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Artwork for Aircrew Interview

Aircrew Interview

Mike Young
RAF
F-16
Aviation
US Air Force
Royal Air Force
Buccaneer
Air Force
Tornado
F-14 Tomcat
Typhoon
Red Flag
Navy
Military Aviation
Maple Flag
NATO
Tornado F2
F-111
Tornado F3
F-15
Tornado Aircraft

Interviews with past and present aircrew of both military and civilian types. © Aircrew Interview, all rights reserved

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes445Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
AviationDocumentaryLeisureSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Aircrew Interview

Latest Episodes

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Former F-14A RIO and Tornado F3 navigator David “Boomer” Smith compares these two legendary fighter aircraft, exploring their similarities, differences, and capabilities from the back seat. Packed with fascinating insights, first-ha... more

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Former F-111 and F-16 pilot Karl Gruner shares some books he recommends to pick up and what he is currently up to!

One-Eleven Down - link.amazon/B0iaMjLOu

The Fightin' Tenth - link.amazon/B09DFzjrN

Help to keep th... more

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Former USAF F-111 pilot Karl Gruner shares his experience of a two-week NATO fighter exchange with a Belgian Air Force Mirage 5 squadron. 

Karl discusses flying in the backseat, the aircraft’s capabilities, differences between US an... more

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Former USAF F-22 and RAF Typhoon exchange pilot James “Ammo” Carraway shares what it’s like transitioning from flying fast jets to becoming a 737 airline pilot.

Help to keep the channel going:         

PATREON - www.patreon.... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

David 'Boomer' Smith
Former F-14 Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) and F-3 Navigation Officer
Royal Navy/Royal Air Force aviation operations (UK/US)
Episode: AI # 445 : F-14A vs Tornado F3: A RIO & Navs View | David 'Boomer' Smith *FULL*
Karl Gruner
Former F-16 pilot; author and air power historian
United States Air Force (former)
Episode: AI # 444 : Fighter Pilot Recommended Books | Karl Gruner *FULL*
Roy Macintyre
Former RAF pilot with extensive air-to-air refueling experience
Royal Air Force
Episode: AI # 439 : The Skill Of Air-to-Air Refuelling | Roy Macintyre *FULL*
Dave Gourlay
Former tactical commander for QRA and NAC rep, RAF High Wycombe
Royal Air Force
Episode: AI # 438 : What is QRA? | Dave Gourlay *FULL*
David "Boomer" Smith
Navy fighter pilot, VF-84 Jolly Rogers veteran
US Navy
Episode: AI # 436 : VF-84 Jolly Rogers RIO | David "Boomer" Smith *PART 1*
John Parce
Aviator, EA-3B Skywarrior pilot
United States Navy
Episode: AI # 429 : Flying the EA-3B Skywarrior | John Parce *PART 2*
Mary Howe
Former USAF AC-130 gunner; nurse practitioner; veteran advocate
United States Air Force / Nurse Practitioner
Episode: AI # 427 : USAF AC-130 Aerial Gunner | Mary Howe *FULL*
Craig Hickson
Former Royal Navy pilot and flying instructor, author
Royal Navy / Historic Flight / Aviation author
Episode: AI # 426 : Sea King to Hawk T1 to Swordfish | Craig Hickson *PART 2*
Greg Hickson
A former Royal Navy Sea King helicopter pilot and aircrewman
Royal Navy
Episode: AI # 425 : Flying the Royal Navy Sea King | Craig Hickson *PART 1*

Host

Mike
Host of the show, guiding conversations with aircrew guests

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 305 ratings
  • OG

    Among the best military aviation podcast out there, thank you to the host and guests

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Stuka Afabant
    United Statesa year ago
  • Fab

    Amazing

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Prouddaughtertime31895
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Great conversational style

    As an aviation buff I love the tone, style and of course content. And it’s mainly UK based which offers a different perspective from other (also good) pods. The recent F-4 ejection episode was particularly fascinating.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hhhhhjhhhjhhdjdjdjdd
    New Zealand2 years ago
  • Brilliant !

