The Old Fly Guy Network

The Old Fly Guy

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Our mission is to provide a platform to engage with leaders in the general aviation marketplace. Exploring the background of these leaders and how their journey in general aviation began. Discover what drives these aviators to share their knowledge. Learn what these aviators see for the future in aviation. Discuss the lighter side of aviation and be inspired to take to the skies to follow our dream of flying.

6D AGO

The F-111F and Flying The Desert Storm Mission!

In Part B of this two-part Old Fly Guy episode, the conversation with F-111F aviators Rusty O’Brien and Mace Carpenter moves from preparation to execution—focusing squarely on Desert Storm and how the F-111F delivered decisive results. With decades of shared flying experience, Rusty and Mace take viewers inside the real-world tactics, logistics, and mission planning that made the F-111F the most effective strike aircraft of the conflict. This episode explores innovative techniques like radar ducting, precision strike tactics using laser-guided munitions, and the behind-the-scenes logistical efforts that kept the jet flying night after night. Rusty and Mace share personal stories from training missions and combat sorties, highlighting how crew cohesion, trust, and familiarity were just as important as technology. Often overshadowed by air-to-air fighters, the F-111F’s Desert Storm record speaks for itself—and Part B ensures its mission, impact, and legacy are finally given the attention they deserve.

43 min
JAN 17

Cold War Roots, Desert Storm Impact: F-111F!

In Part A of this two-part Old Fly Guy episode, we return to the cockpit with F-111F aviators Rusty O’Brien and Mace Carpenter to focus on why the F-111F was so critical during Desert Storm. With more than 60 years of combined military service, Rusty and Mace take us inside the mission planning, readiness, and strategic role the F-111 carried into the Gulf War—building on its Cold War roots as a nuclear deterrent and evolving into one of the most effective precision strike platforms of the conflict. This first half explores the foundation: NATO nuclear alert missions, the intense preparation required to maintain constant readiness, and how those disciplines translated directly into Desert Storm success. Rusty and Mace explain how technology, crew coordination, logistics, and trust in the aircraft allowed the F-111F to deliver devastatingly effective strikes with fewer sorties and reduced risk. Part A sets the stage for Part B, where we’ll dive deeper into combat execution, emergency scenarios, and personal moments that defined the mission and the legacy of the F-111F

41 min
JAN 3

Inside the F-111F: The Jet That Owned the Night

The F-111F Aardvark was built for missions few aircraft could survive—and even fewer could execute with precision. In this first episode of a new Old Fly Guy series, we sit down with two of the men who flew it into history. Rusty O’Brien (27 years active duty) and Mace Carpenter (34 years of service) share what it was really like to fly the F-111F during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and other global operations where success depended on speed, teamwork, and trust in the jet. This conversation focuses on the aircraft itself—what made the F-111F so unique, why it was chosen for deep strike missions, and how terrain-following radar, variable-sweep wings, and precision weapons turned it into a night-fighting force multiplier. Rusty and Mace explain how crew coordination between pilot and WSO was essential, how missions were planned and flown at low altitude and high speed, and why the F-111F proved its value when it mattered most. This episode sets the stage for a broader series exploring the missions, people, and legacy of one of the most consequential strike aircraft in aviation history—told by those who were there. Top 5 Takeaways from This Episode The F-111F Was Purpose-Built for Missions Others Couldn’t Fly This episode explains why the F-111F wasn’t just another fighter or bomber—it was a precision strike platform designed to penetrate defended airspace at low altitude, high speed, and in all weather, long before stealth became the norm. Technology Alone Wasn’t Enough—Crew Coordination Made It Work Flying the F-111F required absolute trust between pilot and weapons systems officer. Viewers gain insight into how teamwork, communication, and shared responsibility were just as critical as the aircraft’s advanced systems. Terrain-Following Radar Changed the Rules of Air Combat The ability to fly low and fast, day or night, redefined how deep-strike missions were executed. Rusty and Mace describe what it was like to rely on the jet’s systems in environments where there was no margin for error. Desert Storm Validated the F-111F’s Design and Doctrine Precision bombing during Desert Storm proved the effectiveness of the F-111F and helped shape modern strike warfare. This episode connects the aircraft’s performance directly to broader changes in how airpower is employed today. The F-111F Legacy Is About People as Much as the Aircraft Beyond the jet itself, this conversation highlights the culture, camaraderie, and responsibility carried by the crews and support teams. The episode preserves lessons and experiences that still resonate with today’s aviators and aviation enthusiasts.

