Best Air Cadets Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 31: The Cormorant Trophy: Conducting a Rescue in the CH-146 Griffon- Paula 56:51

6d ago56:51

56:51

A plane is down. Help is needed. You get the call. What is it like to know that seconds count? What happens when you're fuel critical and have a patient that needs to get to a hospital? What does it take to earn the coveted Cormorant Trophy? Paula Findlater is a Search and Rescue pilot in the RCAF. She has over 1000 hours on the CH-146 Griffon flyi…

1
Episode 30: The Watcher: Afghanistan Stories and The IAI Heron - Carson 36:48

20d ago36:48

36:48

What is it like to take overwatch on Canadian troops on patrol in Afghanistan? What was it like when Kandahar Airfield came under attack? What is the future of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in Canada? In this episode, we sit down with Carson Choy, an Air Combat Systems Officer who flies on the CP-140M Aurora. Carson did two tours in Afgh…

1
Is the Naval Academy going rogue? 10:47

3d ago10:47

10:47

In this episode, we discuss trends we are seeing with Naval Academy admissions. Bottom line: there is evidence that Naval Academy admissions is choosing candidates according to unknown guidelines, instead of who Members of Congress pick or who the most qualified candidate in the district is according to the legacy Whole Person Multiple.…

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Changes to the AFROTC Scholarship for the 2024-2025 Application Cycle 11:08

27d ago11:08

11:08

In this episode, we discuss significant updates to the Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program (HSSP) for the application year 2024-2025. Key changes include: Reintroduction of the Type 2 Scholarship: After a period of offering only the Type 1 scholarship, the Air Force ROTC has reintroduced the Type 2 scholarship, which provides $18,000 ann…

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Episode 29: The Student: Part 2 - Life on Phase III Mult-Engine and the C-90B King Air - Scott 43:56

29d ago43:56

43:56

What is it like to train on the C90B King Air in the RCAF? How has the Phase III Multi-Engine course changed recently? What is it like to take to the skies in a King Air - without your instructor? In this episode we check back in with Scott Harding, recently winged graduate of the RCAF Phase III Multi-Engine course. This is a continuation of episod…

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Episode 28: The Phoenix - From the Ashes to the Airwaves, the return of the show! - Bryan and Melissa 19:48

1M ago19:48

19:48

Where has the show been? What's been happening with Bryan's career and mental health? What will the show look like moving forward? We'll answer all these questions and have some fun along the way in this week's episode of The Pilot Project Podcast!By Bryan Morrison

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Examples of Excellent Naval Academy Interview Answers 29:19

2M ago29:19

29:19

Today we provide commentary on what makes these 5 Naval Academy interview answers excellent, and how they could be improved. Listen along as you prepare for your interview with your future potential Blue and Gold Officer and Congressional nomination panel.By gainserviceacademyadmission

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Examples of Excellent Navy ROTC Interview Answers 29:34

2M ago29:34

29:34

Today we provide commentary on what makes these 5 Navy ROTC interview answers excellent, and how they could be improved. Listen along as you prepare for your interview with your future potential Navy ROTC Battalion.By Robert Kirkland

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Grading Air Force ROTC Interviews 39:13

3M ago39:13

39:13

The AFROTC interview, worth upwards of 40% of the AFROTC scholarship score, can be extremely intimidating for students, especially those who have little to no interview experience. In this episode, we play 5 examples of interview responses that students have given and discuss what makes them good (or bad) and how they could be improved. If you want…

1
Grading Air Force Academy Interviews 38:57

2M ago38:57

38:57

The Air Force Academy interview can be extremely intimidating for students, especially those who have little to no interview experience. In this episode, we play 5 examples of interview responses that students have given and discuss what makes them good (or bad) and how they could be improved. If you want to ensure your interview performance is as …

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Many highly qualified 2028 USNA candidates were turned down: Why? 21:53

