical and special operations aviation. Now Director Air and Space at CANSOFCOM, Todd looks back on the unlikely path that took him from Sault College and an early setback in civilian flight training to earning his RCAF wings and joining 427 Squadron as a CH-135 Twin Huey pilot. In Part 1, Todd explains how failure reshaped his approach to preparation, recalls the fighter-driven culture of 1980s Moose Jaw, and describes the disappointment of being selected for helicopters. He also takes listeners inside the demanding transition to rotary-wing flying, from hovering and auto-rotations to the hard-earned change in attitude that helped him find his place in tactical aviation. The episode concludes with advice for student pilots whose careers take an unexpected direction. CONTINUE THE FLIGHT EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes Chapters (00:00:00) Introduction and Welcome (00:03:02) Meet Colonel Todd O’Malley (00:04:37) What Drew Todd to the RCAF? (00:07:48) Sault College and a Different Path (00:09:29) Being Removed from Flight Training (00:12:13) The Lesson That Changed His Career (00:15:14) Pilot Training Culture in 1980s Moose Jaw (00:20:34) Navigating Phase Two Flight Training (00:24:05) Coping with a Helicopter Selection (00:27:56) Why Helicopters Are So Difficult to Learn (00:30:58) How a Helicopter Autorotation Works (00:34:37) Learning from Hard Landings (00:38:46) Re-Caging His Attitude Toward Helicopters (00:41:35) Finding His Place in Tactical Aviation (00:44:30) Arriving at a Grieving 427 Squadron (00:45:30) Twin Huey vs. Griffon (00:48:43) Making the Most of an Unexpected Aircraft Selection (00:51:51) Final Thoughts and What’s Next

What does it take to lead one of the world's premier military aerobatic teams? In the final chapter of our three-part series, Major Maciej "Match" Hatta takes us inside life as "The Boss", aka Snowbird 1 and Team Lead of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. From the demanding selection process and culture of trust that defines the team to the responsibility of leading eight other pilots in close formation, Match shares what it means to lead the team. We also explore the remarkable people behind the scenes who make every performance possible, the legacy of the CT-114 Tutor, and why the Snowbirds continue to inspire Canadians more than 50 years after their first season. Join us as we conclude the story behind The Boss. Chapters (00:00:58) Introduction and welcome (00:03:34) What led you to the Snowbirds? (00:04:50) Deferring Test Pilot School for the Snowbirds (00:07:01) Why the Snowbirds were turning away jet pilots (00:08:33) Can you become Snowbird 1 as a first-year Snowbird? (00:10:07) Going through Snowbird selection (00:17:23) Snowbirds formation cues (00:23:34) Are you looking at your instruments during formation flying? (00:25:58) What was harder than you expected on the Snowbirds? (00:28:02) Match's mid-air collision (00:37:33) Did they lose trust in you? (00:38:54) Lessons from the first tour that still shape Snowbird 1 (00:40:58) Why return to the Snowbirds? (00:44:42) What did it mean to become Snowbird 1? (00:46:25) Does it feel different to be the boss? (00:51:31) Selecting Snowbird 1 (00:53:19) The three qualities of a successful Snowbird (00:55:14) Why Snowbirds have to be "always on" (00:59:28) The people behind the scenes who make it happen (01:03:55) What makes this season special? (01:05:55) Why preseason flying went so well (01:08:11) What can audiences expect this season? (01:12:19) The canopy-to-canopy roll (01:14:49) The legacy of the CT-114 Tutor (01:17:51) What should Canadians take away from this season? (01:20:20) Thanks and what's next! CONTINUE THE FLIGHT EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots. https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes

After flying the CF-18 Hornet in combat and completing his first tour with the Snowbirds, Major Maciej "Match" Hatta set his sights on one of military aviation's most demanding challenges: Experimental Test Pilot School. In Part 2 of this three-part series, Match takes us inside the United States Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. He explains the mindset that separates test pilots from operational pilots, the relentless pace of the course, and what it takes to evaluate aircraft at the edge of their flight envelopes. From deep stalls in the F-16 Viper and low level flying in the C-17 to testing the CF-18's AESA radar and helping modernize the CT-114 Tutor, this episode offers a rare look into the world of flight testing and the people responsible for pushing aviation forward. Chapters (00:00:58) Introduction and welcome (00:02:06) AETE tryouts (00:08:30) When was it time to go to Test Pilot School? (00:09:39) Was there a specific school you wanted to attend? (00:10:40) Moving to Edwards Air Force Base (00:10:57) Experiencing Test Pilot School as a family (00:12:28) How COVID changed life in California (00:15:31) How difficult is Test Pilot School? (00:18:39) Pilot brain versus engineer brain (00:21:05) Who excelled and who struggled? (00:27:30) The hardest part of Test Pilot School (00:29:25) The mindset shift from operations to test flying (00:32:53) Lake Mead touch and goes in the Albatross (00:38:24) Deep stalls in the F-16 Viper (00:42:12) Flying the F-16 as an extension of your body (00:48:15) The Sidewinder low level route (00:53:11) Singing the praises of the C-17 (00:54:06) Joining AETE (00:58:05) Testing the Hornet's AESA radar (01:01:45) The first live AIM-9X missile shot (01:04:20) Rare moments at AETE (01:09:01) Helping modernize the CT-114 Tutor (01:16:06) Top test flight moments CONTINUE THE FLIGHT EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots. https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes

Before he became Snowbird 1, Major Maciej "Match" Hatta spent years fighting for the chance to fly. In Part 1 of this three-part series, Match shares the story behind his journey from Air Cadets in Milton, Ontario, to the cockpit of the CF-18 Hornet. He reflects on the VHS tape that sparked a lifelong dream, the vision issues that nearly ended his career before it began, the challenges of military flight training, and the determination that carried him through Moose Jaw, Fighter Lead-In Training, and operational service. The conversation also explores flying NORAD missions, deploying on 22 combat sorties over Libya, and the lessons that shaped him long before he would one day lead the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Join us as we begin the story behind The Boss. Chapters (00:00:58) Introduction and bio (00:03:09) Where did aviation start for you? (00:05:44) When did flying become the dream? (00:06:57) The importance of Air Cadets (00:08:48) Glider and power courses with Air Cadets (00:09:52) From Air Cadets to the Canadian Armed Forces (00:10:32) A charted path or uncertainty? (00:11:16) Vision issues nearly end the dream (00:14:51) How Match earned his pilot medical (00:16:48) Keeping the dream alive (00:19:39) Phase 1 flight training (00:21:26) Arriving in Moose Jaw (00:23:16) What kind of student pilot was Match? (00:24:36) How Match stopped getting airsick (00:25:36) What came naturally and what humbled him (00:28:05) When fighters became realistic (00:33:24) Jumping into FLIT (00:37:34) What comes after FLIT? (00:39:33) Learning the CF-18 Hornet (00:43:53) The flying is not the mission (00:44:23) Surprises of operational fighter life (00:47:52) Flying NORAD missions (00:55:47) Does air-to-air refuelling ever stop being intimidating? (00:57:35) Flying 22 combat sorties over Libya (00:58:37) The first combat mission (01:01:32) Learning from mistakes (01:02:46) How military flying changed his perspective (01:07:02) Thanks and what's next! Check out the video that started it all! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Z1Q1JBnSk CONTINUE THE FLIGHT EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots. https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes

Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Bray concludes our three-part series with a rare look behind the curtain of Canadian Special Operations Aviation. As the Commanding Officer of 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron, Chris explains how Special Operations Tactical Aviation Course (SOTAC) prepares aircrew for one of the Royal Canadian Air Force's most demanding environments, the qualities that define successful special operations aviators, and how the squadron continues to develop the next generation of capability. We also discuss leadership, balancing family life with operational service, the Next Tactical Aviation Capability Set (NTACS), and Chris's vision for the future of Canadian Special Operations Aviation. This episode offers a rare perspective on 427 SOAS from the Commanding Officer himself. CONTINUE THE FLIGHT EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Introduction and Welcome (00:01:48) Inside the Special Operations Tactical Aviation Course (SOTAC) (00:02:54) How SOTAC Changed Special Operations Training (00:04:07) Learning to Fight Alongside the Rest of the RCAF (00:05:57) Building the First Generation of SOTAC Graduates (00:06:44) Creating Canada's Next Special Operations Aviators (00:07:58) Preparing for the Worst Day of Your Career (00:11:51) Keeping SOTAC Ready for Tomorrow's Missions (00:13:19) Is SOTAC a Selection Course? (00:13:40) Who Can Become a Special Operations Aviator? (00:15:43) The Role of a 427 Squadron Door Gunner (00:16:44) The Traits Every SOF Aviator Needs (00:17:29) Choosing a Career in Special Operations Aviation (00:20:34) What Separates Success from Failure? (00:23:49) Driving Innovation Across the RCAF (00:25:26) The Future of NTACS (00:28:17) Balancing Operational Service and Family Life (00:31:39) Supporting Families Behind the Mission (00:33:28) What It Means to Command 427 Squadron (00:34:01) Seeing the Squadron Through a Commanding Officer's Eyes (00:35:02) Leading in a Flat Organization (00:37:02) The Leader Chris Bray Strives to Be (00:39:32) The Future of Canadian Special Operations Aviation (00:41:31) How to Earn a Place at 427 Squadron (00:44:27) Looking Back with Pride (00:45:25) Final Thoughts

Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Bray is the Commanding Officer of 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron, the Royal Canadian Air Force unit supporting the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). In Part 2, we take a rare look behind the curtain of Canadian Special Operations Aviation, exploring how 427 Squadron evolved into the modern capability it is today. Chris explains the squadron's culture, what makes it unique among allied SOF aviation units, the philosophy of "no mission too small," the addition of the CE-145C Vigilance, and the standards that define one of Canada's most demanding aviation communities. We also discuss leadership, mission command, and how 427 built a reputation for professionalism, adaptability, and trust while supporting special operations around the world. CONTINUE THE FLIGHT EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Introduction and Welcome (00:02:41) How 427 Squadron Reinvented Itself (00:03:39) Building One Special Operations Aviation Culture (00:06:49) Why the Squadron Had to Change (00:09:44) Living Through the Transformation (00:13:10) Earning a Reputation in Special Operations Aviation (00:14:49) "No Mission Too Small" (00:18:46) Expanding the Mission with the CE-145C Vigilance (00:20:44) Learning to Think Beyond Helicopters (00:22:53) What Makes 427 Different? (00:26:21) Becoming an Organic CANSOFCOM Capability (00:28:44) The Professionals Behind Every Mission (00:30:04) Why Communications Can Make or Break a Mission (00:31:12) Building Trust with Canada's Special Operations Forces (00:33:44) Maintaining Elite Standards (00:37:52) Rewriting the Rules: The New TOCA (00:41:35) The Career Path of a Special Operations Aviator (00:44:57) Balancing Risk and Mission Success (00:46:22) Leading an Elite Squadron (00:47:34) The Hardest Decisions as Commanding Officer (00:49:57) Next Time: Inside SOTAC

Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Bray is the Commanding Officer of 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron, the Royal Canadian Air Force unit supporting the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). In Part 1, Chris shares his journey from growing up outside the military to becoming a special operations aviator and leading one of the RCAF's most demanding helicopter squadrons. We discuss RCAF pilot training, flying the CH-146 Griffon, Operation IMPACT, and the experiences that shaped his career. This episode also offers a rare look behind the curtain of Canadian Special Operations Aviation, exploring what it takes to earn a place at 427 Squadron and the mindset, professionalism, and leadership required to serve within one of Canada's most unique aviation communities. CONTINUE THE FLIGHT EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Introduction and bio (00:03:47) Why Chris Chose the Canadian Armed Forces (00:04:36) Discovering a Passion for Helicopters (00:10:47) Learning the Mission at JRCC Halifax (00:13:13) Surviving RCAF Pilot Training (00:14:05) Learning to Fly Rotary Wing (00:16:02) The Leap from Fixed Wing to Helicopters (00:17:54) Mastering Confined Area Flying (00:19:23) When Flying Finally Clicked (00:20:13) Earning a Spot at 427 Squadron (00:21:10) How Special Operations Aviators Are Selected (00:23:30) First Impressions of 427 Squadron (00:25:28) How 427 Squadron Evolved (00:26:24) Starting Out in B Flight (00:29:29) First Operational Deployments (00:31:39) Flying on Operation IMPACT (00:32:08) Operating in a Combat Threat Environment (00:33:11) What Makes Special Operations Aviation Different (00:36:40) The Future of Canada's Tactical Helicopter Fleet (00:39:11) Inside a Special Operations Mission (00:41:02) Growing into Leadership (00:42:04) From Pilot to Leader (00:47:06) Becoming a Special Operations Flight Lead (00:48:04) Leadership Under Pressure (00:50:24) Returning to Operation IMPACT as Detachment Commander (00:51:24) Leading Aircrew in a Threat Environment (00:52:24) Building the Future Force (00:54:26) Lessons from Strategic Leadership (00:57:48) Coming Up in Part 2

Every military aviator carries stories that stay with them long after the aircraft shuts down. To mark the milestone of 100 episodes, we're looking back at the moments that revealed the true weight of military aviation. This second retrospective shifts from learning to fly to learning what comes after. A pilot's first time facing enemy fire, split-second decisions under pressure, devastating loss, the invisible burdens many carry home, and the resilience that keeps crews moving forward. Featuring stories from fighter pilots, search and rescue crews, tactical helicopter crews, transport crews, and more, including the CF-18 Hornet, the CH-146 Griffon, and many other aircraft, this episode explores the realities of operational military aviation through the voices of those who lived it. Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or you're discovering The Pilot Project for the first time, The First 100 Series is the best place to start. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. The Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) provides confidential assistance to Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families. You can contact them at: 1-800-268-7708 https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/member-assistance.html CHAPTERS (00:00:58) Introduction (00:03:03) Act 1: Contact - Greg Juurlink - I was a brand new FO (00:07:20) Eric Kenny - The missile exploded between us (00:09:26) Troy Clarke - Is this what SAR is going to be? (00:13:00) Anthony Dyer - My first CASEVAC ever (00:14:50) Davis Clark - You don't know if it's a threat or not (00:17:05) Act 2: The Line - Greg Juurlink - We got shot up (00:23:00) Bob Wade - Escorting MiGs to Canada (00:25:45) Dan McWilliams - Never fly into vortices (00:28:40) Pete Wright & Greg Hudson - This is what we signed up for, let's go! (00:30:39) Niels Olson - You don't know which way is up (00:31:22) Dan McWilliams - Less than a wingspan above the ground (00:32:12) Niels Olson - Certified Cocaine Boat! (00:34:27) Bob Wade - One of you is going to die (00:35:29) Act 3: The Ones We Lost - Greg Juurlink - Angel Flights in Afghanistan (00:37:08) Vic Weston - Tom "Toast" McQueen (00:40:38) Anthony Dyer - It's a smell you never forget (00:41:43) Dan McWilliams - Timothy Kirk Leuty (00:43:02) Rich MacDougall - Jenn Casey (00:49:16) Mike Houle - Shattering Grief (00:53:13) Act 4: The Burden - Greg Juurlink - A full bucket (00:55:33) Bryan Morrison - I'm not OK (00:58:45) Vic Weston - I'm not good to go (00:59:58) Paul Goddard - You can't save everybody (01:01:22) Dan McWilliams - Fears that last (01:02:35) Lyndsay Olson - The Hardest Deployment (01:04:41) Niels Olson - The Weight of Distance (01:05:20) Janet Musters - Everything AND the Kitchen Sink (01:06:36) Rich MacDougall - Your life has just changed forever (01:08:59) Act 5: Blue Skies and the Way Forward - Bob Wade - A consequence of doing what you did (01:10:03) Bryan Morrison - The value of my career vs everything else (01:12:03) Anthony Dyer - Better or bitter (01:13:45) Greg Juurlink - The most important thing is asking for help (01:15:00) Bob Wade - I miss the boys (01:15:52) Vic Weston - Honouring Tom "Toast" McQueen (01:17:42) Rich MacDougall - She was a force to be reckoned with (01:19:37) Paul Goddard - As good as it gets (01:20:01) Mike Houle - Don't Hide the Pain (01:20:26) Vic Weston - Keep movin' forward (01:20:43) Outro and Special Thank You CONTINUE THE FLIGHT EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots

New listener? Start here! For 100 episodes, The Pilot Project Podcast has explored the world of military and mission aviation through the people who have lived it. In Part 1 of our retrospective series, The Climb, we look back at the making of military aviators. From the first moments that sparked the dream, to the grind of training, the edge of high-performance flying, and the toll service can take even in peacetime, this episode traces the journey behind the wings. These are the moments that shaped them, and the reasons they kept going. CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro/Cold open (00:01:31) Act 1: The Spark - Dan McWilliams - First Fighter Flight (00:03:09) Bob Wade - The Wonder of the Golden Hawks (00:03:46) Mike Houle - Hercs Over the Lake (00:05:05) Vince C-Benoit - Wheat Fields in Afghanistan (00:05:57) Rock Veilleux - Gliding with Air Cadets (00:08:44) Act 2: The Grind - Mike Houle - The Firehose (00:09:58) Dan Conway - First Real Doubts (00:10:11) Brian Kilroy - The Pressure Cooker (00:13:38) Pete Musters - P is for Pilot (00:14:17) Dan McWilliams - Owning Mistakes (00:14:45) Jeff Foreman - Scale Change (00:15:09) Dan McWilliams - Fighter Dreams Derailed (00:17:57) Dan Conway - 98% Awesome (00:18:55) Act 3: The Edge - Skye Simpson - The Imposter (00:20:10) Bryan Morrison - The Culture Shock (00:20:54) Ian Wookey - Realizing You're Terrible at Flying Helicopters (00:22:26) Rock Veilleux - Flying the Hawk (00:24:40) Brian Kilroy - The Edge of Capability (00:28:52) Skye Simpson - A Stick of Gum (00:30:39) Rock Veilleux - The Ejection (00:39:16) Act 4: The Toll - Dan McWilliams - Twisted Bits of Aluminum (00:40:17) Duncan MacIsaac - How Many Lives Did They Save? (00:41:48) Dan McWilliams - BAM! It Was Over. (00:43:25) Bob Wade - The Weight of Instructing (00:44:16) Rock Veilleux - The Road to Recovery (00:48:34) CFMAP Information (00:48:59) Act 5: Why We Fly - Blake McNaughton - Brothers and Sisters (00:49:56) Rich MacDougall - Most Memorable Flight (00:50:52) Jeff Foreman - This Is Your Captain Speaking (00:51:28) Rich MacDougall - 25 Years Ago, That Was Me (00:52:03) Blake McNaughton - A Gig Like Nothing Else

Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Maryse Carmichael returns to discuss the Snowbirds, the retirement of the CT-114 Tutor, the planned operational pause, and the future of one of Canada’s most recognizable aviation teams. In Part 2 of this conversation, Maryse explains what Canadians do not see behind a Snowbirds performance, from months of training and preparation to the trust, discipline, teamwork, and safety culture required to fly nine aircraft in close formation. She also shares powerful stories about the team's impact, including how one airshow inspired a future Snowbirds pilot. Drawing on her experience as both a Snowbirds pilot and former Commanding Officer, Maryse reflects on the team's legacy, the risks of losing hard-earned expertise, and what she hopes the next generation of Snowbirds pilots will inherit. CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Introduction and Episode Overview (00:01:01) The Hidden Work Behind a Snowbirds Airshow (00:06:13) Flying a First Snowbirds Show in Quebec City (00:09:32) Common Misconceptions About the Snowbirds Demonstration Team (00:12:26) Training for Emergencies in a Nine-Jet Snowbirds Formation (00:14:16) How Snowbirds Prepare for Emergencies Before Every Flight (00:15:00) The Snowbirds Mission: Inspiration, Recruitment, and Public Engagement (00:16:04) Inspiring the Next Generation of Canadian Military Pilots (00:17:01) Why the Snowbirds Still Matter After 55 Years (00:17:56) What Makes a Great Snowbird Pilot? (00:19:12) How Pilots Are Assigned Their Snowbirds Positions (00:20:28) How Long It Takes to Build a Snowbird Pilot (00:21:07) The Hardest Skills to Teach a Snowbird Pilot (00:24:47) How Trust Is Built Inside the Snowbirds (00:27:08) Balancing Safety and Spectacle in an Air Demonstration Team (00:28:51) The Story Behind the Snowbirds Heart Maneuver (00:29:44) What Keeps a Snowbirds Commanding Officer Awake at Night (00:33:29) Why the CT-114 Tutor Was the Perfect Demonstration Aircraft (00:34:31) Did Anyone Expect the CT-114 Tutor to Fly for 63 Years? (00:35:38) Saying Goodbye to the CT-114 Tutor (00:37:31) What Canadians Underestimate About the CT-157 Siskin Transition (00:39:10) Lessons from the Red Arrows and Other Aerobatic Teams (00:41:19) The Strongest Argument for a Snowbirds Pause (00:43:25) What Canada Risks Losing During the Snowbirds Pause (00:45:51) The Hardest Snowbirds Skills to Rebuild (00:48:58) What Concerns Snowbirds Alumni Most (00:49:33) What the Snowbirds Alumni Association Wants to See Happen (00:54:24) What the Snowbirds Mean to Maryse Carmichael (00:55:18) What Canadians Should See in Nine Red and White Aircraft (00:55:38) The Legacy Maryse Carmichael Hopes the Next Snowbirds Inherit CONTINUE THE FLIGHT Maryse’s story begins in Part 1, where she discusses flying the CT-114 Tutor, becoming the first female jet demonstration pilot, and her path to the Snowbirds. Snowbirds: The Pause Part 1: Flying the CT-114 Tutor and Becoming the First Female Jet Demonstration Pilot - Maryse Carmichael Maryse mentioned our interview with Comd RCAF, Jamie Speiser-Blanchet Command: The Future Force: Building a Fifth Generation Air Force - Jamie Speiser-Blanchet Maryse also discusses the challenge of preserving specialized aviation expertise during transition, a theme we explored in our SEEDCORN series. Long Range Patrol: The P-8 SEEDCORN Part 1 Long Range Patrol: The P-8 SEEDCORN Part 2 MORE SNOWBIRDS EPISODES More Snowbirds episodes EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots

Before she commanded the Snowbirds, Maryse Carmichael was a young Air Cadet from Quebec City with a dream of becoming a military pilot. That dream would eventually make her the first woman to fly with the Snowbirds - and the first woman to fly with any jet aerobatic demonstration team in the world. In Part 1, Maryse shares her journey through Air Cadets, flight training in Moose Jaw, instructional flying on the CT-114 Tutor, operational flying with 434 Squadron, VIP operations with 412 Squadron, and serving in Bagotville during the post-9/11 years. Along the way she discusses Exercise RV92, flying with her brother, supporting the Prime Minister, and the experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy. Maryse also reflects on earning a position with the Snowbirds, learning precision formation aerobatics, flying formation inverted, and eventually returning to command 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. It is a story of perseverance, trust, leadership, and one of the most remarkable careers in Canadian military aviation. CONTINUE THE FLIGHT Maryse mentioned our interview with Jamie Speiser-Blanchet. Check it out: https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes/command-the-future-force-jamie-speiser-blanchet If you're interested in another Snowbirds perspective, check out our interview with Blake McNaughton: https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes/snowbirds-the-unexpected-path-blake-mcnaughton HEAR MORE SNOWBIRDS EPISODES https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/search?query=snowbirds EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes

In Part 3, Captain Troy Clarke discusses flight instruction, standards flying, STARS Air Ambulance operations, and his decision to return to the RCAF after leaving military service.

