Behind the Wings ®
The Podcast – S7, Episode 66
Retired Fighter Pilot Lt. Col. Tammy Barlette shares how flying the A-10 prepared her for operating UAVs like the MQ-1.
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In this episode, she discusses the Warthog’s capabilities, combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, controlling the Predator and Reaper drones, returning to jets after a spinal injury, and how she now shares lessons from the flight deck as a mental performance trainer. As air superiority continues to shift from cockpits to control rooms, we get an inside look at why the pilot’s role is more complex than ever before. This one is going to be cool!
Key Takeaways:
- Tammy was always interested in the defensive role of close air support, leading her to select the A-10 and fly in Korea.
- Originally designed for reconnaissance, the MQ-1 was later modified to carry ordnance and was deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Barlette flew many of those missions and provided airpower for troops on the ground.
- She also attended the Air Force Weapons School and was one of the first National Guard members to graduate on the MQ-9 platform.
- After flying UAVs, Tammy returned to the jets as an instructor, applying lessons from the cockpit and later translating those experiences into mental performance training for aviators.
Resources:
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