From 9/11 to Air Force Special Operations: Flying Secret Missions With Tyler Flagg
Most pilots dream of long, smooth runways. Tyler Flagg trained to land a 30,000-pound aircraft on a 25-foot dirt strip in total darkness.
Tyler Flagg had no aviation background before September 11 changed his path. He went on to fly Special Operations missions around the world, moving elite teams to remote locations.
In Episode 355, he tells Justin what that flying was really like, and why humility matters more than ego in elite units.
- 01How he entered Air Force Special Operations by an unconventional route
- 02What it was like to deploy with about 250 flight hours
- 03Flying through Saharan fuel-risk zones and Pacific icing
- 04Cultural differences within military aviation
- 05Why humility beats ego in elite units
- 06Leaving a dream job to build a company
An unconventional way in
Tyler had no aviation background when 9/11 changed his direction. He explains how he found his way into Air Force Special Operations.
Deploying at 250 hours
He deployed with only about 250 flight hours, training to land a 30,000-pound aircraft on a 25-foot dirt strip in total darkness, and flew through Saharan fuel-risk zones and Pacific icing.
Humility in elite units
Tyler talks about cultural differences within military aviation and why humility matters more than ego in elite units.
After the dream job
He also shares how he built a company after leaving what he calls a dream job.
Tyler Flagg
Tyler Flagg flew Air Force Special Operations missions around the world, deploying into multiple combat theaters, before leaving to build his own company.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Tyler Flagg?
Tyler Flagg is a former Air Force Special Operations pilot who deployed into multiple combat theaters and later built his own company.
Can you fly special operations with low hours?
Tyler deployed with only about 250 flight hours.
What kind of landings do special operations pilots train for?
Tyler trained to land a 30,000-pound aircraft on a 25-foot dirt strip in total darkness.
