Awesome interview with an unbelievably good pilot. Even in his young days during Desert Storm he was fun to fly with. I almost spit my coffee out when he mentioned my cigarette story with the Iraq POWs. I was his CrewChief on the ramp.
He actually did have hydros when he landed. The crew chief was able to refill the reservoir with spare fluid giving him control in short increments. Without that they would've crashed.
I lost a tail rotor in Pakistan at 2:30 in the morning on goggles. I flew back 11 1/2 miles and landed without incident. It’s in the after action report.
I never get tired of listening to Als stories even though I was present and lived through many of them. A detail he left out about the Son Tay Bergdahl mission was when he said it I looked in the mirror in the cockpit and all I saw was this big bushy caterpillar mustache covered shit eatin’ grin. The most impressive landing I experienced in my career. He is a true hero of mine!!! Great interview!
I’ve seen Alan interviewed 3 times previously. Always great. But your time with him is far more laid back, informative, enlightening, and hair raising. And you know we’ve only heard 1% of his actual lore. Well done ! 👍👍👍
Love that he mentioned Pete Blaber with Operation Anaconda. Hands down the single most influential book I’ve ever read was Pete’s book The Mission, The Men and Me. Which culminates in that battle.
I saw Mr. Mack on Combat Story and the same night listened to the entire book Razor 3 on Audible. He's story is moving, at points heartbreaking and best of all has a happy ending. He's a American hero and what anyone who has ever flown a toy helicopter over there head as a child dreams of being.
Mike just leaning back enjoying these incredible stories like I was. Alan is so calm and well spoken, great demeanor to him. Thanks to both of you for this one 👏
What an incredible individual; I listened to the podcast driving from DC to Philly today and finished it when I got home. I’m amazed that there isn’t enough notoriety placed on the pilot’s and crew of the 160th ; they’re all heroes. I guess they’re the true silent warriors. God bless them all and what they did during the Gwot, and continue to do today. Thank you Mike for bringing Mr. Mack on the show, and thank you Mr. Mack for what you’ve done for our country.
Such a great interview. Love hearing about the aviation details that I never knew was happening while riding on birds as an 11B. We flew on birds a lot while I was stationed in Korea with 1/503 INF AASLT at Camp Casey. I was fresh into the Army at 18 years old and flying around in Blackhawks. I was loving life. I could listen to this guy talk forever. A freaking stud.
You got a way of digging deeper in Mike Drop than any other podcast…. Telling you this is the best damn show. For years, you’ve given me the best damn content… really appreciate you bro. @mikeritland
Mike, i have already listened to this multiple times because of the details. I must say that you have outdone yourself with this guest. Thank you for what you have done for us in bringing guests that have something to say as well as bring some truth for us civilians to hear. I am offering you a challenge, can you find the Bin Laden pilots and ask about the crash landing that safely kept all of our men alive? Please accept this challenge. God bless you friend.
As I was a kid, I read the books on tora Bora, lone survivor, kill bin ladin, a good day to die, ECT. Listening to these guys bring up names I've read about from other books is like hearing about all my heros I had going through school. It's like my version of the dream teams. Love listening to all of these heros and the truth behind stories that are told.
Mike love the content . Been watching you for years. Thank you 👍😊 you are a really underrated interviewer. One of the best interviewers on youtube . You ask some very intriguing questions.
Every time I watch a new episode I think no way could it get any better, and always to my surprise I’m proved wrong. Great show Mike, I look forward to my hour drive home from work to listen to these episodes!
First city I lived in was portsmouth grew up in Dover and reside in Rochester NH currently. Seldom hear anyone notable from here listening to any podcast like this.
Absoulute legend and these strories gave me chills. Chopper pilots are something else it's mind blowing!!!. Movies need to made about this man and these missions. Respect.
