{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Pilot Project Podcast","title":"Special Ops: The Pioneers Part 4: From Moose Jaw to CANSOFCOM – Todd O’Malley","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/be71b728\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":4434,"description":"Colonel Todd O’Malley concludes our four-part journey through the evolution of Canadian tactical and special operations aviation. Todd returns to Moose Jaw, where he transitions from helicopters to fixed-wing flying, learns to instruct on the CT-156 Harvard and later becomes Commandant of 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.\nHe also recounts commanding B Flight at 427 Squadron, developing maritime counterterrorism capabilities and helping transform the unit from tactical helicopter support into a dedicated special operations aviation squadron. After more than a decade in civilian aviation, Todd explains what brought him back into uniform as Director Air and Space at CANSOFCOM. The conversation explores the rapid growth of uncrewed aircraft, counter-UAS and space capabilities, lessons emerging from real-world allied experience, and Todd’s advice for anyone considering special operations aviation. He closes by recognizing the mentors, colleagues and family members who made his remarkable career possible.\nCONTINUE THE FLIGHT\nEXPLORE THE LOGBOOK\nMore stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots\nhttps://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes\n(00:00:00) Introduction and Welcome\n(00:02:03) Instructing at 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School\n(00:04:18) Returning to Fixed-Wing Flying\n(00:07:58) Converting from the Tutor to the Harvard\n(00:09:21) Why Flight Instructing Is So Difficult\n(00:11:12) The Most Rewarding Part of Instructing\n(00:12:45) When Students Arrive Unprepared\n(00:14:29) Returning to Fix a Missed Opportunity\n(00:16:46) Returning to Moose Jaw as Commandant\n(00:19:03) Being Both an Instructor and a Principal\n(00:19:47) Influencing the Student Experience as Commandant\n(00:21:03) Mentorship and Perspective\n(00:23:33) The Weight of Ending a Student’s Training\n(00:25:24) How Students React to Being Told They Are Done\n(00:26:59) Why the Good Days Outweigh the Bad\n(00:29:46) Returning to 427 Squadron in 2003\n(00:32:43) Commanding B Flight\n(00:36:48) The...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/WtK4-rQN7ZA9Wg3UwNskOTMoB0N7iBL9Y82iAbDH7e4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8xNzI4/NTU0YmFmMzhkNmJm/ZTc4ODc4NGZiNGZl/MzMzNy5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}