Fighter Pilot Ethos with "Bones" (ep. 155)

Former #usairforce #f4phantom II #pilot Dee "Bones" Conger describes his #military career and how he adapted the fighter pilot ethos into his business endeavors on this first episode in our new video-centric format.
Visit Bones' fixed base operations, Circle Air Group, at Gillespie Field (KSEE) in San Diego, CA and online: www.circleag.com/
0:00 The hook
0:55 Bones introduction
7:41 Flying the F-4 Phantom II
20:46 Photo review
32:53 Euro / NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJPT)
37:37 Life after the Air Force
40:36 "Bonesfest" fly-in
49:37 Private F-5 Tiger II fleet
58:32 Listener questions
1:08:49 Callsign story
1:10:11 Credits
#fighterpilot Podcast
Website: www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/
Facebook: / fighterpilotpodcast
Instagram: / fighterpilotpodcast
Patreon: / ftrpltpdcst
Twitter: / ftrpltpdcst
Original music by Jaime Lopez. Video produced by Kevin Harold of Showgun Media.

[@theoklahomaaviator]

I think these podcasts will quickly become timeless much like the interviews and first hand accounts of so many legends. Legends like Snodgrass, Olds, R Graham, B Hoover, and many more. These men and women tell the legends of our time. Keep it up!!

[@dutchbrotherfan1284]

Adam, your spot on!

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Excited to see this new format. FPP taking it to the next level!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

And just wait until episode 156 featuring Turkey talking about flying your channel namesake!

[@pinchus34]

As a listener to the podcast from Day One, I'll admit I was skeptical about this switch in format. I had numerous questions like, how will I watch a video while commuting? Can I keep my eyes on the video while saving the world as I fold laundry? Well, consider me convinced, especially with an episode like Bones right out of the gate. Nicely done Jello.

[@Canberra67]

I have watched this one 4 times now - and thoroughly enjoyed it each and every time. Bones is da man! 🙂

[@dutchholland6928]

Hahahahaaaaaa!!!! Dude Bones is a rare gem not produced anymore. I laughed my ass off! What a character!!! We need more Bones in aviation….. love this guy!!!!

[@WrightCycloneR1820]

Honestly I was sceptical that going visual would add anything over the audio version, but wow it really works. Really great production standard too

[@ianclaproth3675]

Thanks Bones. Great to hear your story so far. Jello, thanks once again to you. I think the video episodes will be appreciated by all "listeners". Good move. Good luck to you both with your ongoing projects.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

🙏

[@rderespini]

This is a PHENOMENAL first video, Jell-O; and Bones is absolutely fantastic. I want to drive over to Gillespie just to shake his hand. Thank you so much for the FPP.

[@bollewillem1]

It is great, and I appreciate that no words are beeped out, just show it as it is. It tells me that the FPP takes it audience seriously and treats them as adults. Keep up the great work.

[@phila3884]

I was in the first week of pilot training too when Top Gun came out. We still hadn't seen a plane yet. Our class went en masse that weekend to the theater to see it. Talk about getting stoked for your future!

[@dutchbrotherfan1284]

Oh this is great now we can see them talk and dogfight with their hands!

[@benjamintodd664]

...and briefing sticks coming soon too 😎

[@dutchbrotherfan1284]

@@benjamintodd664 is that the models on a stick?

[@benjamintodd664]

@@dutchbrotherfan1284 you betchya

[@kuryakin2483]

I was at Clark AFB until 91’ and would watch the F4s daily. Raw power. What a sight and sound. “Brass Knob” on Friendship Rd..

[@lahockeyboy]

greetings, Mr. Aiello! I recently washed up on the shores of your YT channel, and you DEFINATELY have a new fan. as you know, there are A LOT of aviation channels, and podcasts out there, but I think yours is one of the best! thank you so much.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Kind of you to say, you’re welcome! 🤩

[@f1matt]

Video is my favorite format for enjoying podcasts so great to see this new era begin for The Fighter Pilot Podcast!

