InsideAIR - Pod.casts

Ep 88: No Light, No NVG, No Option But Go In

April 15, 2024 23:19 - 38 minutes - 88.2 MB

As the last forces personnel were evacuated from Kabul in August 2021, two German soldiers were accidentally left behind, leading to an incredible rescue mission, led by an RAF Flight Lieutenant. A call from the German Ops centre asked Flt Lt Mark Jenkins to fly back into Kabul. His mission... to rescue the two German soldiers who'd been left behind amidst the chaos. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 87: Every Reservist a Warfighter

April 01, 2024 23:37 - 49 minutes - 97.7 MB

In 2021, the Government published a list of recommendations in the Reserve Forces Review 2030. Less than a year later Russia invaded Ukraine. What happened to RF30? How will RAF Reservists be affected? And what does it mean for the wider RAF? InsideAIR spoke with Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force’s Commandant General, to find some answers. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 86: Saving Lives in the Air - The Centre of Aerospace Medicine

March 18, 2024 23:30 - 1 hour - 194 MB

In today’s episode, we take a look around the RAF Centre of Aerospace Medicine at RAF Henlow. Aircraft rapid decompression and loss of oxygen can be life threatening for aircrew. Knowing what to expect, and how to recognise hypoxia are just some the life-saving scenarios aircrew train for at the Centre. We sent InsideAIR’s medical correspondent, Wg Cdr Sarah Charters, to find out more. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 85: AVM Suraya Marshall “Do the right thing, not the easy thing”

March 05, 2024 08:54 - 32 minutes - 67.8 MB

Change, culture, leadership, and the benefits of a diverse environment. These are just some of the topics Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall considers as she chats with InsideAIR’s Flight Lieutenant Amy Casey about life in the RAF. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 84: UK Space Operations

February 19, 2024 23:45 - 1 hour - 144 MB

We hear lots about the space domain, but what does that actually mean and how is the UK using it as part of its defence policy? Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey is the Commander of UK Space Command, based at High Wycombe, and he spoke with Flt Lt Chris Sully to explain what his team does and what it means for the big picture.

Ep 83: LEGAD and POLAD on Ops - Targeting's Check and Balance

February 06, 2024 00:30 - 48 minutes - 96.8 MB

‘Could we hit it?’, ‘Should we hit it?’ Before RAF aircraft can strike a target, these questions must be asked, and it’s down to the targeting team’s Legal Adviser and Policy Adviser to come up with the answers. In this ground-breaking interview for the RAF, we head to the Middle East to speak with 83 Expeditionary Air Group’s LEGAD and POLAD. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 82: Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force

January 22, 2024 23:30 - 42 minutes - 96.7 MB

In the latest episode, we catch up with the Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force, Warrant Officer Murugesvaran Subramaniam. Warrant Officer Subramaniam has been in post as Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force for the best part of a year now. But what does the role actually mean and what does he hope to achieve?

Ep 81: X Flight - Reserve Aircrew

January 09, 2024 00:30 - 35 minutes - 73.3 MB

Can you take a civilian airline pilot, make them an RAF Reservist and have them operate a state-of-the-art military ISTAR aircraft? Well, if the aircraft has essentially the same flight deck, why not!InsideAIR met with Group Captain ISTAR Reserves who aims to do this at scale with X-Flight. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 80: Top Ten Episodes of 2023

December 26, 2023 00:30 - 50 minutes - 116 MB

As InsideAIR reaches its third birthday, our correspondent AS1 Victoria Andrews takes a look back at your top ten favourite episodes from the past 12 months based on the number of downloads in the first seven days after release. From all the RAF Reservist team behind the podcast, have a very happy Christmas and please stay tuned in 2024!