Such Amazing stories and men. I want to thank you guys for sacrificing for all of us.I pray for you guys and your families since they serve also.Im in a big military family, and I know loss. It is so important to document these stories. Thank you 🇺🇸
That was absolutely awesome, alan is an absolutely legend & a great storyteller. Thanks mike & alan for a brilliant interview & thank you both for your service.
This was a great episode! I really enjoyed the details he gave about the helicopters, and explained the nuances that went on. Also explaining how previous actions from the C130's and how they affected future missions. A lot of details really helped explaing the situation. Great job Mike, I enjoyed the questions you asked as well. Really just a natural interview, went great!
To see from his point of view for all these missions is absolutely the most entertaining shit I ever heard in a while. Especially since I’ve known these stories from the operators side but u never think about the pilots.
I am with you Mike on never watched lone survivor or read the book. It was for just the money. A lot of badass men lost their lives and one individual benefits from it 💰💰💰. Very sad!
Mike these heroes are amazing! Appreciate all of you men/heroes. I’d like to hear some stories from C130 Talon pilots if you can find them. Loved the long episode.
Great show... I was thinking that I might have known the dude that he mentioned during his first few weeks of 160th INDOC that he was doing the karate chops on the neck with (Linebacker). I befriended a MH-47 guy from that era while at Vance AFB. He had left the army to fly C-130s for the Air National Guard. He graduated at Vance just before 911 and got a callback to the Night Stalkers. I never saw him again but he fits the description. Also, my dad was in that Birmingham, AL Sky Crane unit just before they converted to 47s. I bet my dad knew those old crusty guys... he said there were quite a few there!
Awesome interview Mike! Just finished it. As always thank you for sharing this story with us and for everything you’ve done in the navy and beyond. Couple of books I want to plug. Alan Mack’s book Razor 03 is a great read. Robert’s Ridge by Malcolm Macpherson and a powerful read on the topic: Alone at Dawn by Schilling and Longfritz. All great books. On a side note: Mr. Mack mentioned Son tay…there is a great book on that topic called “who will go” by terry buckler. An absolutely incredible mission conducted in north Vietnam. If you or anyone else gets a chance to read any of these books I would highly recommend. PS I’ve read all your books as well Mike…keep em coming.
This is my 3 time watching this since you dropped it. I’ve listened to a few interviews with him, but This is by FAR THE BEST AL Mack interview ever done. Awesome Job Mike 🫡. I also love that you have never deviated from what made your channel so great. 🫡🫡🫡
I, served with him in 3/160th SOAR and in Afghanistan, he have a facebook page I can try to get in contact with him or some of my friends that have him as contact.
@@leonelgonzalez3288 oh wow! I’m going into flight school now and Mr Mack wrote one of my recommendation letters, but actually serving with Mr Englen is awesome!
Awesome interview with an unbelievably good pilot. Even in his young days during Desert Storm he was fun to fly with. I almost spit my coffee out when he mentioned my cigarette story with the Iraq POWs. I was his CrewChief on the ramp.
lol that’s awesome man. He seems like a great pilot and dude but was probably a hard ass! 😂 probably for the best though
That’s pretty cool shit right there, #TEAMFIRST
Former CH-47 pilot here- losing hydraulics while flying and still landing that aircraft is beyond comprehension
How about landing with only one rotor left ?
@@djzrobzombie2813that ain’t happening.
He actually did have hydros when he landed. The crew chief was able to refill the reservoir with spare fluid giving him control in short increments. Without that they would've crashed.
Thanks for doing your job I spent a lot of time in a 47 even fell basically out of one while fast roping … good time 3rd batt RLTW!
I lost a tail rotor in Pakistan at 2:30 in the morning on goggles. I flew back 11 1/2 miles and landed without incident. It’s in the after action report.
I never get tired of listening to Als stories even though I was present and lived through many of them. A detail he left out about the Son Tay Bergdahl mission was when he said it I looked in the mirror in the cockpit and all I saw was this big bushy caterpillar mustache covered shit eatin’ grin. The most impressive landing I experienced in my career. He is a true hero of mine!!! Great interview!