Captain Troy Clarke shares incredible stories from his time flying the CH-149 Cormorant with 103 Search and Rescue Squadron, including North Atlantic rescues, fatigue lessons, operational pressure, and the realities of SAR flying.

Captain Troy Clarke shares his unconventional path into aviation, from growing up in rural Newfoundland to navigating early flight training struggles, 9/11’s impact on the industry, and joining the RCAF. After earning his wings on fast jets, a serious in-flight decompression incident forced him to rethink his career and ultimately transition to helicopters. This episode is all about persistence, setbacks, and finding your path in aviation.

After his time on the Sea King, Niels Olson moved into instructing at 3 CFFTS. In Part 3, he shares what it’s like teaching new pilots, working in Standards, and supporting wildfire operations during Op Lentus. From coaching students through complex flying to landing in smoke so thick it turns day into night, this episode shows a different side of military aviation.

As the first woman to command the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet is leading the service through one of the most significant periods of transformation in its history. In this special 100th episode of The Pilot Project Podcast, Jamie discusses the challenges and opportunities facing today's RCAF, from recruitment and retention to NORAD modernization, fifth-generation air power, space capabilities, interoperability with allies, and preparing for future conflict. She explains how systems such as the F-35, P-8 Poseidon, RPAS, advanced sensors, and space-based capabilities will work together as part of a connected fifth-generation force. Jamie also reflects on her own career journey, leadership philosophy, and the responsibility of guiding the Air Force through a rapidly changing security environment. Whether you're serving today, considering a military career, or simply interested in the future of Canadian military aviation, this conversation offers a rare look inside the decisions shaping the next generation of the RCAF.

In Part 2 of this conversation, Captain Niels Olson takes us inside his first deployment as a CH-124 Sea King pilot with 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron - and the reality of life at sea that no one fully prepares you for. After completing his training, Niels went almost straight from the Operational Training Unit to deploying aboard HMCS Ottawa. Niels opens up about the moment he realized he might not want to be a maritime helicopter pilot at all, and how he realized he was right where he wanted to be. This episode breaks down what life is really like on board a Royal Canadian Navy frigate - from how helicopters are loaded and maintained at sea, to the realities of food, sleep, and day-to-day routines during long deployments. He also shares the challenges of landing on a moving ship, the steep learning curve of early deployments, and what it takes to adapt and succeed in one of the most unique flying environments in the military.

Captain Niels Olson didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a military pilot. In fact, while living next to CFB Chilliwack as a kid, he remembers watching soldiers train and thinking, “I’m never doing that.” In Part 1, we cover his early life, joining under CEOTP, the long training pipeline, and his first exposure to maritime helicopter operations before even starting flight training. Then we'll get into a high-level look at what life is like at sea with the CH-124 Sea King operating on Royal Canadian Navy frigates.

In Part 2, Capt Dylan Gilje-Allan and Capt Matt Chretien take listeners inside Canada's P-8 Poseidon SEEDCORN program and their transition from the CP-140 Aurora to operational flying with the Royal Air Force. They discuss P-8 training, automation, crew coordination, and the differences between the Aurora and Poseidon. The conversation also covers tracking Russian submarines in the Atlantic, flying operational missions shortly after training, life at RAF Lossiemouth, and how Canada is preparing the next generation of Long Range Patrol crews years before the aircraft enters service. CONTINUE THE FLIGHT Long Range Patrol: The Poseidon SEEDCORN Part 1: Aurora Operations, Op NEON and the Road to the P-8 - Dylan Gilje-Allan and Matt Chretien https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes/long-range-patrol-the-poseidon-seedcorn-part-1-dylan-gilje-allan-and-matt-chretien Long Range Patrol: The Hunter: Long Range Patrol and the CP-140M Aurora - Davis Clark https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes/long-range-patrol-the-hunter-davis-clark MORE LONG RANGE PATROL EPISODES https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/search?query=Long+Range+Patrol EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes