Ejection at Mach 0.95: The Unbreakable Spirit of Kegan Gill

The Pilot Network Podcast

In this episode, Adam hosts Kegan 'Smurf' Gill, who shares his incredible journey through aviation and beyond. Kegan recounts his experiences in Navy flight school and the advanced training that prepared him for life in the fleet. A life-changing ejection event (the fastest in Naval Aviation history) has the guys delving into the challenges of survival and recovery. Kegan opens up about the trauma and mental health battles he faced, highlighting the support from the veteran community and alternative therapies that aided his recovery. He reflects on personal growth and resilience, offering insights from his upcoming book, Phoenix Revival: The Aftermath of Naval Aviation's Fastest Ejection,. The episode closes with Kegan's appreciation for the support he's received and his hopes for the future. (0:00) Welcome and introduction of Kegan Smurf Gill (0:53) Kegan's journey, challenges, and joining the podcast (2:19) Kegan's book, ejection experience, and aviation origin story (5:41) Early flying experiences, military decision, and Navy OCS (14:32) Learning, training, and Navy flight school challenges (23:10) Selection process, military aviation luck, and aircraft selection (28:45) T-45 advanced training and carrier landings (32:40) Life-changing ejection event and pre-flight traditions (38:45) Ejection scenario, survival, and high-speed challenges (50:12) Rescue decisions, trauma recovery, and mishap investigation (1:00:21) Swiss cheese model in aviation safety and debriefing culture (1:07:04) Hospital recovery, fear, vulnerability, and coma realization (1:11:49) Prognosis fight, visualizing recovery, and FENAB (1:18:48) Return to flying, community support, and mental challenges (1:24:51) Medical system diagnosis, mental health, and VA treatment (1:30:42) Alternative therapies, recovery reflection, and hopes (1:34:43) Post-recovery betrayal, anger, healing, and personal growth (1:40:01) Veteran support, resilience takeaway, and upcoming book (1:45:42) Final thoughts and appreciation