The Pilot Project Podcast

Before he became Snowbird 1, Major Maciej "Match" Hatta spent years fighting for the chance to fly.
In Part 1 of this three-part series, Match shares the story behind his journey from Air Cadets in Milton, Ontario, to the cockpit of the CF-18 Hornet. He reflects on the VHS tape that sparked a lifelong dream, the vision issues that nearly ended his career before it began, the challenges of military flight training, and the determination that carried him through Moose Jaw, Fighter Lead-In Training, and operational service.
The conversation also explores flying NORAD missions, deploying on 22 combat sorties over Libya, and the lessons that shaped him long before he would one day lead the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
Join us as we begin the story behind The Boss.
Chapters
(00:00:58) Introduction and bio
(00:03:09) Where did aviation start for you?
(00:05:44) When did flying become the dream?
(00:06:57) The importance of Air Cadets
(00:08:48) Glider and power courses with Air Cadets
(00:09:52) From Air Cadets to the Canadian Armed Forces
(00:10:32) A charted path or uncertainty?
(00:11:16) Vision issues nearly end the dream
(00:14:51) How Match earned his pilot medical
(00:16:48) Keeping the dream alive
(00:19:39) Phase 1 flight training
(00:21:26) Arriving in Moose Jaw
(00:23:16) What kind of student pilot was Match?
(00:24:36) How Match stopped getting airsick
(00:25:36) What came naturally and what humbled him
(00:28:05) When fighters became realistic
(00:33:24) Jumping into FLIT
(00:37:34) What comes after FLIT?
(00:39:33) Learning the CF-18 Hornet
(00:43:53) The flying is not the mission
(00:44:23) Surprises of operational fighter life
(00:47:52) Flying NORAD missions
(00:55:47) Does air-to-air refuelling ever stop being intimidating?
(00:57:35) Flying 22 combat sorties over Libya
(00:58:37) The first combat mission
(01:01:32) Learning from mistakes
(01:02:46) How military flying changed his perspective
(01:07:02) Thanks and what's next!
Check out the video that started it all!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Z1Q1JBnSk
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More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots.
https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes

Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Bray concludes our three-part series with a rare look behind the curtain of Canadian Special Operations Aviation. As the Commanding Officer of 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron, Chris explains how Special Operations Tactical Aviation Course (SOTAC) prepares aircrew for one of the Royal Canadian Air Force's most demanding environments, the qualities that define successful special operations aviators, and how the squadron continues to develop the next generation of capability.
We also discuss leadership, balancing family life with operational service, the Next Tactical Aviation Capability Set (NTACS), and Chris's vision for the future of Canadian Special Operations Aviation. This episode offers a rare perspective on 427 SOAS from the Commanding Officer himself.
CONTINUE THE FLIGHT
EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK
More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots
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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Introduction and Welcome
(00:01:48) Inside the Special Operations Tactical Aviation Course (SOTAC)
(00:02:54) How SOTAC Changed Special Operations Training
(00:04:07) Learning to Fight Alongside the Rest of the RCAF
(00:05:57) Building the First Generation of SOTAC Graduates
(00:06:44) Creating Canada's Next Special Operations Aviators
(00:07:58) Preparing for the Worst Day of Your Career
(00:11:51) Keeping SOTAC Ready for Tomorrow's Missions
(00:13:19) Is SOTAC a Selection Course?
(00:13:40) Who Can Become a Special Operations Aviator?
(00:15:43) The Role of a 427 Squadron Door Gunner
(00:16:44) The Traits Every SOF Aviator Needs
(00:17:29) Choosing a Career in Special Operations Aviation
(00:20:34) What Separates Success from Failure?
(00:23:49) Driving Innovation Across the RCAF
(00:25:26) The Future of NTACS
(00:28:17) Balancing Operational Service and Family Life
(00:31:39) Supporting Families Behind the Mission
(00:33:28) What It Means to Command 427 Squadron
(00:34:01) Seeing the Squadron Through a Commanding Officer's Eyes
(00:35:02) Leading in a Flat Organization
(00:37:02) The Leader Chris Bray Strives to Be
(00:39:32) The Future of Canadian Special Operations Aviation
(00:41:31) How to Earn a Place at 427 Squadron
(00:44:27) Looking Back with Pride
(00:45:25) Final Thoughts

Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Bray is the Commanding Officer of 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron, the Royal Canadian Air Force unit supporting the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM).
In Part 2, we take a rare look behind the curtain of Canadian Special Operations Aviation, exploring how 427 Squadron evolved into the modern capability it is today. Chris explains the squadron's culture, what makes it unique among allied SOF aviation units, the philosophy of "no mission too small," the addition of the CE-145C Vigilance, and the standards that define one of Canada's most demanding aviation communities. We also discuss leadership, mission command, and how 427 built a reputation for professionalism, adaptability, and trust while supporting special operations around the world.
CONTINUE THE FLIGHT
EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK
More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots
https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes
CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Introduction and Welcome
(00:02:41) How 427 Squadron Reinvented Itself
(00:03:39) Building One Special Operations Aviation Culture
(00:06:49) Why the Squadron Had to Change
(00:09:44) Living Through the Transformation
(00:13:10) Earning a Reputation in Special Operations Aviation
(00:14:49) "No Mission Too Small"
(00:18:46) Expanding the Mission with the CE-145C Vigilance
(00:20:44) Learning to Think Beyond Helicopters
(00:22:53) What Makes 427 Different?
(00:26:21) Becoming an Organic CANSOFCOM Capability
(00:28:44) The Professionals Behind Every Mission
(00:30:04) Why Communications Can Make or Break a Mission
(00:31:12) Building Trust with Canada's Special Operations Forces
(00:33:44) Maintaining Elite Standards
(00:37:52) Rewriting the Rules: The New TOCA
(00:41:35) The Career Path of a Special Operations Aviator
(00:44:57) Balancing Risk and Mission Success
(00:46:22) Leading an Elite Squadron
(00:47:34) The Hardest Decisions as Commanding Officer
(00:49:57) Next Time: Inside SOTAC

Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Bray is the Commanding Officer of 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron, the Royal Canadian Air Force unit supporting the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM).
In Part 1, Chris shares his journey from growing up outside the military to becoming a special operations aviator and leading one of the RCAF's most demanding helicopter squadrons. We discuss RCAF pilot training, flying the CH-146 Griffon, Operation IMPACT, and the experiences that shaped his career.
This episode also offers a rare look behind the curtain of Canadian Special Operations Aviation, exploring what it takes to earn a place at 427 Squadron and the mindset, professionalism, and leadership required to serve within one of Canada's most unique aviation communities.
CONTINUE THE FLIGHT
EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK
More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots
https://podpilotproject.transistor.fm/episodes
CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Introduction and bio
(00:03:47) Why Chris Chose the Canadian Armed Forces
(00:04:36) Discovering a Passion for Helicopters
(00:10:47) Learning the Mission at JRCC Halifax
(00:13:13) Surviving RCAF Pilot Training
(00:14:05) Learning to Fly Rotary Wing
(00:16:02) The Leap from Fixed Wing to Helicopters
(00:17:54) Mastering Confined Area Flying
(00:19:23) When Flying Finally Clicked
(00:20:13) Earning a Spot at 427 Squadron
(00:21:10) How Special Operations Aviators Are Selected
(00:23:30) First Impressions of 427 Squadron
(00:25:28) How 427 Squadron Evolved
(00:26:24) Starting Out in B Flight
(00:29:29) First Operational Deployments
(00:31:39) Flying on Operation IMPACT
(00:32:08) Operating in a Combat Threat Environment
(00:33:11) What Makes Special Operations Aviation Different
(00:36:40) The Future of Canada's Tactical Helicopter Fleet
(00:39:11) Inside a Special Operations Mission
(00:41:02) Growing into Leadership
(00:42:04) From Pilot to Leader
(00:47:06) Becoming a Special Operations Flight Lead
(00:48:04) Leadership Under Pressure
(00:50:24) Returning to Operation IMPACT as Detachment Commander
(00:51:24) Leading Aircrew in a Threat Environment
(00:52:24) Building the Future Force
(00:54:26) Lessons from Strategic Leadership
(00:57:48) Coming Up in Part 2