Ep 79: Protector to the Skies

December 11, 2023 23:30 - 26 minutes - 61.7 MB

InsideAIR goes behind the scenes at RAF Waddington as the RAF's latest Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) makes its maiden flight. The Protector RG Mk1 will offer a huge leap forward in terms of operability and capability as Sqn Ldr Daz Scales discovers. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 78: RAF Training Specialisation

November 27, 2023 22:30 - 31 minutes - 72.4 MB

The annual RAF Training Specialisation Conference has just taken place at RAF Halton. Military Training Specialists are at the very heart of preparing future forces personnel to be able to deliver the capability to 'fly and fight'. AS1 Emma Kirwan caught up with some of those at the conference to hear about their plans and challenges.

Ep 77: American Football with the RAF Mustangs

November 14, 2023 00:30 - 21 minutes - 45.9 MB

RAF Mustangs are back, but this time in the shape of the RAF’s American Football team. Our correspondent AS1 Emma Kirwan went pitch side to find out why the sport is rapidly growing in the British Military and to watch the RAF meet the Army in the final of the Inter-Services Championships. "Fly high, strike fast". InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 76: Liz McConaghy - Life on Chinook, Life After Chinook

October 31, 2023 00:30 - 29 minutes - 61.6 MB

This is the incredible story of former RAF Chinook Crewman, Liz McConaghy. From pulling the trigger and being shot at, to extracting wounded soldiers from the battlefield, and even a near fatal collision with overhead power cables, Liz's seventeen year career in the back of a Chinook helicopter is one she wouldn’t swap for anything. But not all combat injuries are physical, as Liz shared with InsideAIR’s Flt Lt Amy Casey. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserv...

Ep 75: Testing Military Aircraft

October 16, 2023 22:30 - 1 hour - 147 MB

In this week’s InsideAIR, we enter the fascinating world of test pilots, aircrew and engineers. Find out from the RAF’s Chief Test Pilot why in this synthetic world of AI, machine learning and simulators, real time test and evaluation in the air is just as important as ever. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 74: Espionage - A Local Threat?

October 03, 2023 00:30 - 38 minutes - 78.2 MB

Protecting the RAF’s secrets is the life-long responsibility of everyone who wears the uniform. Whether that’s online, on a night out or even in your own neighbourhood. In this frank discussion, Air and Space Commander Air Marshal Harvey Smyth explains the threat could be closer than you think. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 73: Move, eat, think and sleep

September 18, 2023 22:30 - 58 minutes - 134 MB

'Move, eat, think and sleep' is a new initiative to help RAF personnel physically, mentally and emotionally both in work and outside.It's a new initiative by the team of PTI's and Training Development Flight at RAF Coningsby and Sqn Ldr Daz Scales went along to see what it's all about. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 72: The UK, NATO & SHAPE

September 04, 2023 20:48 - 47 minutes - 108 MB

The UK's National Military Representative to SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), is Air Commodore Steve Kilvington. In this episode, he explains to Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney about the criticality of control of the air, the new NATO Force Model and what it's like to work and live within SHAPE in Belgium. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 71: The RAF in Scotland

August 21, 2023 21:59 - 57 minutes - 137 MB

Scotland plays a significant role in the RAF's defence of the United Kingdom with both Typhoon QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) jets and the Poseidon multi-role maritime patrol aircraft based at RAF Lossiemouth. Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney talks with Air Officer Scotland, Air Vice-Marshal Ross Paterson, about the Royal Air Force presence in Scotland, the highlights of Highland life, and why once posted there, it seems personnel don't ever want to leave. We’ll also hear about the RAF's lead in this year’...

Ep 70: NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission

August 08, 2023 00:30 - 25 minutes - 54 MB

Since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the RAF’s involvement in Air Policing Missions over NATO's Eastern flank have taken on a new significance for both those deployed and the host nations. Before the completion of this year’s Op AZOTIZE based in Estonia, InsideAIR spoke with 140 Expeditionary Air Wing’s Officer Commanding and a Junior Engineering Officer to see how things had gone. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Servi...