    This was the first podcast I got into and it consistently delivers. The content varies from military to civilian and occasionally Mike will do an interview with a guest at an aviation museum. Highly recommended!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Wild Hog
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • Great show.

    Great show mike. Keep it up. Really enjoy your interview style.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    speedcloud6
    New Zealand3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Positive remarks about UK-based perspectives and the authentic, story-driven approach.
Many describe the episodes as highly informative for aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Overall sentiment highlights compelling guest stories and strong production quality.
Some feedback notes room for deeper questioning and faster pacing, but quality remains high across guests.
Listeners praise the host's relaxed interview style and deep respect for guests' experiences.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#149
United States/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#15
United Kingdom/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#60
Canada/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#247
United Kingdom/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#21
Australia/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#47
Germany/Leisure/Aviation

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

AI # 437 : F-14 RIO Flies the Tornado F3 | David "Boomer" Smith *PART 2*
Q: What's a top speed you've managed in both, the F-14 and the F3?
He states a top speed of around Mach 2.0 for both aircraft, noting differences in flight regimes and the experience of flying fast jets in different services, with emphasis on the deceleration and cockpit feel during supersonic exits.
AI # 437 : F-14 RIO Flies the Tornado F3 | David "Boomer" Smith *PART 2*
Q: What was the social side like? Did you all mix as like a squadron or did you keep separate when, like on the weekends, for instance?
Boomer details how social life was integrated, with heavy RAF social events (Summer Ball, Christmas Draw), cross-unit banter, and families participating; emphasizes deep, lasting friendships that formed with both officers and families.
AI # 437 : F-14 RIO Flies the Tornado F3 | David "Boomer" Smith *PART 2*
Q: Can you tell us what it was like arriving on 56 at Coningsby? Was it straight away, or did you have a pre-visit beforehand, or was it work straight away, first day?
He describes the quick onboarding after Bosnia, with an embassy visit, survival training, altitude chamber, and rapid transition to Chivenor for Hawk training before joining Coningsby, including interactions with Pete Coker and setup with American colleagues.
AI # 437 : F-14 RIO Flies the Tornado F3 | David "Boomer" Smith *PART 2*
Q: So, let's get on to your time in the RAF. So, tell us about how this exchange came about for you.
Boomer explains how the RAF–Navy exchange was set up, including the timing of the three-year slot, the cross-service pairing, and the mutual readiness of both sides to facilitate the swap and comfortable onboarding.
AI # 438 : What is QRA? | Dave Gourlay *FULL*
Q: What was it like having a direct line to the Prime Minister during certain operations?
Having the red phone in the NAC rep's office meant there was direct, high-level oversight and command capability, underscoring the seriousness of decisions and coordination with government ministries during critical events.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Aircrew Interview

What is Aircrew Interview about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A collection of in-depth conversations with aircrew from military and civilian aviation, focused on lived experiences, technical challenges, and career arcs across decades. Episodes frequently explore training, cockpit teamwork, high-stakes decision making, and the evolution of aircraft and missions, often illustrated through dramatic near-misses, rescue operations, and long-form career retrospectives. Noteworthy is the emphasis on personal storytelling, mentorship, and the human side of aviation—camaraderie, maintenance culture, and the transition from active flying to later careers. The format tends to let guests speak at length, delivering vivid, insider perspectives that appeal to aviation enthusiasts, veterans, and prospective guests s... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Aircrew Interview?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Aircrew Interview:

1. Fighter Pilot Podcast
2. 10 Percent True - Tales from the Cockpit
3. The Afterburn Podcast
4. Cold War Conversations
5. Combat Story

How many episodes of Aircrew Interview are there?

Aircrew Interview launched 10 years ago and published 445 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Aircrew Interview?

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What guests have appeared on Aircrew Interview?

Recent guests on Aircrew Interview include:

1. David 'Boomer' Smith
2. Karl Gruner
3. Roy Macintyre
4. Dave Gourlay
5. David "Boomer" Smith
6. John Parce
7. Mary Howe
8. Craig Hickson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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