Helicopter Pilot Flies in a Jet - Will I Pass Out? | Combat Story Flies With The Patriots Jet Team

About This Episode
Will a former Army Aviator and CIA officer pass out or throw-up for his first flight in a jet?!
Strap in for a high-octane adventure with the Patriots Jet Team, the ONLY civilian-owned aerobatic jet team in the United States! Ryan is taking Combat Story on a thrilling journey in an L-39 Soviet Jet with the legendary pilot, Scott "Intake" Kartvedt. They're gearing up and rehearsing for a heart-pounding performance at the Sonoma NASCAR race, and you've got a front-row seat (well...it's a the backseat of the L-39 actually)!
Before we take off, we get some insider tips from Ryan "Stinger" Fishel, Active Duty F-15 fighter pilot and former guest on the podcast (https://youtu.be/4jP3U2nHFUw - 400K views), on how to handle the intense G-forces during the flight and what to eat before getting in the cockpit. Will Ryan keep his cool (and his lunch) as they pull 7-8 G's for 45 minutes? Fasten your seatbelts and find out!
We also hear from Kevin "K2" LaRosa Jr, a sought after Hollywood aerial coordinator and stunt pilot who was handpicked by Tom Cruise to choreograph Top Gun:Maverick (he was also behind the scenes and/or in the cockpit for Avengers, Iron Man, and over 100 other movies and TV shows)!
Next, we whisk you away on an exclusive tour of the Patriots Jet Team Hangar, a veritable Aladdin's cave of aviation wonders and also the world's greatest man cave! From sleek jets to Hollywood stunt aircraft, this hangar is a treasure trove. And the pièce de résistance? A bar made from a Russian Mig Wing or the "Help Me" sign used by Tom Cruise and James Corden when they go flying in Randy's aircraft (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1iZtBM23bY)?!
Enter Randy "Howler" Howell, the owner of the Patriots Jet Team. With decades of flying experience, Randy is more than a pilot; he's an aviation legend who taught his son to fly solo at the tender age of eight! When Tom Cruise need a stunt pilot for Top Gun:Maverick, he chose Randy Howell.
Safety is paramount when you're flying with the Patriots Jet Team! We go through an awesome emergency procedure for a heart-stopping ejection process (I call it the turn and dump). Then, it's time to take to the skies. Experience the adrenaline rush of formation flying, high-speed maneuvers, and the thrill of going inverted (many times!). Ryan even gets a chance to take the controls which is not unlike his days flying the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter!
Despite a bout of nausea (an occupational hazard!), Ryan revels in the exhilarating experience of getting back in the cockpit again.
So, are you ready to defy gravity with us? Tune in, hold tight, and enjoy the ride! Special thanks to Joey Amtman for incredible editing and Four Winds Creative (filming).
The Patriots Jet Team on Instagram: @rhowlerhowell, @scottKartvedt, @deanwright15, @epic_flying, @patriotsjetuprt, @lovell.cory, @mtemby, @rings_patriotsjet, @mamainiero, @aviatrixemmy, @minijetmojoh2o, @stellantsystems, @dragonfly.films, @flygoodyear, @concordebatterycorp, @pjt_foundation
Timeline:
Combat Story Flies With The Patriots Jet Team
Chapters
- 0:00Intro
- 1:25G-force management tips from Ryan "Stinger" Fishel, F-15 fighter pilot
- 2:25Exclusive tour of the Patriots Jet Team Hangar
- 3:24James Cordan and Tom Cruise Help Me sign!
- 4:00Blue Angel Action Figure/Doll!
- 4:35Kevin LaRosa describes Cinejet and Top Gun and Devotion filming
- 6:50How to EJECT from an L-39!!
- 8:19Scott Intake Kartvedt going Full Throttle
- 9:35Taking Off!!
- 11:237Gs on a left break!
- 17:00RTB (Return to Base) and landing
- 15:00Dealing with nausea during the flight
- 16:30Wrapping up the flight and landing
- 18:38Get your name on the L-39!
- 19:15Outtake


