Pilot to Pilot

Author: Justin Siems

Pilot to Pilot Podcast brought to you by Allworth Airline Financial is your go-to destination for aviation inspiration, insight, and real talk from the cockpit and beyond. Pilot to Pilot aims to support all pilots who fly from students to professionals and recreational flyers. The show includes genuine discussions with pilots who work in all aviation sectors including airline captains and bush pilots to share their experiences of flying. Join our worldwide pilot community through subscription to track your flying aspirations with other aviation enthusiasts.
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Language: en

Genres: Aviation, Hobbies, Leisure

Contact email: Get it

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E344: Fighter Pilot to 777 - Emergencies, 9/11 Scrambles and Flying Drew Brees
Episode 344
Tuesday, 18 November, 2025

Former Air Force F-15 pilot Roy “Deacon” Qualls shares incredible stories from a 38-year aviation career that includes scrambling to intercept Air Force One on 9/11, crash-landing a burning OV-10 at McCarran Airport, and taking NFL legend Drew Brees for the ride of his life.In this episode, Deacon reveals:• How watching Top Gun literally changed his life in four days—from graduate student to Air Force recruit• Landing a flaming OV-10 off-runway in Las Vegas after being given the wrong winds• The Vice President’s authorization to shoot down aircraft on 9/11 and what it was like scrambling to intercept Air Force One• Transitioning from F-15s to Boeing 777s—his first landing of anything bigger than a fighter was a triple seven at Charles de Gaulle with 290 passengers• Why Drew Brees asked to pull MORE Gs and what made him such an incredible person to fly withDeacon just released his book “Pilot’s Edge: Think, Train, and Fly Like a Pro” with 25% of profits funding aviation scholarships for the next generation.Happy Flying,Justin