Shows
The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 84: The YouTuber: Mattfrom103, the Outcast 903 accident, and flying the CH-149 Cormorant with 103 SAR Squadron Part 1 - Matt NeriMajor Matt Neri joins Bryan Morrison for Part 1 of a two-part interview exploring his career in Search and Rescue. Matt shares his early aviation influences, flight training experiences, and first operational tours on the CH-149 Cormorant. From earning his wings to coordinating SAR missions at JRCC Halifax, this episode offers an inside look at the realities of rescue flying and what it takes to lead the busiest SAR squadron in Canada.
2026-01-061h 20The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 83: The Christmas Drop: Taking part in Operation Christmas Drop and flying the CC-130J Hercules Part 2 - Anthony Element-MalouinIn Part 2 of this Christmas special, Bryan continues his conversation with Captain Anthony Element-Malouin, a CC-130J Hercules pilot with 436 Transport Squadron, focusing on his operational career and leadership journey. Tony talks about returning to flying after being grounded, a demanding 2024 filled with major exercises, and deployments on Op Reassurance.The episode dives into large-scale training events like Battalion Mass Tactical Week, Storm Flag, and Red Flag, crew culture on deployment, and the process of upgrading to Aircraft Commander. Tony also shares what makes Operation Christmas Drop so meaningful and what it’s like returning to the mi...
2025-12-2355 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 82: The Christmas Drop: Taking part in Operation Christmas Drop and flying the CC-130J Hercules Part 1 - Anthony Element-MalouinIn Part 1 of this two-part Christmas special, Bryan sits down with Captain Anthony Element-Malouin, a CC-130J Hercules pilot with 436 Transport Squadron, to explore his path from early inspiration to operational flying in the RCAF. The conversation dives into the realities of RCAF pilot training, including Phase 1 in Portage, the challenges of Phase 2 on the CT-156 Harvard II, air sickness, spin course, test anxiety, and the perseverance required to push through setbacks. Tony also reflects on earning his wings, transitioning to the Hercules, deploying shortly after OTU on Op Reassurance, and preparing for Operation Christmas Drop during t...
2025-12-161h 04The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 80: The Rescue Series: Mountain missions and max-range hoists on the CH-149 Cormorant Part 1 - John LivingstonIn Part 1 of this two-episode feature, host Bryan Morrison sits down with Capt John Livingston, a CH-149 Cormorant Search and Rescue pilot whose journey to the RCAF was anything but straightforward. Born in Comox and inspired by a family legacy of military flying, John shares how varsity hockey, studies at UPEI, and the demanding environment of RMC’s mechanical engineering program shaped his path toward pilot training.John walks listeners through Phase 1 and Phase 2 flight training, overcoming intense test anxiety, discovering a passion for formation flying, and learning from instructors who pushed him to become a better av...
2025-12-0252 min
AI with Bry PodcastShip in Days, Not Months: Agentic AI for Product Managers with Brooks MorrisonIn this episode of AI with Bry, we explore a shift that’s happening faster than anyone expected: product teams are beginning to ship in days, not months. And the catalyst behind this acceleration is agentic AI.I’m joined by Brooks Morrison, Principal Product Leader at TechCXO, who brings a grounded, practical perspective on how AI is transforming product management, engineering workflows, and executive leadership. If you’re a PM, founder, engineer, or anyone responsible for building digital products, this episode is your roadmap for what’s changing and how to stay ahead of it.
2025-11-2124 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 78: The Gunner: Life of a USAF Aerial Gunner and flying on the AC130H Spectre Gunship and the HH-60G PAVEHAWK Part 1 - Anthony DyerIn Part 1 of our conversation with USAF Tech Sgt. Anthony Dyer (Ret), host Bryan Morrison explores Anthony’s journey from growing up in the Appalachian Mountains to serving as an aerial gunner on the legendary AC-130H Spectre gunship. Anthony walks us through his early Air Force years as an F-15E weapons loader, the impact of 9/11, his transition to firefighting, and the demanding pipeline that led him into special operations aviation. He shares what it’s like to fire a 105 mm cannon from the sky, the pressure of close air support, his baptism of fire on his first comb...