4M ago21:53

21:53

Were you turned down this year by the Naval Academy? If you applied to the USNA Class of 2028 as a high school applicant, you had a lower chance of being appointed this year. More and more post-high school candidates are re-applying and therefore there are less appointments available for direct entries. That's right, we estimate about 450 slots of …

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Navy ROTC-- Interview with a former Professor of Naval Science 40:02

5M ago40:02

40:02

We are pleased to announce that former Auburn University Professor of Naval Science, Captain (U.S. Navy, Retired) Matthew Roberts, will be joining our team as our Navy and Marine Corps ROTC expert. In this episode, we introduce Captain Roberts and obtain his insight on Navy ROTC and the scholarship process.…

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Pass or Fail? Feedback on West Point Interview Answers from Real Candidates 22:58

5M ago22:58

22:58

In today's episode, we give feedback on 5 examples of interview questions and answers from West Point candidates.By gainserviceacademyadmission

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Pass or Fail? Feedback on Army ROTC interview answers from Real Candidates 23:16

5M ago23:16

23:16

In today's episode, we give feedback on 5 examples of interview questions and answers from Army ROTC cadets.By Robert Kirkland

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Big Changes to the Service Academy Nomination Process 14:12

5M ago14:12

14:12

In this episode, LTC Kirkland and Capt Dach discuss two major changes to nominations and the way Service Academies (West Point, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy) select candidates to offer appointments to for any candidates entering an Academy in June of 2025 or later. Each Member of Congress is able to now nominate 15 candidates instead of 10.…

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Sea Cadets: Build a Service Academy Leadership Profile 31:26

6M ago31:26

31:26

In today's episode, we cover a great way to develop military propensity and discipline - Danielle Stolz and Patrick Nasdeo, both leaders within the Sea Cadets program join us to talk about the opportunities for young Sea Cadets in the middle school and high school programs. If you are interested in joining Sea Cadets, you can find a unit near you h…

1
Sea Cadets: Build an ROTC Leadership Profile 31:43

6M ago31:43

31:43

In today's episode, we cover a great way to develop military propensity and discipline - Danielle Stolz and Patrick Nasdeo, both leaders within the Sea Cadets program join us to talk about the opportunities for young Sea Cadets in the middle school and high school programs. If you are interested in joining Sea Cadets, you can find a unit near you h…

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Allergies & DoDMERB: Perspective from a Retired Air Force Allergist for Academy Candidates 35:00

7M ago35:00

35:00

In today's show, we welcome Colonel Joseph Forester, a retired Air Force veteran and allergist, to discuss allergies and DoDMERB disqualifications. Service Academy and ROTC scholarship candidates must be DoDMERB qualified (or waived) in order to participate in these programs. One of the most common medical issues we see in candidates is an allergy …

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Allergies & DoDMERB: Perspective from a Retired Air Force Allergist for ROTC Candidates 35:16

7M ago35:16

35:16

In today's show, we welcome Colonel Joseph Forester, a retired Air Force veteran and allergist, to discuss allergies and DoDMERB disqualifications. Service Academy and ROTC scholarship candidates must be DoDMERB qualified (or waived) in order to participate in these programs. One of the most common medical issues we see in candidates is an allergy …

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In-Flight Announcement: A short pause 1:58

9M ago1:58

1:58

Hey everyone! We'll be taking a short pause in releasing episodes while we deal with some circumstances outside of our control. Rest assured we will be back up and running ASAP with the same great content you expect from us! Cheers!By Bryan Morrison

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Episode 27: The Guardian: Helicopter Search and Rescue in the RCAF and the CH-149 Cormorant - Paul 1:03:50

9M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

What is it like to help save a life? What does it take to hoist a SARTech onto a ship in rough seas, at night, in a storm? Why is it so important to treat aviation like a team sport? Paul has flown search and rescue out of Goose Bay, Labrador and Greenwood, Nova Scotia. He has conducted many rescues and SAR missions, and has had to learn some tough…

