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Podcast: Ready 4 Pushback
Episode: From Backcountry to Gunship: Jared Butler's Wild Flight Path
Description: In this episode, Nik sits down with Air Force pilot Jared Butler, who shares his remarkable journey from flying in the backcountry of Idaho to operating the AC-130 gunship with Air Force Special Operations Command. Jared recounts high-stakes moments, including helping locate injured firefighters using low-altitude search patterns and riding out a sudden snowstorm at a one-way mountain airstrip. He also offers an inside look at the AC-130's unique mission and the high level of crew coordination and precision required to support special operations on the ground. As he prepares for retirement, Jared reflects on the...