I’ve seen Alan interviewed 3 times previously. Always great. But your time with him is far more laid back, informative, enlightening, and hair raising. And you know we’ve only heard 1% of his actual lore.
Well done ! 👍👍👍
40 Mike Mike is a darn good interviewer.
Pepper was the dog who was lost along the river in Iraq. Her handler's name is Dave Neilsen. He would be a stellar guest for Mike Drop.
Love that he mentioned Pete Blaber with Operation Anaconda. Hands down the single most influential book I’ve ever read was Pete’s book The Mission, The Men and Me. Which culminates in that battle.
This channel is going places, it’s very hard for something to keep my attention but i watched this from start too finish with no distractions.
I saw Mr. Mack on Combat Story and the same night listened to the entire book Razor 3 on Audible. He's story is moving, at points heartbreaking and best of all has a happy ending. He's a American hero and what anyone who has ever flown a toy helicopter over there head as a child dreams of being.
What a legend man. We are beyond blessed to have guys like this on our side. Easily one of, if not the best pilot to ever live🫡🇺🇸
Mike just leaning back enjoying these incredible stories like I was. Alan is so calm and well spoken, great demeanor to him. Thanks to both of you for this one 👏
What an incredible individual; I listened to the podcast driving from DC to Philly today and finished it when I got home. I’m amazed that there isn’t enough notoriety placed on the pilot’s and crew of the 160th ; they’re all heroes. I guess they’re the true silent warriors. God bless them all and what they did during the Gwot, and continue to do today. Thank you Mike for bringing Mr. Mack on the show, and thank you Mr. Mack for what you’ve done for our country.
Good old Berghdal! Spent a lot of time back in 09 looking for that dude. Thanks for another great episode.
The Legend himself, thank you for this Mike
Such a great interview. Love hearing about the aviation details that I never knew was happening while riding on birds as an 11B. We flew on birds a lot while I was stationed in Korea with 1/503 INF AASLT at Camp Casey. I was fresh into the Army at 18 years old and flying around in Blackhawks. I was loving life. I could listen to this guy talk forever. A freaking stud.
I love how Mike just lets them talk, I feel like at the table and we are all just hearing stories from great men
Incredible and humble guy and he has a radio voice. Make us WO's proud
I remember when Mike didn’t ride motorcycles now he talks about them a lot, I love it
Same about to get an fz8 lol
You got a way of digging deeper in Mike Drop than any other podcast…. Telling you this is the best damn show. For years, you’ve given me the best damn content… really appreciate you bro. @mikeritland
Thank you buddy! I sure appreciate it
It’s because he listens to their answers instead of just waiting for his turn to talk. A shockingly rare skill these days.
Somebody needs to make a movie on this Mans life .... Absolutely legendary stuff ... !!
Absolutely STELLAR interview! The stories and experiences Alan Mack has are just incredible to hear...
Mike, i have already listened to this multiple times because of the details.
I must say that you have outdone yourself with this guest. Thank you for what you have done for us in bringing guests that have something to say as well as bring some truth for us civilians to hear.
I am offering you a challenge, can you find the Bin Laden pilots and ask about the crash landing that safely kept all of our men alive?
Please accept this challenge.
God bless you friend.
Listening to the aviators is my favorite type of podcast, what a great interview.
Incredible military career. This should have a million views. Thanks Alan and Mike! 🇺🇸
Great interview Mike. You outdid yourself in this one.
Thank you Alan C. Mack.
Nonaviators I don’t think can comprehend the gravity of what he did in an aircraft. Truly amazing!!!
Great job Mike, Alan’s been on a few podcasts and all are great. Thank you for your service.
Freaking awesome interview. Huge reminder as to all of the assets involved to make missions possible.
As I was a kid, I read the books on tora Bora, lone survivor, kill bin ladin, a good day to die, ECT. Listening to these guys bring up names I've read about from other books is like hearing about all my heros I had going through school. It's like my version of the dream teams. Love listening to all of these heros and the truth behind stories that are told.