[@alexpitts7634]

Enjoying the unpolished candor of this episode. Feels like getting to chat with old buddies

[@geoffreymee7671]

That! was a great talk. And Bones has shown himself to be a fine bloke.

[@chadwickalexanderjr1758]

"Going video" is a great idea. Production quality is phenomenal. Love it.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thank you!

[@Yakdriver2001]

Bones for President! A chicken in every pot and an F-5 in every garage!! Well done, guys. Sandy

[@jimowens2283]

Subscribed and hooked. I’m a former Air Force weapons loader on F-4D’s and F-16’s in the 80’s. Loved Bones’ talking about his relationship with the maintainers. And now as an old retired guy, I occasionally get to fly formation with some warbird pilots, not as a pilot but as a photographer. Living the dream as they say. “Bones sets a high bar for your guests.👍

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks, Jim. Hopefully you'll enjoy episode 156 (due out this Friday) which also features a former F-4 pilot. Different branch, though.

[@jimowens2283]

@@FighterPilotPodcast on my calendar. 👍

[@HN-ld6lm]

Bones was awesome. Great to see people like him giving it his all for aviation. Love the new format Jello and everyone at FPP!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks, user!

[@MrJonnyrocknroll]

Can't wait! I've been wishing and hoping for a transition to video and am just so chuffed you made the jump. Happy New Year to you and yours Jell-O

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks!

[@justsmy5677]

Great interview. I flew Phantoms and was a couple classes ahead of Bones at George AFB. My first assignment I went to Osan, Korea. Bones was fortunate to go to PACAF and fly in the "good ol' days". I would take nothing for my PACAF time. Phantoms Phorever!!

[@jolu2469]

I was wondering how you could improve the original podcast. The maps and the on screen definitions are an excellent touch, not just talking heads. Great first guest and interview with Bones. Looking forward to the new shows! - thanks

[@chuggiehawkins4500]

Love the new format.........you've created the Gold Standard of great video !!! ...Semper Fi ...

[@nimabefrui8765]

I am currently working on my PPL license in Germany and have been grounded for months due to bad weather. The comment at 33:17 about Germany having 3 VFR days per year made me chuckle :) Really enjoying the new format, keep up the awesome work Jell-O!

[@Cloud_Stratus]

I've been listening to the podcast for years and it's fantastic. I have no doubt your channel will explode in popularity. It feels like it's entering a new stage and I'm excited to see what new guests and planes we'll get to see.

[@johnhahn556]

Jell-o and crew, I love the new format. I’ve listened to the podcast and couldn’t help but go back and watch the videos when I’ve had time, to see all the photos. Many thanks to all involved for your hard work!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

glad to hear it, thanks John!

[@bb.1062]

"Bones", I was a GBU-15 WSO at Clark. I think we crossed time briefly in the 3rd TFS ('87-'90). I left April '90 before Pinatubo blew it's top. Peugeots and Phantoms Phorever! Cheers, "Jason"

[@donno1970]

Love the new format. And thanks to Bones for his great stories.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

💪

[@catsailor8621]

I could listen to this Bones Dude…All Effing Day‼️ Fabulous Interview!! Most enjoyed the F4 stories having had a Love Affair with that airframe since I was a kid, having built a model of that as a kid, and having hung around that plane when I was in Nam! One of THE Most Wicked Looking Planes Built on Design Alone!! Thanks for that interview! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@chopper7352]

3 words... "That was Awesome" ! 👍

[@stretch3281]

Love the face to face format and great to see there own photos as well 👍

[@Topgunphoto]

Love the new format, thank you Bones and everyone to make FPP make the next leap forward.

[@Dstew57A]

Brilliant…love the video..gives more of an in depth experience of hearing and seeing fighter pilots..a profession that few are able to achieve..I so much appreciate your putting these videos out to the public

[@artfuller4096]

I was trained as fighter ground crew at Sheppard AFB. Then was at Holloman for 2 years ground crewing F-100s. Volunteered for Viet Nam and arrived at Da Nang in 1968 right after Tet offensive. Stayed for 1 year at 366 TFS crewing D model and then E model Phantoms. Went from there as E4 to George AFB at Victorville crewing E models. We trained aircrew from Iran as Iatola was still in charge. Discharged in November 1969 to attend college at University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ.