1h 16m
12/28/2025

The Airfield Cafe Built on Family, Flight, and Community!

Tucked along the runway in North Hampton, New Hampshire, the Airfield Cafe is more than a place to eat — it’s a story of family, perseverance, and community that spans generations. In this Old Fly Guy Network episode, we sit down with Scott Aversano and his children Ashley and Tyler to explore how the Airfield Cafe, first opened in 1996, became a cornerstone of the local aviation community. Scott shares the pivotal role played by his father, “Pappa Joe,” whose leap of faith into the airport restaurant business helped get everything started. After a previous family venture was impacted by an economic downturn, an unexpected opportunity — and encouragement from the airport community — led Pappa Joe to take over a small breakfast-and-lunch café at the airfield, planting the seeds for what would become a beloved institution. Through hard work and consistency, the family transformed the café from a modest 36-seat diner into a thriving operation employing nearly 70 people, all while staying true to its roots. The Airfield Cafe became a place where pilots, airport neighbors, and local families naturally came together — a bridge between aviation and community life. Scott also reflects on one of the greatest rewards of the journey: working side-by-side with his children. Ashley and Tyler grew up in the café, learning responsibility early and developing a shared passion for the business. Today, Ashley brings her business education and leadership vision, while Tyler’s engineering mindset fuels creative ideas like a conveyor-belt display for model airplanes. For Scott, watching his children grow — both personally and professionally — while helping shape the café’s future is as meaningful as the business success itself. This episode is a heartfelt look at legacy, family pride, innovation, and the unique role airport cafés play in keeping aviation culture alive. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most important things at an airfield aren’t just the airplanes — but the people who gather around the table. ✈️☕ Visit the Airfield Cafe, meet the family, and experience a place where generations and aviation stories continue to take flight. The Full AIRFIELD CAFE Episode! https://youtu.be/KPNgvbGxGQA

31 min
12/06/2025

New York Airspace! What It Takes to Keep Millions of Passengers Safe Every Day, Expect Nothing Less

In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Podcast, we flip the script and explore aviation from a side most pilots and aviation fans rarely get to see — the people who shape the skies from the ground. Wade sits down with Ralph Tamburro, a highly respected aviation professional with 31+ years at the FAA and more than a decade with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It’s not just an interview — it’s a rare, insider-level conversation with someone who has worked at the very heart of the world’s most complex airspace. Ralph’s experience spans traffic management, operational oversight, safety, and modernization initiatives that directly affect how millions of passengers travel each year. Very few people in aviation have had a front-row seat to both sides of the system — the FAA and a major airport authority — and even fewer are willing to talk openly about what really happens behind the scenes. In this episode, listeners get unprecedented access to: How the FAA and the Port Authority collaborate, negotiate, and occasionally wrestle over safety and efficiency Why managing New York’s layered, high-density airspace is unlike anywhere else in the world What actually goes into preventing delays, coordinating construction, and keeping airport traffic flowing The slow march of technology in ATC — and what needs to change The human side of air traffic control, including decision-making, communication, and family legacies in the career Ralph shares candid stories and explains the complexities of air traffic management with clarity only a true insider can provide. His perspective is unique, unfiltered, and incredibly valuable for anyone who flies, works in aviation, or simply wants to understand how the national airspace system really works.

1h 21m
10/11/2025

SR-71 Mission Control: The Minds Behind the Blackbird Flight Plan!