2025-11-1858 min
Getting Students to Write- Helping Elementary and Middle School teachers improve student writing.Episode 128 Narrative Know-How with Trevor BryanJoin Melissa Morrison in an engaging episode of 'Getting Students to Write' as she welcomes art teacher and author Trevor Bryan. They discuss innovative strategies to boost writing confidence and effectiveness for both teachers and students. Trevor shares insights on integrating art and literacy, the role of pictures in developing comprehension, and his books 'The Art of Comprehension' and 'Narrative Know-How.' Learn about mood structures, the importance of helpers and harmers in storytelling, and practical methods to connect reading and writing seamlessly in K-6 classrooms.
2025-11-0431 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 74: The Tandem Rotor: Inside CH-147F Chinook Operations with 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron Part 1 – Ian WookeyIn Part 1, pilot Ian Wookey walks us through the formative years that made him a Chinook aviator - from varsity life at RMC and initial flight training on the Grob, to the intensity of the Harvard II course in Moose Jaw and the humbling challenge of helicopter phase training. Ian reflects on early on-the-job roles, an unexpected deployment to Afghanistan with a special operations aviation detachment, and how those experiences shaped his choice to fly rotary-wing aircraft. He closes by describing the nerve-wracking moment of selection for the CH-147F Chinook and what it felt like to...
2025-10-211h 00The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 73: The LIFT: Lead-In Fighter Training in Italy and flying the CF-18 Hornet and the T-346 Master Part 3 - EliIn Part 3 of our LIFT series, new RCAF pilot Eli shares his path from RMC to flying the T-346 Master in Italy’s International Flight Training School.He talks about early training on the Grob and Harvard II, a unique posting to CFS Alert, and the challenge of fast-jet training in Sardinia. From dogfighting, radar intercepts, and close air support to the physical and mental demands of becoming a fighter pilot, Eli gives us a rare student’s perspective on preparing for the CF-18 Hornet.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to earn y...
2025-10-141h 05
Closing TimeClosing Time Episode 75: Construction Time with Bryan MorrisonWhen you're building a new home, you can't get a traditional mortgage from a bank. That's where Bryan Morrison comes in. Bryan specializes in construction financing. Based in Scottsdale, but licensed to issue loans all across the country, Bryan joins Nick to talk real estate development, construction, his nickname, and more!
2025-10-1027 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 72: The LIFT: Lead-In Fighter Training in Italy and flying the CF-18 Hornet and the T-346 Master Part 2 - Brian "Humza" KilroyIn Part 2 of our fighter pilot series, Major Brian “Humza” Kilroy returns to share his journey from CF-18 Hornet instructor to RCAF Demo Pilot and now Senior National Representative at Italy’s International Flight Training School.We dive into the challenges of leading four-ship formations, training young fighter pilots at 410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron, and the adrenaline of flying airshow routines in the CF-18 Hornet. Brian also describes his current work instructing Canadian and international pilots on the T-346 Master in the LIFT program, preparing the next generation of fighter pilots for frontline jets.If you...
2025-10-071h 00The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 71: The LIFT: Lead-In Fighter Training in Italy and flying the CF-18 Hornet and the T-346 Master Part 1 - Brian "Humza" KilroyEver wondered what it takes to become a Canadian fighter pilot? Today we chat with Major Brian “Humza” Kilroy, a CF-18 Hornet pilot and instructor on the T-346 Master at Italy’s International Flight Training School.Brian takes us through his journey from growing up in Alberta and joining the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, to earning his RCAF pilot wings at Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training in Texas. He shares highlights from flying the CF-18 Hornet with 409 and 401 Tactical Fighter Squadrons, training future fighter pilots at 410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron, and performing as the RCAF CF-18 Demo P...
