The Afterburn Podcast

How does a massive airliner with hundreds of people onboard simply vanish off the face of the Earth? As we approach 2026, the disappearance of MH370 remains the greatest aviation mystery of our time. In this episode, I sit down with aviation investigative journalist Jeff Wise to separate fact from fiction. Jeff Wise ( @Jeff_Wise  ) has spent over a decade deep in the data, appearing in documentaries and writing the definitive books on this mystery.But today, we’re looking at this from the perspective of the cockpit. In this episode, Jeff joins John "Rain" Waters, a current 777 pilot and former Air Force fighter pilot. We dive into the "impossible" shutdowns of the transponder and ADS-B, the vulnerability of the E/E (electronics) bay hatch in the cabin floor, and the precision required to fly through radar shadows undetected. Jeff breaks down his theory on the Kazakhstan route, while we analyze the latest 2026 search efforts by Ocean Infinity to finally locate the wreckage. This isn’t just about theories; it’s about the technical reality of what it takes to "disappear" a Boeing 777. Jeff's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCKYproxqiM217g8f4LFwLzQ Jeff's website: https://www.jeffwise.net/   🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colonel Peterburs is a highly decorated, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and legendary P-51 Mustang fighter pilot whose extraordinary service spans three wars. During WWII, serving with the 20th Fighter Group, 55th Fighter Squadron, he achieved the remarkable feat of shooting down German jet ace Walter Schuck. Later shot down himself, Col. Peterburs was captured and became a prisoner of war—only to orchestrate a daring escape. After linking up with Russian forces, he fought alongside them until V.E. Day. His distinguished career continued through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, cementing his legacy as a true hero of the Greatest Generation. Recently celebrated at his 100th birthday, Col. Peterburs' story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering service to his country. In 1945, Lt. Col. Joe Peterburs flew his final mission over Europe. His wingman, Lt. Kenneth Pettit, never made it home. Eighty years later, Joe is returning to England to honor Kenneth and the men of the 20th Fighter Group with a permanent memorial at their former base. This Afterburn episode tells their story of courage, loss, and brotherhood and a promise that even time can’t erase. Their mission isn’t over. Listen now and help carry it forward: gofund.me/57e9ed76 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Bro Chat episode, the guys dive deep into the realities of modern fighter pilot life in the Guard and Reserve, from the brutal competition of hiring boards to DSG vs. AGR career paths, fitness test changes, and the unexpected challenges of keeping squadrons manned. They also break down the strange trade-offs behind the F-15EX, legacy parts, radar limitations, and what the future holds for the next generation of Vipers, Eagles, and F-35 drivers. It’s an honest look at pilot culture, jet upgrades, leadership quirks, and the everyday frustrations (and humor) of military aviation today. Whether you're trying to get hired, in UPT, or just love fighter pilot talk, this episode brings real insight straight from inside the squadron 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colonel (Ret) Rob “Trip” Raymond sits down with Flash McVay for one of the most wide ranging fighter pilot interviews ever captured on The Afterburn Podcast. Trip is known across the fighter community for his combat time in the F-16, his leadership as a weapons officer and commander, and, of course, his role in the legendary fighter pilot band Dos Gringos.Become an owner in Winglore Spirits. Invest and join the Squadron here: Winglore Spirits Netcapital: https://netcapital.com/companies/winglorespirits Pick up a bottle of Winglore Whiskey: Supply Winglore Spirits: https://winglorespirits.com/supply Use promo code AFTERBURN2025 for 10 percent off your whiskey order 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Get your free copy of the Lowdown here:  https://www.lowdownnews.us/This week on The Lowdown, Rain breaks down the biggest stories shaping aviation and global defense. From the growing drama around the E-7 Wedgetail to new counter-drone weapons and intelligence developments across Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific, this episode dives deep into the headlines that matter.We start with the Air Force and NATO’s shifting stance on the E-7 AWACS replacement and why survivability is becoming a major concern in high end air combat. Rain explains how the E-7 compares to the aging E-3, why funding stalled, and what a stopgap C2 solution might actually look like as hypersonic missiles and long range threats spread across the battlespace.Next, we look at the Air Force’s push for cheaper counter-air options as drones continue to reshape modern conflict. Rain breaks down real cost comparisons between AMRAAM shots, laser guided rockets, and the proposed 500 thousand dollar missile aimed at small UAS defense.In the Snapshot segment, we highlight a series of major global updates including the Turkish C-130 crash, the Marine Corps’ past C-130 mishap, new AI driven munitions storage plans, the reported Iranian training on the Su-57, Russia’s intelligence ship operating off Hawaii, and the latest news on Taiwan’s incoming MQ-9 and F-16V aircraft.Aviation, national security, and global defense trends all in one episode.For full breakdowns, sources, and the weekly Threat of the Day, subscribe to The Lowdown newsletter. It is free and lands straight in your inbox. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.