Fighter Pilot to 777: Emergencies, 9/11 Scrambles and Flying Drew Brees
A 38-year aviation career, from a burning OV-10 and 9/11 scrambles to landing a 777 with 290 passengers aboard.
Watching Top Gun changed Roy “Deacon” Qualls’s path in four days, from graduate student to Air Force recruit. In Episode 344, he shares stories from a 38-year career in fighters and airliners.
- 01Landing a burning OV-10 off the runway at McCarran
- 02Scrambling on 9/11 and intercepting Air Force One
- 03Moving from the F-15 to the Boeing 777
- 04A first big-jet landing at Charles de Gaulle with 290 aboard
- 05Flying Drew Brees
An emergency in Las Vegas
After receiving incorrect wind information, Deacon landed a burning OV-10 off the runway at McCarran Airport.
September 11
He describes the Vice President’s authorization to shoot down aircraft that day and scrambling to intercept Air Force One.
From fighters to the 777
His first landing in anything bigger than a fighter was a 777 at Charles de Gaulle with 290 passengers aboard. He also flew NFL quarterback Drew Brees, who asked to pull more G’s.
Pilot’s Edge
His book, Pilot’s Edge: Think, Train, and Fly Like a Pro, directs 25% of its profits to aviation scholarships.
Roy “Deacon” Qualls
Roy “Deacon” Qualls is a former Air Force F-15 pilot and 777 pilot with a 38-year aviation career, and author of Pilot’s Edge: Think, Train, and Fly Like a Pro.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Roy “Deacon” Qualls?
A former Air Force F-15 pilot and 777 pilot with a 38-year career, and author of Pilot’s Edge.
What book did Roy Qualls write?
Pilot’s Edge: Think, Train, and Fly Like a Pro. 25% of profits fund aviation scholarships.
