Flying the F-16. Leading the Thunderbirds. Fighting for instructors.

Ryan “Motor” Riley pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to fly one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world and perform precision maneuvers with the Thunderbirds. But this episode goes beyond the stick and rudder. Riley talks about the weight of leadership, balancing egos and morale, and what it meant to be the guy who spoke up for instructors when others didn’t. From flying the F-16 and T-38 to championing the T-6 as a more capable training platform, Motor shares how every role—whether in combat, in the airshow circuit, or behind the scenes—shaped his view of service, teamwork, and what really moves the needle in military aviation. No fluff, just straight talk from a pilot who’s done it all.

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. All episodes are recorded with permission.

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