2025-09-301h 12The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 70: The Rescue: Air Tindi crash survivors in the NWT – Conducting a CC-130H Hercules rescue, Part 2 – Jason Shaw & Vincent C-BenoitWhen a Twin Otter crashed north of Yellowknife in December 2023, a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130 Hercules crew from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron leapt into action. In this gripping episode of the Pilot Project Podcast, we talk with aircraft commander Jason Shaw and Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Tech) Vincent C. Benoit about the night SAR Techs parachuted into a blizzard with lifesaving gear to reach 10 survivors.Hear how they planned the mission, flew into turbulence and near-zero visibility, coordinated with JRCC Trenton, and stabilized hypothermic passengers until evacuation. This real-world SAR story reveals the training, teamwork...
2025-09-231h 12The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 69: The Rescue: Air Tindi crash survivors in the NWT – Conducting a CC-130H Hercules rescue, Part 1 – Jason Shaw & Vincent C-BenoitIn this first installment of The Rescue, Captain Jason Shaw and Sergeant Vincent C-Benoit of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron take us inside the world of Canadian search and rescue operations. From their early days in the Canadian Army and Air Force - including deployments to Afghanistan and Bosnia - to the rigorous training pipeline for pilots and SAR Techs, Jason and Vince share how they became leaders in one of the most demanding trades in the RCAF.They walk us through the skills, mindset, and teamwork required to fly the CC-130H Hercules into some of the...
2025-09-161h 16The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 68: The Counter-Drug Ops: Flying SAR and counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean and flying the De Havilland Dash 8 for PAL Part 3 - Pat Lalande, Trevor JubyCounter-Drug and Search and Rescue Aviation in the Caribbean with PAL AerospaceWhat is it like to fly counter-drug interdiction and Search and Rescue missions in the Caribbean? What does it take to qualify for this demanding aviation work, and how do crews prepare to execute missions as part of Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South)?In this episode, retired RCAF Lieutenant-Colonel Trevor Juby, now Chief Pilot with Provincial Airlines / PAL Aerospace in Curaçao, and retired RCAF Master Warrant Officer Pat Lalande, now a tactical coordinator and mission commander with PAL Aerospace, d...
2025-09-0952 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 67: The Counter-Drug Ops: Flying SAR and counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean and flying the De Havilland Dash 8 for PAL Part 2 - Pat Lalande, Trevor JubyRCAF to Counter-Drug and Search & Rescue Missions in the CaribbeanWhat is it like to fly long-range patrol missions in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), face close calls in high-stakes operations, and then transition to counter-drug and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions in the Caribbean? How do Canadian military pilots prepare for this demanding work, and what challenges do they face operating in one of the busiest regions for international aviation operations?In this episode, retired RCAF Lieutenant-Colonel Trevor Juby, now Chief Pilot with PAL Aerospace / Provincial Airlines in Curaçao, and r...
2025-09-0253 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 66: The Counter-Drug Ops: Flying SAR and counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean and flying the De Havilland Dash 8 for PAL Part 1 - Pat Lalande, Trevor JubyFrom RCAF Patrol Missions to Counter-Drug and SAR Operations in the CaribbeanWhat kinds of missions do a long-range patrol sensor operator and crew commander face in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)? What challenges and close calls have they experienced, and how did those skills carry over into high-stakes counter-narcotics and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions in the Caribbean?In this episode, retired RCAF Lieutenant-Colonel Trevor Juby, now Chief Pilot with Provincial Airlines / PAL Aerospace in Curaçao, and retired RCAF Master Warrant Officer Pat Lalande, now a tactical coordinator and mission c...