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Episode 26: Remembrance Day: Tactical Airlift and the CC-130H, Remembering the Fallen - Mike H 49:14

10M ago49:14

49:14

What is it like to airdrop cargo into a Forward Operating Base in the middle of a firefight? How does it feel to find out you're going to an active warzone? What is it like to regularly be exposed to rocket attacks? What's it like to attend dozens of repatriation ceremonies? For Mike, all these things became part of normal life as he went through h…

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Episode 25: The Advance Party: Flying with the Snowbirds, Ejecting from the CT-114 Tutor, and Remembering Jenn Casey - Rich 56:33

10M ago56:33

56:33

What do the Advance and Safety Pilots do for the Snowbirds? What is the tryout process like? What does it feel like to eject, and how do you come back from the tragedy of losing a friend and teammate? Rich Macdougall has flown NORAD and air refueling missions around the globe as a Tanker Commander on the CC-130H Hercules. Later, after instructing o…

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Improving your SAT Math with Vinny Madera 39:14

11M ago39:14

39:14

Today we sit down with Vinny Madera, a renowned SAT tutor with a track record of helping students significantly boost their SAT scores. Dive deep into the world of SAT math as Vinny shares tips, strategies, and insights to conquer this critical section of the test. Whether you're just starting your SAT journey or looking for those extra points to p…

1
Improving your SAT Math with Vinny Madera 39:30

11M ago39:30

39:30

Today we sit down with Vinny Madera, a renowned SAT tutor with a track record of helping students significantly boost their SAT scores. Dive deep into the world of SAT math as Vinny shares tips, strategies, and insights to conquer this critical section of the test. Whether you're just starting your SAT journey or looking for those extra points to p…

1
Episode 24: The Deployment: Afghanistan Stories - Greg 1:16:20

11M ago1:16:20

1:16:20

What was it like to deploy with the Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan (CHFA)? What is it like when your door gunners engage the enemy, or to be shot at while flying in a firefight? What do you do when your helicopter gets shot up and you still have to make it to a safe place to land? Greg has been a Tac Hel instructor, and deployed early in his…

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Episode 23: Military Family Appreciation Day: Spouse Perspectives - Melissa, Janet, McKayla, Lyndsay 1:39:00

11M ago1:39:00

1:39:00

Did you know the third Friday of every September is Military Family Appreciation Day? What is it like to be a spouse or partner with someone in the RCAF? What are the challenges? What are the things that make it great? What advice would a spouse give to a new pilot to help them have a successful family life? What is it like if your new husband depl…

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Episode 22: Remembering September 11, 2001: Canadian perspectives - Rob, Shelley, Bert 1:17:25

12M ago1:17:25

1:17:25

This week on The Pilot Project Podcast, we’ll explore the events surrounding September 11 as viewed through the eyes of three air traffic controllers who were on duty on or following that day. Each provides a unique perspective. What was it like for a Canadian military controller working in New York at the time? What about a civilian controller wor…

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Episode 21: The teacher, The Snowbird, The Student: A life as a pilot in the RCAF - Blake 1:02:02

12M ago1:02:02

1:02:02

What does it feel like to instruct the next generation of RCAF pilots? What about flying on the Snowbirds? How can vulnerability lead to new learning opportunities? Blake has flown the CT-156 Harvard, the CT-155 Hawk, been an instructor at 2CFFTS, flew with the Snowbird demonstration team for several seasons and now recently completed his training …

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Episode 20: The Recruiter: Everything you want to know about joining the RCAF as a Pilot - Paul 59:26

1y ago59:26

59:26

What are the paths you can take to join the RCAF as a pilot? How much time will you have to serve? What are the eyesight requirements for a pilot? What can you do to make yourself an attractive applicant? Paul has flown the CP-140M Aurora and most recently been posted to Canadian Forces Recruiting Group in Borden, Ontario. There he became extremely…

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ACT Math with Specialist Tony Miglio: Preparing for your Service Academy Application 31:16

