Warbird Radio – Season 17 Preview

WARBIRD RADIO - Warbirds don’t fly on history alone. They fly because people refuse to let them fade away. Fresh back from the National Warbird Operator’s Conference in Virginia Beach, where the 2026 Class of 20 Under 40—rising stars of the warbird movement—were honored, and where Warbird Radio was proud to be part of the evening’s program, it’s clear this community isn’t just preserving history… it’s building a future.

Season 17 of WarbirdRadio.com is about the people making that future possible—the pilots, operators, historians, and innovators who are keeping living history in the air. The new season launches Tuesday, February 24th, beginning with Josh Wells, Executive Director of Doc’s Friends, the organization that operates and preserves the B-29 Doc. One of only two airworthy Superfortresses in the world, Doc stands as proof that dedication and teamwork can keep even the largest chapters of history flying. As the season unfolds, we’ll hear from leaders helping guide the future of the warbird movement, including Kristin Schaick, Executive Director of EAA Warbirds of America, and Sean Elliott, EAA Vice President and accomplished warbird pilot who has flown a remarkable range of historic aircraft—including the B-29 Doc.

We’ll spend time with The Hyle Brothers from the Museum of the Forgotten Warrior, catch up with Brad Pilgrim on the projects and restoration efforts keeping history alive today, and sit down with Darren Pleasance, past president of AOPA, to discuss leadership and the direction of general aviation at a time when the voices of pilots and aircraft owners matter more than ever. Looking ahead, Jerod Flohr, airshow and jet warbird pilot, shares exciting news about what’s coming for the Vietnam War Flight Museum, and in an exclusive conversation, Cory Miller of Strix Aero joins us to talk about upcoming releases and what they may mean for operators, restorers, and enthusiasts watching the next chapter of the industry take shape.

Along the way, we’ll also bring you special features from the Air Force Historical Foundation, plus stories drawn from more than 17 years of Warbird Radio archives—reminders that the past isn’t gone as long as someone is willing to tell the story. These airplanes were built for war.Today, they’re flying memorials, flying classrooms, and sometimes—flying miracles.

Season 17 begins February 24th. Be sure to like, follow, and subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss an episode of Warbird Radio.

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