Author: sothereiwas

Dominique Prinet, author and legendary bush pilot, recounts his harrowing experiences navigating the remote and unforgiving Canadian Arctic. Born in France just prior to World War II, Prinet’s passion for aviation began as a child watching aerial dogfights overhead. He shares captivating stories of his bush flying career, where he faced life-threatening situations, including flying overloaded planes, navigating without reliable instruments near the North Pole, and surviving plane crashes in […]

We’re thrilled to have Beef join us to share his incredible journey. From his formative days at Annapolis, where his roommate ‘Swede’ (featured in episode 115) introduced him to his sister, to his passion for motocross racing, and his impressive flying career with the S-3 and the Hornet. We’ll also dive into his experience as the Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels. This motivational speaker has some fantastic stories to […]

This week features guest S.A.M., a Marine F-18 pilot with an impressive and unconventional career. ‘Sam’ shares stories from his time in the Marine Corps, including his journey from having a ground contract to aviator; the unexpected challenges of military aviation; and a memorable deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He discusses the intricacies of flying combat missions, the challenges of carrier operations, and his eventual transition from an NFO to […]

We’re Baaack! So There I Was—the podcast where the stories are real, and sometimes, the lessons come from unlikely sources. Like this week’s gem: ever been told that even a monkey could do your job? Our guest, LoJack, sure has. When he was scrambling to get his private pilot’s license in just two months, his flight instructor looked him dead in the eye and said, “I could teach a monkey […]

So There I Was – It’s how ALL Great Aviation Tales Begin… This is a replay of episode 28: The Boss is HAM’N – Listen to Lawman and learn what it’s like to be a Blue Angel – from the camaraderie to the pranks they played on each other to the unbelievably close bonds they formed as they trusted each other with their very lives multiple times daily for years. […]

So There I Was – It’s how ALL Great Aviation Tales Begin… This is episode 119. This is a replay of episode 64 – You’re Going to Have to Talk Me Out. This tells the tale of how ‘One-Eye’ extricated himself and 10 other wounded Marines from a scalding hot LZ (Landing Zone) in Vietnam. Not only should he not have been able to fly, none of those Marines should […]

Bacchus, our first Warthog driver and retired CT ANG Brigadier General shared stories from his extensive career as an A-10 pilot, air traffic controller / supervisor and a major airline pilot. Learn about his combat deployments and the challenges and rewards of air traffic control, as well as his deep-rooted love for aviation. The conversation highlighted the intricacies of air traffic control, the camaraderie among controllers, and the importance of […]

Named after Scrabble’s podcast, this week we feature a dynamic conversation with British Royal Navy Sea Harrier pilot, Scrabble. The episode blends humor, aviation tales, and insights into the life and experiences of a Royal Navy Harrier pilot. He shared stories from his aviation career, discussing the unique challenges and exhilarations of flying the Sea Harrier, including stories of engine an failure and a canopy shattering. He also touched on […]

In this episode of “So There I Was,” we meet Messman, a former Navy P-3 Naval Flight Officer and a riveting storyteller with experiences that keep you on the edge of your seat. This episode features Messman’s harrowing and often humorous tales from his time as a naval flight officer and beyond. Right from the start, Messman’s vibrant personality and candid storytelling grip you. He shares gritty details from his […]

Swede joins us to talk about his Naval Career from The Boat School (USNA) to flying in the Patrol Navy. Some Amazing and hilarious stories are in this week’s show throughout. Don’t miss hearing about his near bail-out of a T-34 or how he got his callsign! Strap in and don’t sit on the condition lever! Swede will keep us straight & level!