[@boggy8557]

That was so entertaining Jello. Loving the new format. Looking forward to more of these. First thing to do after listening to this is to look up how to get a ride in his F5!

[@katiemcgraw1]

Awesome interview! Bones has an incredible life story. My 10 year old son loves math and is obsessed with the idea of owning a fighter jet so… maybe I should share this with him 😅

[@ericlawrence9729]

That was an awesome interview, great job, I love everything about the Fighter Pilot Podcast. Every time I tune in you guys hit a home run. Thanks so much for this fantastic content. God Bless.

[@tacoenvy]

I like that you bring the laptop out to show the pictures man, that's a nice touch.

[@TheDrummer846]

Yeah.... this is the way to do it!!! Outstanding work gentleman 👏

[@stevewilke8524]

Great, great episode! I was a RADAR/missile fire control tech on the F-4J/S Phantom II in the Marines, latter half of the 70's. I remember seeing F-5's at Holloman on a deployment, and remember thinking "Man, what a blast it would be to own one of these!" You're living my 40+ year old dream!

[@hughscot]

I've listened to all your interviews, but I think I enjoyed this one the most. Great idea to go with the new format. Thanks so much. Jello, you really need to relax.

[@dejake4589]

Absolutely great interview. I'm new to your channel and lived in North County for about 10 years and wish I had have cruised KZbin more back then. Made out of Gillespie a couple of times on the NG company plane to Palmdale so I get the references to the neighborhood. Bones is obviously a top dog at what he does. I could relate to everything he said about his career since I spent time in the Phantom back in the 70's, went to Cope Thunder when based at Kunsan AB, was a Fighter Lead-In instructor after that (77 - 80). He was spot-on about everything he was saying. Lots of good memories. The only thing I would differ with is the comment he made about handling being about the same between the F-4 and the T-38. I felt they were very different. The 38 was like a small sports car while the Phantom was like a beast that needed lots of power just to stay airborne. About the only thing I remember in common was the pitch attitude and handling of a T-38 no-flap landing from the back seat on short final was just about what a Phantom looked like in a normal landing situation. Tell Bones I still have a spare T-38 wingtip if he needs the part. The back corner is bent up from impact with the runway when a newly minted UPT pilot (fighter lead-in transition training) couldn't land the airplane without bouncing. A microburst caught him at the top of one bounce and we rode it down to the runway scraping the right wing, then immediately violently snapping left and bending the left wingtip up. I figure that if the snap left had been one or two feet higher off the runway, we wouldn't be here today. I can verify that the 38 can perform a roll rate of 720 degrees per second. It snapped so fast that my helmet slammed into the side of the canopy and the next thing I knew our wheels were touching the runway. And one of the engines was FOD'd so it became a Class 1 accident due to cost. I was not a happy camper.

[@nigelkpvt]

As a long time Patreon supporter I really enjoy the transition to video. Have to switch between car audio, make notes on the time for interesting points then watch the video. Keep it up FPP

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks, Nigel, glad to have your continued support!

[@holdenhenrysilver5147]

Been a huge fan of the podcast for a few years. Going to enjoy the new format, as well. Now you just need to get "Robson" in the studio for a no-hold's-barred discussion on the F-117 and...uh...other stuff. Keep up the amazing work!

[@ulvar51]

Great format 😊 really looking forward to all that’s coming.

[@patrickwelsing3308]

I love this new format. Thank you for the quality content.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

You're welcome!

[@TURKEYpilot101]

This is amazing and what a great interview! Really like this style!

[@justinv6006]

Love this new format!!!

[@Nghilifa]

Great interview and great stories told, congrats on the new format Jello (and the BVR team)!

[@xJAWAx]

I really like the video format. I enjoyed watching while I listen. The studio looks really cool as well. Maybe put more memorabilia on the walls, would love to see more of it.

[@geoffgoldsmith7607]

What a great interview. Bones is such a fun guy. Sorry the interview finished.

[@dcorbett1961]

Glad to see you’re going video. Thanks for a great podcast.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

🙏

[@p-40tiger38]

Love the format love the podcast

[@keegantomlinson3406]

I love the new format

[@BeechSportBill]

Love the video format! Great interview…

[@cotedazure]

Ooh, going VFR? Nice! 😎

[@johnb7490]

Love the new format. Great job

[@averagejoe1943]

Love hearing the stories, and learning from the last few generations that there’s something even after the service, I’m not an aviator, prior Army, but I have been called professional Ballast… a CW-4 called me that about the third training flight I rode after the duty day at Ft Hood. I can attest the camaraderie is what I miss the most!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

That's messed up!

[@CAPEjkg]

Great interview! The recruiter part was funny. That's why I went Marine aviation , every Marine a rifleman so you understand your job even better.

[@BaguioBoySammyG]

I remember seeing phantoms coming in to land whenever I was driving through the expressway on my way home to Baguio in the Philippines. Too bad the politicians opted not to renew the mutual defense treaty back in the early 90s. China would probably not be this aggressive in the region today if you guys were still in Clark and Subic. Great podcast, Jell-o! Keep 'em coming!

[@robertdownie6135]

The F4E was the meanest looking Phantom, especially with the shark mouth paint job.

[@dmutant2635]

This new look is fantastic. Happy New Year.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks!

[@flightpilot47]

THE best podcast ever! 😍 Please keep up the work

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

Outstanding, thank you.

[@baomao7243]

Loved flying that whole area around KLAS. Fond memories of KVGT, KHND, Lake Havasu, and around AZ and UT. Awesome.

[@OneOnOneJane]

I wanted to check out the new format and am really impressed. Bonus of this interview? I covered ENJJPT in the late 80s when I was a TV reporter at KAUZ in Wichita Falls, Texas. (what year was he there?) Interviewed a lot of those pilots and went up in a T-37, and have a 4 part series on it in my archives! A Navy kid and sports/biography story-teller in San Diego, I'm enjoying the flow of the interview and adding in the pics and video. Nice job by you and your co-producer/editor/photog. Hope to connect in town sometime soon. :) Jane.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks, Jane! If Bones went after Desert Storm I suppose he was there around 92-93-ish.

[@manizaeim]

eagerly waiting for this :)

[@jeffhanson9244]

Great video. It brought back a lot of memories from my time flying A10’s, F4’s, and F16’s.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

I bet you also have some stories!

[@jeffhanson9244]

@@FighterPilotPodcast A few. I was a T37 IP at Vance ( I liked Enid) and then flew A10’s at Myrtle Beach. I joined the NDANG and flew F4’s for a couple of years and then the F16 for ten years. I retired in 2000 and have been retired from Delta for two years.

[@earlyprimate]

The Minnesota ANG flew the F4s as part of North American Air Defense as I was growing up in the 70s, and they were always out flying. That is where my love of the F4 started.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

👍

[@AggiePhil]

Love the video format!!

[@jimclarida5263]

Great new format. Now I'm torn between listening at work and watching at home! Nice dilemma to have. BZ

[@Cavalier-lp8tr]

For those of us who are not military pilots , the explanation of some of the jargon would be great.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Check out the glossary on our website: www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/glossary/

[@robertdownie6135]

Very enjoyable interview! Cheers from the UK! 😄👍

[@macedk]

Good you guys went video :)

[@poseidonswe]

This is amazing interview and chat.

[@gregderise9969]

Awesome episode!

[@yxeaviationphotog]

Those CF-5s were hot rods.....it was sad to see them upgraded, then basically retired. That left a huge hole in our Fighter Lead-In Training, as Canada didn't start flying the CT-155 Hawk until 2000. How big was that hole? Pilots going to the Hornet did FLIT in the CT-114 Tutor.....same jet that our Snowbirds still fly.