Ep 69: Chinook vs Typhoon at RIAT

July 25, 2023 00:30 - 49 minutes - 98.3 MB

Which is best, Chinook or Typhoon? That’s the question we asked the Chinook and Typhoon display pilots at the Royal International Air Tattoo. We also take a look inside the Techno Tent to hear about STEM from astronaut Major Tim Peake and former Tornado pilot, Mandy Hickson. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 68: F1 Meets Typhoon

July 11, 2023 00:30 - 54 minutes - 107 MB

How does being behind the wheel of a Formula One racing car compare with taking the controls of a Typhoon jet fighter? Mercedes F1 driver George Russell found out when he flew with the RAF’s Typhoon display pilot, Flight Lieutenant Matt Brighty. InsideAIR watched from behind the scenes and brings you the story. (Photo credit: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team) InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 67: Career Management Nexus

June 26, 2023 21:50 - 59 minutes - 137 MB

Imagine a world where you can carry out your RAF career management on your phone! That world is coming with the RAF Career Management Nexus. Air Commodore Nick Brittain is the Assistant Chief of Staff for Career Management and is overseeing the project and other areas. He tells Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney about the changes. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 66: TT 2023 with Cpl Michael 'Jack' Russell

June 12, 2023 23:50 - 59 minutes - 137 MB

The world-famous Isle of Man TT Races have just finished for 2023 and Brize Norton-based Cpl Michael 'Jack' Russell was back with a record in mind - to complete all 10 events. Join InsideAIR as we track Jack's efforts over the two weeks, take a trip around part of the famous course together, go onto the grid with him and hear the thoughts of TT legend (and 23 times TT winner), John McGuinness on Jack's record attempt. Flt Lt Chris Sully has the story. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal...

Ep 65: Chief of the Air Staff

May 30, 2023 00:05 - 49 minutes - 112 MB

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, is approaching the end of his 4-years leading the Royal Air Force It's certainly been a full-on time with many challenges, successes and frustrations as he told Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 64: Agile Combat Employment (ACE)

May 16, 2023 00:30 - 54 minutes - 130 MB

Agile Combat Employment (ACE) is bringing a big change to RAF mindsets and working practices. It's all about a state of readiness and resilience. Air Marshal Harv Smyth, the Deputy Commander Operations for the Royal Air Force, explains what it means for us all. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 63: Wings for the Prince

May 02, 2023 13:05 - 53 minutes - 106 MB

King Charles III is now the Commander-in-Chief of the UK Armed Forces, but he started his military career earning his pilot wings in the Royal Air Force. InsideAIR meets two of his flying instructors and goes for a flight in The Royal Chipmunk WP903, the aircraft in which the young Prince Charles learnt to fly. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 62: Fast Jets, Drones and Congested Airspace

April 18, 2023 00:30 - 50 minutes - 99.8 MB

How is the RAF dealing with the risks and threats posed by drones in an increasingly congested airspace? InsideAIR explores drone near misses, air safety and the future of working with UAV's or uncrewed air systems in Defence. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 61: Inside the Air and Space Ops Profession

April 04, 2023 00:30 - 38 minutes - 77.9 MB

In 2022, the RAF started its transition from Trades and Branches to Professions. Almost a year on, InsideAIR met with team members from the Defence College of Air and Space Operations to find out how the transition was working within the Air and Space Ops Profession and what it means for current and future controllers and operators. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 60: RAF Leaders - Born or Made?

