Interview with Bill 'Pinch' Paisley, F-14 Radar Intercept Officer (RIO), VF-14 Tophatters

In this first interview with Pinch, we dive into his early family and childhood, where his own father was an attack pilot flying A-4s in Vietnam with VA-56. His dad flew over 250 combat missions in his two tours, an outstanding feat. From there Pinch and I dive into his education and how Pinch initially wanted to be a teacher, but found a calling as a Naval Flight Officer, training in Pensacola, meeting a Blue Angel, his first interaction with the F-14, his first trap in the F-14, and how Pinch earned his callsign.

[@boggy8557]

Great interview, really enjoyed it. Have you got a link for the interview with Greg which you mention at @45:00 ?

[@zachwood1218]

That interview, on Greg’s request, is being kept private until further notice. I’m just lucky to call him a friend!

[@mattbackvass]

this is wonderful! edited because the comment seemed too bot-like...

[@zachwood1218]

Thank you! Bill is a great guy!