The Pilot Project Podcast: Recent Episodes
Bryan Morrison
The Pilot Project Podcast aims to help new pilots learn what it takes to succeed in the world of flight, to help people in the flight training system learn what they may want to fly, and to give the Canadians and the world a peak into life on the flight deck in the RCAF. We want to help pilots succeed and thrive! We interview real RCAF pilots for their exciting stories as well as the lessons they've learned along the way, as well as their tips on staying mentally strong enough to stay in the fight.
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 working in Gander, a town of 9000 that took on 6000 stranded passengers? How did an isolated NORAD detachment in Inuvik respond to the changing situation?
We will hear these stories and more in this week’s episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.
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 on helicopters to go fly the CH-149 Cormorant.
Blake will talk about his methods for succeeding and thriving while you’re in flight training, his area of expertise. We’ll learn about how getting comfortable with being uncomfortable can help you deal with your mistakes and much more on this latest episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.
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 well-versed in the ins and outs of recruiting; and gained a passion for helping applicants to succeed.
Paul will talk about his advice for successfully joining the RCAF as a pilot, answer the questions kindly supplied by listeners and the Canadian Forces Subreddit and much more on this latest episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.
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 his experiences flying the Cyclone and his journey to recovery after the Stalker 22 crash. He’ll talk about why growth happens on those dark and stormy nights when your NVGs fail and much more on this latest episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.
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 civilian life, but he has a ton of great stories and advice to help you thrive in adversity whether that be in flight training or life.
Hear about how accepting that you will fail can be the key to succeeding more often, and much more in this latest episode.
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 flying the Puma with the RAF. He has deployed in many theatres and is now in command of 2 CAD which handles all training and education in the RCAF. He'll answer a ton of questions asked by you, the audience, and the Canadian Forces subreddit.
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, and thrived in the RCAF.
Skye will talk about why a stick of gum and a whole lot of knowledge can get you out of almost any situation. She’ll also talk about taking part in evacuations during Alberta’s wildfires, overcoming imposter syndrome, and how she overcame the biggest scare of her flying career through openness and honesty.
Is Phase I a weeding out process? What does it take to pass?
After taking part in over 60 rescues, instructing on the Phase III helicopter course and being the Phase I Grob Flight Commander, Dawn knows what it takes to be successful, take responsibility for your success and to make sure you stay balanced and healthy while you strive for it.
Dawn talks about how wellness can help you navigate difficult situations so you shine in both the good and the hard times you encounter. She’ll also focus on how mindfulness and ensuring you’re ready to fight are critical to being a successful Air Force pilot.
Links:
Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP)
Death and Deliverance
Flight Comment - Issue 2, 2022 (page 22 for Dawn's article)
This is the trailer/introductory episode for The Pilot Project Podcast. In this podcast, Bryan introduces himself and talks about what inspired him to get into aviation, how his career has progressed, and what experience he has. The episode also lays out the goals of the podcast and teases the next episode!
Royal Canadian Air Cadet website (How Bryan got his start):
https://aircadetleague.com/
The London International Airshow (Bryan's childhood favourite airshow)
https://airshowlondon.com/