2025-08-261h 09The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 65: The Kingfisher: Developing, acquiring and flying the CC-295 Kingfisher Part 3 - Luc Coates, Francois Fasquelle, Dan FauxIn this episode, we continue our conversation with:Lieutenant-Colonel Luc Coates, Commanding Officer of 418 Search and Rescue Operational Training SquadronLieutenant-Colonel Francois Fasquelle, Commanding Officer of 442 Transport and Rescue SquadronMajor Dan Faux, subject matter expert on the CC-295 KingfisherWe dive deeper into the Kingfisher, exploring how simulation and training are shaping new SAR pilots, and how the aircraft has been performing in real-world operations so far. And perhaps most intriguing for our listeners: we take on every rumour and criticism we could find about the Kingfisher — separating fact from fiction and busting the biggest myths.
2025-08-121h 00The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 64: The Kingfisher: Developing, acquiring and flying the CC-295 Kingfisher Part 2 - Luc Coates, Francois Fasquelle, Dan FauxIn this episode, we continue our conversation with:Lieutenant-Colonel Luc Coates, Commanding Officer of 418 Search and Rescue Operational Training SquadronLieutenant-Colonel Francois Fasquelle, Commanding Officer of 442 Transport and Rescue SquadronMajor Dan Faux, subject matter expert on the CC-295 KingfisherWe begin with Dan’s early days as a pilot and what led him to join the fixed-wing SAR project. From there, we explore why Canada needed a new fixed-wing Search and Rescue aircraft and what that journey looked like — from concept to selection. Finally, we dive deep into the Kingfisher itself: the modifications that set it apart, how it’s...
2025-08-0557 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 63: The Kingfisher: Developing, acquiring and flying the CC-295 Kingfisher Part 1 - Luc Coates, Francois Fasquelle, Dan FauxWhat drives someone to choose the demanding — and often dangerous — career of Search and Rescue pilot? What early experiences shaped their paths, and what does it really take to fly missions where lives hang in the balance?In this episode, we sit down with three remarkable guests:Lieutenant-Colonel Luc Coates, Commanding Officer of 418 Search and Rescue Operational Training SquadronLieutenant-Colonel Francois Fasquelle, Commanding Officer of 442 Transport and Rescue SquadronMajor Dan Faux, a subject matter expert on the CC-295 KingfisherTogether, they share stories from their diverse beginnings, the lessons they’ve carried forward, and what ultimately led th...
2025-07-291h 05The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 62: The CAPCOM: Earning the Elsie MacGill Award, flying the CH-146 Griffon, and working with NASA in Houston Part 3 - Erin EdwardsWhat’s it like to go from flying helicopters in the Royal Canadian Air Force to becoming the voice in the headset for astronauts aboard the International Space Station? How do you transition from military aviation to serving as Deputy Branch Chief Operations Officer and CAPCOM at NASA?In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards — a Special Operations Aircraft Commander, Elsie MacGill Award recipient, and current CAPCOM working with NASA and the Canadian Space Agency.She shares her journey from commanding aircraft in Canada’s elite 427 Squadron to her first unforgettable call to the...
2025-07-1555 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 61: The CAPCOM: Earning the Elsie MacGill Award, flying the CH-146 Griffon, and working with NASA in Houston Part 2 - Erin EdwardsWhat does it take to pass selection for one of Canada’s most elite aviation units — 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron? How do you earn the coveted role of SOF Aircraft Commander? And what happens when you trade a military cockpit for a mission control console at NASA?In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards, a trailblazing Canadian Armed Forces pilot who transitioned from flying special operations missions to becoming a CAPCOM — the voice between astronauts and Earth — at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.We explore the grit, mindset, and milestones that defined her journe...
2025-07-0851 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 60: The CAPCOM: Earning the Elsie MacGill Award, flying the CH-146 Griffon, and working with NASA in Houston Part 1 - Erin EdwardsHow does a MARS Officer and Ship’s Team Diver become a Special Operations helicopter pilot? What does it take to get through the intense rigours of Phase III helicopter training — and then make the leap to 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron?In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards, a SOF Aircraft Commander, recipient of the prestigious Elsie MacGill Award, and currently serving as a CAPCOM at NASA in Houston.We explore her remarkable journey through the Canadian Armed Forces — from her early days at sea to commanding aircraft with Special Operations Forces...