I’ll say it! The best interview thus far. Wow!
25 mins in and I'm hooked. Another great one!
I've listened to his story on the cleared hot podcast more times than I care to admit. Dude is a hero and I am so thankful Americans like him exist!
I gotta check that out
Currently a ch47 mechanic and crew chief. Best damn job I’ve ever had!
Legit Legend.....Thanks, Mike!
Mike love the content . Been watching you for years. Thank you 👍😊 you are a really underrated interviewer. One of the best interviewers on youtube . You ask some very intriguing questions.
Every time I watch a new episode I think no way could it get any better, and always to my surprise I’m proved wrong. Great show Mike, I look forward to my hour drive home from work to listen to these episodes!
Might be one of the best shows I have watched. I was at NTC and was part of the 1st Air Defense unit ever at NTC. I simulated a SA-8 Missile System.
Great interview Mike. Mr. Mack you are a great paragon for the 160th SOAR.
Incredible interview no stale moments! I appreciate that you let him share his experiences without interrupting
First city I lived in was portsmouth grew up in Dover and reside in Rochester NH currently. Seldom hear anyone notable from here listening to any podcast like this.
I almost forgot to breathe watching this for 4 hours straight. Awesome interview 💪💪
Absoulute legend and these strories gave me chills. Chopper pilots are something else it's mind blowing!!!. Movies need to made about this man and these missions. Respect.
Man I could listen to another 4hrs!!! The best podcast on UA-cam!
Incredible interview! Thanks Mike!
Great episode! Mike - you should interview Dave Nielson.. that was his dog pepper that Al was referring to that was killed in Iraq.
Mike I have watched or listened to every episode to date. This is by far the best and my favorite one. Thanks man thanks a lot.
Al is a great American! 🇺🇸🫡 He was one of our instructors during Green Platoon!
Great guest and great interview from two American heroes!
Thank you for bringing these stories to us...
From an old Jarhead
Mike wasn't kidding... one of the longest podcast.
Such Amazing stories and men. I want to thank you guys for sacrificing for all of us.I pray for you guys and your families since they serve also.Im in a big military family, and I know loss. It is so important to document these stories. Thank you 🇺🇸
Friend's son was the crew chief on Razor 4 during Anaconda. He loved the 160th! His name is Scott.
That was absolutely awesome, alan is an absolutely legend & a great storyteller. Thanks mike & alan for a brilliant interview & thank you both for your service.
This episode was real gooood.
Thanks Mike!
For those curious, that’s 291 days of straight flying. Mad respect to this man and the Night Stalkers!!
This was one of the best episodes of any podcast I've listened to. What an amazing career and guy!
This was a great episode! I really enjoyed the details he gave about the helicopters, and explained the nuances that went on. Also explaining how previous actions from the C130's and how they affected future missions. A lot of details really helped explaing the situation. Great job Mike, I enjoyed the questions you asked as well. Really just a natural interview, went great!
Much appreciated!
Former crew chief. Ft. Dix basic, UCLA for 67V (Kiowa). Two civilian tours to Germany. A lot of memories brought back.
Amazing as always Mike.. well done
That was an awesome interview! I could listen to Al all day!
One of my favorite Mike Drops! Outstanding guess. Great job Mike.
This is mind blowing man, I mean I knew being a pilot must be complex especially at his level but I had no idea
Great interview and very humbling to hear of the sacrifices made for our nation- even the POS bergdahl. Semper Fidelis!
To see from his point of view for all these missions is absolutely the most entertaining shit I ever heard in a while. Especially since I’ve known these stories from the operators side but u never think about the pilots.
His voice is so calm it relaxes you
He has 3 years solid in the cockpit....... LEGEND
Wow, I had to stop what I was doing to listen to this one. Great interview!
Canted tail rotor on the blackhawk creates a percentage of lift keeping it more level when landing, less nose up attitude.