1y ago31:16

31:16

In this episode, we sit down with ACT Math Specialist Tony Miglio to delve into the intricate world of ACT Math preparation. Tony shares his insights and methods for success, with a particular emphasis on his specialized calculator course. If you're a high school student interested in earning a West Point, Air Force Academy, or Naval Academy appoin…

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ACT Math with Specialist Tony Miglio: Preparing for your ROTC Scholarship Application 31:33

1y ago31:33

31:33

In this episode, we sit down with ACT Math Specialist Tony Miglio to delve into the intricate world of ACT Math preparation. Tony shares his insights and methods for success, with a particular emphasis on his specialized calculator course. If you're a high school student eyeing an ROTC scholarship or a parent keen to help your child succeed, you'll…

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Episode 19: The Sailor: Maritime Helicopter and the CH-148 Cyclone - Corey 1:07:11

1y ago1:07:11

1:07:11

What does it take to land a helicopter on a pitching ship deck at night in bad weather? How do you come back from tragedy and the loss of good friends? Corey has flown the Cyclone around the world from the decks of Royal Canadian Naval ships. He also instructs the helicopter course at 3CFFTS in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Corey will talk about hi…

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Episode 18: The Hunter: Long Range Patrol and the CP-140M Aurora - Davis 1:03:30

1y ago1:03:30

1:03:30

What does it take to make it as a submarine hunter? What about as an instructor on the Harvard II at the Big 2 in Moose Jaw? Davis has seen it and done it around the world in the Aurora, and gone to many amazing places in the Harvard. After years of flying the Aurora, several tours overseas and instructing at Moose Jaw, Davis has transitioned to ci…

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Episode 17: The Freeze: Everything you want to know about the DEO Pilot Hiring Freeze - John 41:09

1y ago41:09

41:09

The RCAF has frozen the hiring process for direct entry officer (DEO) applicants. Why are they doing this? What does it mean? How long will it last? We'll sit down with Brigadier General John Alexander, commander of 2 Canadian Air Division to answer all these questions and more. John has flown several helicopters around the world including a stint …

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Do the SAT & ACT Still Matter for ROTC Scholarships? 20:03

1y ago20:03

20:03

In this episode, we tackle the question of how important standardized testing is for ROTC scholarship applicants, along with Service Academy applicants.By Robert Kirkland

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Do the SAT & ACT Still Matter for Service Academy Applicants? 19:47

1y ago19:47

19:47

In this episode, we tackle a pivotal question haunting the minds of service academy hopefuls: How relevant are the SAT & ACT scores in the application process today? Although some colleges and universities seem to be moving away from these standardized tests, our insight will explain why you still need to prioritize these exams.…

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Episode 16: The Hauler: Air Mobility, Tactical Airlift, and the CC-130J Super Hercules - Skye 1:11:57

1y ago1:11:57

1:11:57

What is it like to fly Canada’s tactical airlift fleet? How about showing up as the fleet’s only female pilot (at the time)? How does it feel to land by an active volcano, or to explore the globe on one of Canada’s busiest fleets? After flying all around the world as well as instructing on the CC-130J Super Hercules, Skye has been there, done that,…

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Episode 15: The Student: Part 1 - Life on Phase I and the Grob G-120A – Scott 52:10

1y ago52:10

52:10

What does it take to switch from a different trade to pilot, and what is the process? What does it feel like to be in flight training in the RCAF right NOW? After extensive experience as an Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO) Scott decided to join the good guys and be a pilot. He just finished a shortened Phase I course and has began his training in …

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Episode 14: The Support: Combat Support, the CH-146 Griffon and Thomas “Toast” McQueen – Vic 1:08:25

1+ y ago1:08:25

1:08:25

Imagine you are on a training flight and you get a call that there has been a crash. As Combat Support, you respond to the scene to find the worst - the pilot has not survived. After a long day of recovering remains and securing the crash, you find out the person who died was one of your best friends. What would you do? How do you recover? Vic will…