In the fourth episode of the Old Fly Guy Network’s SR-71 Blackbird series, we go behind the curtain to explore the operational heart of the SR-71 program — the teams who turned intelligence requests into successful Mach 3 missions. While pilots and RSOs (Reconnaissance Systems Officers) carried out daring flights, every sortie began weeks earlier in the hands of a dedicated operations and intelligence planning team. This episode features insights from intelligence officers, planners, pilots, and RSOs who reveal how missions were crafted — from target selection to route design, fuel and refueling coordination, sensor timing, and international clearances. They share how the SR-71’s speed and altitude demanded extraordinary precision in planning — where a single miscalculation could mean a missed target or diplomatic incident. The conversation unveils the quiet coordination between the Air Force, CIA, and national intelligence agencies that made the Blackbird not only a marvel of engineering but also a masterpiece of operational art. This episode brings the series full circle — from design and maintenance to flight and mission planning — showing that the Blackbird’s success wasn’t just about speed; it was about teamwork, foresight, and flawless execution. ✈️ 5 Key Takeaways for the Viewer Mission Planning was the Real Launch Point – how SR-71 flights began on the ground with months of coordination. Precision Intelligence Integration – how military and government intelligence agencies worked together to define mission targets. Pilots & RSOs in the Loop Early – how flight crews influenced mission design long before takeoff. Operational Art Under Pressure – how planners accounted for fuel, enemy radar, and even geopolitical boundaries. The Human Factor – the professionalism and coordination that made each mission a success in a tense Cold War environment.

1h 34m
10/04/2025

The Men Who Owned the SR-71 Blackbird!

In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we dive deep into the unsung heroes of the SR-71 Blackbird program, the maintenance and technical teams. While the pilots “rented” the aircraft, the crews who maintained and engineered it truly owned the SR-71. Hear first-hand from Robbie Butterfield, Steve Justice, and Mike Hull as they reveal the challenges of keeping the world’s fastest jet ready for duty. From the unique demands of working with titanium to innovations at the Skunk Works, discover how cutting-edge design and relentless teamwork kept the Blackbird flying high at Mach 3. ✅ 5 Takeaways for the Viewer Maintenance was ownership – why the SR-71’s reliability depended on the dedication of its crew. Titanium challenges – how one of the hardest metals in the world shaped every aspect of maintenance. Heat & speed solutions – insights into high-emissivity paint, materials science, and design tricks that made Mach 3 flight possible. Continuous innovation – how Skunk Works engineers and maintenance teams constantly upgraded the jet. Camaraderie & pride – the personal stories of those who kept the Blackbird soaring during the Cold War.

1h 38m
09/27/2025

SR-71 Blackbird: Secrets from the Trainers......The Real Behind The Scenes!

In this second episode of our four-part SR-71 Blackbird series, we step into the world of the men who trained the fastest pilots on earth. Legendary instructors Jerry Glasser, Buz Carpenter, and BC Thomas share how they prepared new SR-71 crews to handle one of the most complex aircraft ever built. From hours in the simulator to high-stakes check rides, the trainers reveal what it took to fly above 80,000 feet and outrun threats at Mach 3. Every pilot’s path was different—but each was forged by rigorous training, precision, and trust. This episode highlights the camaraderie, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defined the SR-71 program. It’s not just about flying fast—it’s about the trainers who shaped the pilots to survive and succeed. Stay tuned as we continue the SR-71 series: next up, the maintenance crews who kept the Blackbird in the air, followed by the ops teams who turned missions into history. What You’ll Take Away from This Episode: How SR-71 trainers tailored instruction based on each pilot’s background and strengths. Why simulator training was just as critical—and sometimes more stressful—than actual flights. The essential role of teamwork and trust between pilots and RSOs at Mach 3. How the trainers balanced being mentors, evaluators, and motivators. Why camaraderie in the SR-71 program was key to mission success

1h 21m

Our mission is to provide a platform to engage with leaders in the general aviation marketplace. Exploring the background of these leaders and how their journey in general aviation began. Discover what drives these aviators to share their knowledge. Learn what these aviators see for the future in aviation. Discuss the lighter side of aviation and be inspired to take to the skies to follow our dream of flying.

Creator

The Old Fly Guy
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

25
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 The Old Fly Guy Network
Show Website

The Old Fly Guy Network