Behind the Wings ®
The Podcast – S7, Episode 61
Pilot Mike Silva recalls a high-speed chase that ended when his news helicopter stopped a fleeing criminal’s stolen car, allowing police to save a hostage’s life.
Listen Anywhere! Apple | Spotify | All Players
Welcome to Season 7 of the Behind the Wings podcast! In this episode, Mike discusses Huey missions in Vietnam, piloting Copter4 at Denver CBS, returning to combat as the oldest Black Hawk aviator in Iraq, and saving lives during intense missions. From the Fire Base Mary Ann battle to flying alongside dangerous tornadoes, he has done it all in a career spanning more than 50 years. This one is going to be cool!
Key Takeaways:
- Mike is one of the few aviators who served in both Vietnam and Iraq, particularly as a medevac pilot. In this role, he helped save countless service members’ lives.
- The Battle of Fire Base Mary Ann took place on March 28, 1971, when the Viet Cong ambushed U.S. soldiers. Mike was one of the first Huey pilots called to the scene, making three heroic rescue trips under heavy combat.
- As a civilian news helicopter pilot, he brought CBS Colorado closer to tornadoes, the Granby “Killdozer” incident and even bank robbers.
- He earned several awards for his work, including Emmys, the Distinguished Flying Cross and personal thanks from Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
Resources:
Want more Behind the Wings?
Peek into the cockpits of rare warbirds and spacecraft, hear from aerospace experts and more in our episodic documentary series!
Learn more