2025-07-0153 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 59: The Seeker: Fixed Wing Search and Rescue and flying the CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules Part 2 - Dan ConwayWhat did it take to fly Search and Rescue in the venerable (but aging) CC-115 Buffalo? What does it feel like to return to 3CFFTS as a seasoned pilot, ready to learn about the world of instructing? What's it like to be taught by your former students as you learn to fly the CC-130H Hercules? Today we sit down for part 2 of our interview with Major Dan Conway, a fixed-wing SAR pilot with over 4000 hours of experience. We'll talk about all these topics as well as the future of fixed-wing SAR with the CC-295 Kingfisher.
2025-06-241h 06The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 58: The Seeker: Fixed Wing Search and Rescue and flying the CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules Part 1 - Dan ConwayWhat is it like to attend RMC and go through flight training in the RCAF? Why was the CC-115 Buffalo in Comox a desirable posting even with the airplane entering its sunset years? Major Dan Conway is the current Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO) of 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Greenwood NS, and soon to be the DCO of 3CFFTS in Portage la Prairie, MB. He has over 4000 flying hours including lots of fixed-wing SAR on the CC-115 Buffalo and the CC-130H Hercules. Today we sit down with Dan to talk about his early days in RMC and going...
2025-06-1759 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 57: The Culture: The Evolution of Culture in the Canadian Armed Forces and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 3 - Jeannot BoucherWhat does it take to take on the responsibility of being the Chief of Staff Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (COS CPCC) in the wake of the larger culture change effort that the Canadian Armed Forces has pursued over the last 10 or more years? Why is culture change necessary, and what does it even mean within the context of the military? Major-General Jeannot Boucher is a helicopter pilot with over 3000 flight hours. He has the experience at the tactical and command level to understand what it means to operate, but also has dedicated himself to learning about our culture...
2025-06-101h 04The Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 56: The Culture: The Evolution of Culture in the Canadian Armed Forces and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 2 - Jeannot BoucherWhat does it feel like to deploy as the Commander of Task Force Jerusalem in support of OP PROTEUS in the West Bank? What does it take to take over various commands in the Tactical Helicopter force? What goes into developing a defence policy update like "Our North Strong and Free" (ONSAF)? Today we sit down for part 2 of our chat with Major-General Jeannot Boucher, an experienced helicopter pilot with over 3000 flight hours and the current Chief of Staff Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (COS CPCC). We'll talk about his early command roles and his work with OP PROTEUS...
2025-06-0350 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 55: The Culture: The Evolution of Culture in the Canadian Armed Forces and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 1 - Jeannot BoucherWhat was it like to deploy to Afghanistan as the Deputy Commanding Officer of Canadian Helicopter Forces in Afghanistan (CHFA)? What was the Tactical Helicopter role in Afghanistan at the time and how violent was it in 2009? Today we sit down with Major-General Jeannot Boucher, Chief of Staff Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (COS CPCC). Jeannot has over 3000 flying hours, and has definitely been there and done that. Tune in today for part 1 of our 3 part discussion on his career and culture change in the Canadian Armed Forces.
2025-05-2757 minThe Pilot Project PodcastEpisode 54: The Jet Jockey: Supersonic Stories: Flying the CF-188 Hornet in the Cold War Part 2 - Dan "Alf" McWilliamsWhat was it like to be one of the first cadres to fly the might CF-188 Hornet? What did it feel like to operate in Europe on the edge of the Iron Curtain during the Cold War? What was it like to deploy in support of the Gulf War? Dan "Alf" McWilliams is a retired RCAF Fighter pilot who operated during the Cold War. Today we sit down and talk about his operational life and focus on some stories from his book, "Supersonic Stories". Dan's books can be here:Tutor TalesSupersonic Stories
2025-05-201h 18