I am with you Mike on never watched lone survivor or read the book. It was for just the money. A lot of badass men lost their lives and one individual benefits from it 💰💰💰. Very sad!
Seems like a lot of backlash is going around currently because of that movie and book
Amazing! Best podcast to date!
Wow, thanks!
@@MikeRitlandwhat's up skid Marks?
Great interview!!! Thank you Mike.
Big fan from the Netherlands
This was so good man. I enjoyed it immensely.
Thank you Sir! You are a special man and national treasure! You to Mike!
This deserves more views, great stories here
Hellll yeah I loved him on Cleared Hot. You’re crushing it Mike.
Mike these heroes are amazing! Appreciate all of you men/heroes. I’d like to hear some stories from C130 Talon pilots if you can find them. Loved the long episode.
Great show... I was thinking that I might have known the dude that he mentioned during his first few weeks of 160th INDOC that he was doing the karate chops on the neck with (Linebacker). I befriended a MH-47 guy from that era while at Vance AFB. He had left the army to fly C-130s for the Air National Guard. He graduated at Vance just before 911 and got a callback to the Night Stalkers. I never saw him again but he fits the description. Also, my dad was in that Birmingham, AL Sky Crane unit just before they converted to 47s. I bet my dad knew those old crusty guys... he said there were quite a few there!
Damn Mike This is going to be on a "best of" no doubt.. Thanks fealls
Incredible interview. When I think your guests cant get any better…bam… on walks another.
160th is the special forces best friend in the military, along with the Rangers!
Man this dude is a legend Forsure. Such a great episode. You should definitely try to get Jimmy hatch on the podcast.
Awesome interview Mike! Just finished it. As always thank you for sharing this story with us and for everything you’ve done in the navy and beyond. Couple of books I want to plug. Alan Mack’s book Razor 03 is a great read. Robert’s Ridge by Malcolm Macpherson and a powerful read on the topic: Alone at Dawn by Schilling and Longfritz. All great books.
On a side note: Mr. Mack mentioned Son tay…there is a great book on that topic called “who will go” by terry buckler. An absolutely incredible mission conducted in north Vietnam. If you or anyone else gets a chance to read any of these books I would highly recommend. PS I’ve read all your books as well Mike…keep em coming.
This was a phenomenal podcast.
This is my 3 time watching this since you dropped it. I’ve listened to a few interviews with him, but This is by FAR THE BEST AL Mack interview ever done. Awesome Job Mike 🫡. I also love that you have never deviated from what made your channel so great. 🫡🫡🫡
Thanks Mike,this was an epic podcast
Great episode Mike
Much appreciated
Awesome podcast, very enlightening.
Thank you sir . Always a great podcast.
This is my favorite episode right behind Macdonald episode. Fuck yeah Mike Drop
Ritland keeps moving the bar higher snd higher🔥🤘🏴☠️🇺🇸 good shit brother
thank you man - much appreciated!
Mike knows his bikes. Loves this shit even more!!! Yamaha burble baby!!!
Kick Ass 🌞🇺🇸 just sitting here trying to listen to SRS and then MD notifications 🙌 , ill bounce back to finish SRS after this 🤙
Great episode !
Best in the business!!
Great, interesting interview.
I remember seeing the 160th at WTI back in the 90s. The 47 blades were massive compared to my CH46E.
That was a great show very interesting thanks guys
Incredible! Anyone ever interview the crew chief?
Incredible story
Hello Mike, you need to bring to the show, CW5 Englen. Another 160th SOAR legend.
That would be a great episode.
Do you have his contact ?
I, served with him in 3/160th SOAR and in Afghanistan, he have a facebook page I can try to get in contact with him or some of my friends that have him as contact.
@@leonelgonzalez3288 oh wow! I’m going into flight school now and Mr Mack wrote one of my recommendation letters, but actually serving with Mr Englen is awesome!
If you can give me an email to contact you about it?
great interview true warrior
Absolutely great human