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Episode 13: The Cost: My journey with PTSD, anxiety, and mental health in the RCAF - Bryan and Melissa 47:50

1+ y ago47:50

47:50

What happens if you have mental health issues as a pilot in the RCAF? What does it look like to navigate that system? Is there a large stigma against coming forward? For this special Mental Health Awareness Month episode, Bryan will sit in the guest seat and his wife Melissa will take a turn interviewing. Bryan has flown around the world in the CP-…

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Lessons Learned from the 2022 to 2023 Service Academy Application Cycle 21:47

1+ y ago21:47

21:47

In this episode, we discuss lessons we learned from helping clients apply for appointments to all the Service Academies from academic year, 2022-2023, which is the Service Academy class of 2027.By gainserviceacademyadmission

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Episode 12: The Heavy: Air Mobility, Strategic Airlift and the CC-177 Globemaster III - John 1:08:45

1+ y ago1:08:45

1:08:45

What is it like to fly Canada’s largest aircraft? What was it like to be part of the evacuation of Afghanistan? How can you make sure your failures become learning experiences instead of stumbling blocks? After flying all around the world in the C17 and now instructing on the Phase III multi-engine course at 3CFFTS, John knows what it takes to succ…

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The SAT versus the ACT and your Service Academy Application 28:49

1+ y ago28:49

28:49

In this episode, we break down how to choose between the SAT and ACT, and the test's importance for your Service Academy application.By gainserviceacademyadmission

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The SAT versus the ACT 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

In this episode, we break down the differences between the SAT and ACT and discuss how they impact your ROTC scholarship.By Robert Kirkland

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Episode 11: The Tanker: Air Mobility, Air-to-Air Refuelling and the CC-150 Polaris - Jeff 1:12:25

1+ y ago1:12:25

1:12:25

What is it like to refuel a fighter over Iraq? What about going straight to one of the largest aircraft in the RCAF from a small twin engine turboprop? How can chair flying change the way you train, and how do you do it properly? Jeff will tell us all these things and many more. Jeff walked into the RCAF with zero flight experience. Now, Jeff has f…

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Episode 10: The Wait: Training Delays and how we'll fix them - Colin and Morty 1:09:32

1+ y ago1:09:32

1:09:32

What are the wait times like in the RCAF pilot training system? Are they long? What is being done to make them shorter? We'll answer these questions and many more, largely sourced from you, our fans! In this special episode we sit down with Lieutenant-Colonel Colin Peek and Colonel Chris "Morty" Morrison to chat about training delays as well as som…

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Episode 9: The Valkyrie: Tac Hel, Mali, and the CH-147F Chinook - Jackie 1:10:03

1+ y ago1:10:03

1:10:03

On January 20th, 2019 Al-Qaeda forces conducted a complex attack on a FOB in Aguelhok, Mali which left several UN peacekeepers dead and others wounded and in desperate need of Medevac. That's where Jackie and her crew stepped up. Hear the story for the first time ever, now. What is it like to fly the largest helicopter in the RCAF? Jackie has flown…

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Episode 8: The Explorer: Arctic flying and the CC-138 Twin Otter - Ryan 1:08:10

1+ y ago1:08:10

1:08:10

What is it like to fly over the Arctic in a twin engine aircraft? How do you succeed in competitive flight training as a group and an individual? Ryan talks about his experience flying the CC-138 Twin Otter out of Yellowknife. Ryan flew the Twin Otter all over the Arctic (and Antarctic!), and currently instructs at 3 Canadian Forces Flight Training…

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How to Prepare for a Service Academy as a 9th or 10th Grader 45:06

1+ y ago45:06

45:06

9th and 10th grade students who aspire to obtain a Service Academy appointment can start preparing themselves early by focusing on academics, sports, leadership, and character development. By studying hard, joining sports teams, participating in scouting programs or other local clubs, volunteering in community service, and reflecting on ethical iss…

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