We recently had the chance to connect with Vincent Aiello and have shared our conversation below.
Vincent, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Standing in a trout-filled river with a fly rod in hand. Trees on the banks, birds overhead, mountains framing the background. Ideally this location has poor cell coverage.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am E. Vincent Aiello, retired US Navy fighter pilot, former TOPGUN instructor, author, and founder of the Fighter Pilot Podcast–the internet show that explores the fascinating world of air combat: the aircraft, the weapons systems, and most importantly, the people. Aside from podcasting, I am also a LAX-based airline pilot flying the Boeing 757 and 767.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My first solo during Navy flight school. Prior to that flight, everything was constantly under an instructor’s scrutinizing eye. Taking off all alone and soaring into the heavens was pure nirvana–I yelled out loud (not over the radio) out of pure jubilation, calling my older brothers’ names as if they could proudly watch.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Three wounds defined my adult life: The first occurred two-thirds through my Navy career. I had achieved every professional goal to that point, then it was time to be considered for command of a squadron. I was not selected. This was a painful blow to my pride, especially as friends and acquaintances were selected–even some who made me exclaim, “how did he make it and not me?!”
What helped me heal was the second defining wound: at 39 years old I was diagnosed with a heart deficiency that could have proved fatal if left untreated. It was a sudden, traumatic revelation. I underwent open-heart surgery and was grounded from flying for over three years. This helped heal my first wound because it suddenly did not matter whether I was in command of a squadron or performing another job (as indeed I was)–I would have been grounded either way. I have healed from this second wound by sharing my story and appreciating every day as a blessing.
My third wound was losing my best friend and two-year-older brother to an accident in 2021. That wound has not yet healed, and it may never, but I am considering launching a new podcast as a tribute to him. For such losses, they say you get better, but you never get over it.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
That Jesus Christ lived and is part of a triune God as described in the Bible.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
For the first half of my professional life, I was doing what I was born to do: I was a fighter pilot and I loved it. The mission, the people, the challenge.
After retiring from the Navy I became an airline pilot, which is not necessarily something I was “told to do” but something I felt I must do to provide for my family and remain useful to society.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evincentaiello/
- Twitter: @ftrpltpdcst
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fighterpilotpodcast
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FighterPilotPodcast
Image Credits
(All photos mine.)