Every military aviator carries stories that stay with them long after the aircraft shuts down.
To mark the milestone of 100 episodes, we're looking back at the moments that revealed the true weight of military aviation. This second retrospective shifts from learning to fly to learning what comes after. A pilot's first time facing enemy fire, split-second decisions under pressure, devastating loss, the invisible burdens many carry home, and the resilience that keeps crews moving forward.
Featuring stories from fighter pilots, search and rescue crews, tactical helicopter crews, transport crews, and more, including the CF-18 Hornet, the CH-146 Griffon, and many other aircraft, this episode explores the realities of operational military aviation through the voices of those who lived it.
Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or you're discovering The Pilot Project for the first time, The First 100 Series is the best place to start.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. The Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) provides confidential assistance to Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families. You can contact them at:
1-800-268-7708
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/member-assistance.html
CHAPTERS
(00:00:58) Introduction
(00:03:03) Act 1: Contact - Greg Juurlink - I was a brand new FO
(00:07:20) Eric Kenny - The missile exploded between us
(00:09:26) Troy Clarke - Is this what SAR is going to be?
(00:13:00) Anthony Dyer - My first CASEVAC ever
(00:14:50) Davis Clark - You don't know if it's a threat or not
(00:17:05) Act 2: The Line - Greg Juurlink - We got shot up
(00:23:00) Bob Wade - Escorting MiGs to Canada
(00:25:45) Dan McWilliams - Never fly into vortices
(00:28:40) Pete Wright & Greg Hudson - This is what we signed up for, let's go!
(00:30:39) Niels Olson - You don't know which way is up
(00:31:22) Dan McWilliams - Less than a wingspan above the ground
(00:32:12) Niels Olson - Certified Cocaine Boat!
(00:34:27) Bob Wade - One of you is going to die
(00:35:29) Act 3: The Ones We Lost - Greg Juurlink - Angel Flights in Afghanistan
(00:37:08) Vic Weston - Tom "Toast" McQueen
(00:40:38) Anthony Dyer - It's a smell you never forget
(00:41:43) Dan McWilliams - Timothy Kirk Leuty
(00:43:02) Rich MacDougall - Jenn Casey
(00:49:16) Mike Houle - Shattering Grief
(00:53:13) Act 4: The Burden - Greg Juurlink - A full bucket
(00:55:33) Bryan Morrison - I'm not OK
(00:58:45) Vic Weston - I'm not good to go
(00:59:58) Paul Goddard - You can't save everybody
(01:01:22) Dan McWilliams - Fears that last
(01:02:35) Lyndsay Olson - The Hardest Deployment
(01:04:41) Niels Olson - The Weight of Distance
(01:05:20) Janet Musters - Everything AND the Kitchen Sink
(01:06:36) Rich MacDougall - Your life has just changed forever
(01:08:59) Act 5: Blue Skies and the Way Forward - Bob Wade - A consequence of doing what you did
(01:10:03) Bryan Morrison - The value of my career vs everything else
(01:12:03) Anthony Dyer - Better or bitter
(01:13:45) Greg Juurlink - The most important thing is asking for help
(01:15:00) Bob Wade - I miss the boys
(01:15:52) Vic Weston - Honouring Tom "Toast" McQueen
(01:17:42) Rich MacDougall - She was a force to be reckoned with
(01:19:37) Paul Goddard - As good as it gets
(01:20:01) Mike Houle - Don't Hide the Pain
(01:20:26) Vic Weston - Keep movin' forward
(01:20:43) Outro and Special Thank You
CONTINUE THE FLIGHT
EXPLORE THE LOGBOOK
More stories from RCAF and mission aviation pilots