March 21, 2023 00:30 - 46 minutes - 91.9 MB

Leadership is a core element of RAF training, but can you really make a leader out of anyone? InsideAIR put this question to Air Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Deputy Commander Capability and Warrant Officer Mark Willis from the Tedder Academy of Leadership. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 59: Training for NATO Ops at the OTC

March 07, 2023 00:30 - 34 minutes - 70.8 MB

In episode 35 we looked at the work of the Operational Training Centre that prepares the RAF’s Expeditionary Air Wings for operations globally. A year on, the OTC has a new boss, it has adapted to changing threats and is now looking to grow its team of permanent staff and part time evaluators. InsideAIR's AS1 Emma Kirwan went back to RAF Leeming to pick up the story. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 58: The RAF Families Federation

February 21, 2023 00:30 - 37 minutes - 85 MB

From providing confidential help and support, to lobbying government, the RAF Families Federation is committed to improving the quality of life for the whole RAF Family. Meet some of the RAF Families Federation team and hear how they've helped with a huge range of issues around the forces world. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 57: BEING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

February 07, 2023 00:30 - 32 minutes - 73.6 MB

Through her roles with the RAF, NATO and Strategic Command, Warrant Officer Sara Catterall MBE has worked with people from many different nations. She passionately believes that we become stronger when we embrace our cultural differences and take the time to learn from one another. When the pressure of leadership mounts and imposter syndrome sets in, Sara explains, the best thing you can do is be your authentic self. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. T...

Ep 57: Being Your Authentic Self

February 07, 2023 00:30 - 32 minutes - 73.6 MB

Through her roles with the RAF, NATO and Strategic Command, Warrant Officer Sara Catterall MBE has worked with people from many different nations. She passionately believes that we become stronger when we embrace our cultural differences and take the time to learn from one another. When the pressure of leadership mounts and imposter syndrome sets in, Sara explains, the best thing you can do is be your authentic self. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. T...

Ep 56: Evolution of Force Protection

January 24, 2023 00:30 - 37 minutes - 74.9 MB

Force Protection has evolved. The RAF Police now comes under Air Security Force and the RAF Regiment now comes under Combat and Readiness Force. Why were the changes needed, what does it mean for personnel, and how will these two forces fit into the new RAF powerhouse that is Global Enablement? InsideAIR spoke with Air Commodore Jamie Thompson to find the answers. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 55: Mindfulness Under Fire

January 10, 2023 00:30 - 32 minutes - 66.8 MB

Former combat helicopter pilot and Squadron Leader, Sarah Furness, has translated the lessons she learned under fire into military-grade mindfulness strategies for improved self-leadership. Sarah explains that performing under pressure isn’t an instinct, it’s a skill, and we can train our minds to cope in stressful situations at home, at work or at war. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 54: Top Ten Episodes of 2022

December 27, 2022 00:30 - 37 minutes - 77 MB

As InsideAIR reaches its second birthday, we asked our correspondent AS1 Emma Kirwan to tell us your top ten favourite episodes of 2022 based on number of downloads in the first seven-days from release. There’s a real variety of stories and one or two surprises too. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

EP 53: The RAF in Qatar

December 13, 2022 00:30 - 20 minutes - 52.5 MB

Home nation involvement on the pitch may have come to an end on Saturday, when England followed Wales to the departure gate at Doha Airport, but the UK still has a significant part to play in this year’s FIFA World Cup. RAF Coningsby based 12 Squadron are working alongside their Qatari collegues in support of air security operations as part of the massive global event. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 52: Paternity Leave in the RAF

November 29, 2022 00:30 - 22 minutes - 58.3 MB

Parenting can be a challenge at the best of times, but what's it like to become a parent whilst serving in the RAF? Flt Lt Amy Casey talks to Adrienne Burgess, joint CEO & Head of Research at The Fatherhood Institute, and Wing Cdr David Lewis, SO1 Employment Policy, about the challenges of becoming a parent and what support the RAF offers to new parents and their partners. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 51: Astra the Inside Story

November 15, 2022 00:30 - 38 minutes - 95.2 MB

RAF Astra is all about delivering the Next Generation Royal Air Force. This week on InsideAIR, we go backstage at the Astra Awards to meet the inspirational people bringing innovative ideas to life. From using Virtual Reality for training to providing dog fostering services for deployed personnel, the Awards celebrate the achievements of the whole force and the impact they’re having on operations in the UK and overseas. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves....