[@jakehodges9247]

Amazing interview 👏

[@bret9741]

Bones….. I think you were one of the luckiest of men in the world. You got to fly the F-4. I’ve lived aviation all my life literally. I started flying at age 3, dad owned a super cub. I flew for the airlines from 89-2011 (lost medical :(… ) my airline had hundreds of Nam era F-4, F-105, B-52 pilots….. very interesting group of men. I grew up on a ranch in the mountains of New Mexico just to the east of Holloman….. we use to have F-4’s, T-38’s, F-15’s flying over our ranch. Many many times while rounding up cattle, I’d hear an F-4, look for smoke and realize the aircraft were flying up the canyon below my altitude. It was so cool. One time an F-15 flew by about 200’ below my altitude. On the Guadeloupe mountain edge (our ranch was where the Sacramento and Guadeloupe mountains come together. The PIO VORTAC was about 4 miles to the south west of our home. Later years I lived in Victorville when George was open. Bond. Did you ever cross path with Larry Nic___s. He was in F-4’s at George around that time. Went on to Southwest

[@joevaccaro6655]

That’s a cool helmet, Mr. Aiello and great episode 💯

[@omally]

Petered out of FPC for a bit but I'm back baby!! Great episode. Thanks Jell-o! Bones is the man!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Glad to have you back!

[@scottkozy1917]

LOVE your podcast. Excited for video. Thank you for all the work you do to make these happen, Jell-O & FPP team! Technical FYI: some TVs have burn-in issues. Plasma & OLED, maybe others. The permanent logo in the top center is problematic for us that own those & watch KZbin on TV, espec since so contrasted against the black. Maybe put it in the video frame intermittently? Thx!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Valid concern, Scott, thanks for mentioning. Will look at options...

[@falcon127]

VIDEO SHOW: 👍👍👍👍👍👍 LOVE THE NEW VIDEO FORMAT!!!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Video killed the radio star, or so they say...

[@johnk4617]

Great video! I need an F-5, former AF fighter pilot with 10 years in the F-15 A/C at Holloman, Kadena, and Elmendorf.

[@portquarter]

Interesting interview. Listening to a high achiever like Bones reminds me that I was just an average fighter pilot. This is the first FPP interview I've watched on KZbin. I prefer the audio only format of the podcast as the visuals distract me a bit from the content.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

You will still find the audio version on your usual podcast player.

[@wicked1172]

Very cool !

[@frank9592]

one of the coolest things on youtube

[@Jonsoar]

I remember occasionally someone from the AFROTC program would get picked to go to ENJJPT straight out of college. One I remember went on to F-16s and eventually went to Test Pilot School. Interesting stuff.😀

[@davidthompson5460]

Superb.

[@lancet.346]

Nice! FPP moving up in the world!

[@simonhomes519]

I love it! Keep it up! :)

[@kentgregory3299]

Great format. Great podcast and guest!

[@ChasOnErie]

GREAT GREAT SITE … thanks …?son flew Harriers .. 27 years … USMC ..💪💪💪💪💪💪❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jeffreykupetz4930]

Love the videos Jello!! This is next level. 500k subs by end of 2023 if not more

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Hah! 🤞

[@dutchbrotherfan1284]

This is going to be good

[@LinYouToo]

Finally!! 🔥🙌🔥

[@sharizabel2582]

I was in the last F-4 RTU class in 91. We flew the E. But went operationally into the RF and the G. The last RF-4 active duty was at Bergstrom and it flew after the E retired. I was at the RTU during Desert Storm.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Then you and Bones are nearly peers.

[@sharizabel2582]

@@FighterPilotPodcast true. He’s about a year prior. I loved the F-4 and was sad to see her go.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

@@sharizabel2582 all good things must come to an end, they say.

[@sharizabel2582]

@@FighterPilotPodcast I went on to fly 5 more jets

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

@@sharizabel2582 😲

[@mikebridges20]

Wow, what a great first YT episode! To think, darn near a full squadron of private F-5s! If Bones can keep that business going he'll become another Kermit Weeks!

[@waltzb7548]

Outstanding! Congratulations on the podcast upgrade and making O6!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks, but airline captain, not Navy 😉

[@waltzb7548]

Oops! Saw Captain reference and thought USNR still, but then realized 25 years active. All the best!