The Most Dangerous Plane to Fly in Vietnam - Episode 76

Air Force veteran Art Elser reveals what it took to fly low, slow, and exposed as a forward air controller during the Vietnam War.In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with former forward air controller Art Elser about flying more than 400 combat missions in the Cessna O-2A Skymaster and O-1E Bird Dog. From directing air support over the Ho Chi Minh Trail to helping Special Forces teams under fire, Elser offers a personal account of aviation, fear, courage, responsibility, and the long journey home. This one is going to be cool!What you’ll hear:Inside the O-2 Skymaster: How a civilian aircraft became a flying observation post, radio relay, and target markerThe forward air controller mission: Why FAC pilots remained low over the battlefield after faster aircraft departedO-1 Bird Dog vs. O-2 Skymaster: How the aircraft differed in handling, performance, and suitability for remote airstripsMarking targets under fire: How Elser used white-phosphorus “Willie Pete” rockets to guide attacking aircraftOver the Ho Chi Minh Trail: Searching for trucks, supply areas, choke points, and hidden movement beneath the jungleNight operations: Using starlight scopes, Blind Bat flare ships, B-57 Canberras, and F-4 Phantoms to find targets in darknessBecoming “Jake 44”: How Elser built personal relationships with the Special Forces teams who depended on himCourage and coming home: What Elser learned about fear, character, loss, and carrying the war’s memories into civilian lifeLearn More:Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies websiteDonate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space MuseumSubscribe and leave a review to support the showThis episode is supported in part by United Airlines.