Ep 50: Poppies in the Desert with 83 EAG

November 01, 2022 00:30 - 20 minutes - 43.7 MB

On Remembrance Day in the UK, serving personnel and veterans might reflect on their time on operations, but is it any different for RAF aviators who are on ops right now? Our guest correspondent Flight Lieutenant Chris Warr spoke to members of 83 Expeditionary Air Group (EAG) in the Middle East to find out. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 49: RAF Police - Blueprint for Success

October 18, 2022 00:30 - 33 minutes - 68.8 MB

The RAF Police's Project Blueprint uses mobile tech to rapidly respond to any situation, streamline admin processes, go paperless and help secure better outcomes for victims of crime. InsideAIR found out how Blueprint works and the difference it's making. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 48: Typhoons Go Pitch Black Down Under

October 04, 2022 00:30 - 1 hour - 121 MB

Exercises are crucial to ensuring combat readiness and strengthening relationships between partner and allied nations. Last month 6 Squadron, a frontline Typhoon squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth, and an RAF Brize Norton based Voyager aircraft from 101 Squadron, flew to Australia’s Northern Territory to participate in Exercise PITCH BLACK. Our correspondent AS1 Victoria Andrews was on the detachment and brings you this report. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media R...

Ep 47: Tributes to Her Majesty The Queen

September 20, 2022 00:30 - 9 minutes - 17.7 MB

It is with great sadness that we bring to you this very special episode of InsideAIR, to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second who passed away on the 8th September 2022. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 46: Work Hard, Drive Hard, Ride Fast with RAF Motorsports

September 06, 2022 00:30 - 25 minutes - 53.8 MB

Sport plays a crucial role in developing RAF personnel and there are few sports faster, noisier or more thrilling than motorsports. We sent Inside Air’s AS1 Anna Harris to Mallory Park Racing Circuit for a day in the pits and on the track with RAF Motorsports. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 45: 90SU Hatch Raven

August 23, 2022 00:30 - 40 minutes - 82.6 MB

When you trust your people and give them backing and investment, the results can be startling. That’s how a small team of aviators from 90 Signals Unit hatched Raven. It’s hardware, it’s software and it’s methodology. InsideAIR asked 90SU to explain. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 44: Central Flying School

August 09, 2022 00:30 - 35 minutes - 73.4 MB

The Central Flying School (CFS) has been around for almost as long as powered aviation itself. InsideAIR caught up with the Commandant, Group Captain Mike, to find out how they deliver aircrew instruction today and to hear his vision for the future. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 43: Enhanced Air Policing in Romania

July 25, 2022 23:54 - 36 minutes - 74.7 MB

What are the challenges when fulfilling a NATO operation close to Ukraine while Russia’s invasion continues? InsideAIR takes us to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base near Constanta where Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft are providing enhanced Air Policing and enhanced Air Vigilance along Romania's eastern border. Our correspondent AS(1) Kirwan reports from Op BILOXI. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 42: Trades and Branches Out, Professions In

July 11, 2022 23:07 - 43 minutes - 87.2 MB

For more than half its existence, the RAF has organised its officers into Branches and enlisted personnel into Trades. However, it has now been decided a new approach is needed for the Next Generation RAF. In this episode, we speak with the team leader responsible for coming up with the replacement - Professions. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 41: Atlantic Flyers

June 28, 2022 00:30 - 46 minutes - 93.1 MB

Inspired by the resilience of desperately ill children, four RAF pilots swapped their normal cockpits for one in a transatlantic rowing boat. Three thousand miles of sea later, our correspondent Flight Lieutenant Chris Sully found out how they fared during their epic voyage. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Ep 40 Queen's Jubilee Pageant

June 14, 2022 00:30 - 29 minutes - 55.3 MB

The Platinum Jubilee Pageant was just one of the many events in which RAF aviators took part to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Our correspondent Wing Commander Howard Leader met up with a few of the parading aviators as they rehearsed for this once in a lifetime event. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.