Episode Details

Colonel Todd O’Malley concludes our four-part journey through the evolution of Canadian tactical and special operations aviation. Todd returns to Moose Jaw, where he transitions from helicopters to fixed-wing flying, learns to instruct on the CT-156 Harvard and later becomes Commandant of 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.

He also recounts commanding B Flight at 427 Squadron, developing maritime counterterrorism capabilities and helping transform the unit from tactical helicopter support into a dedicated special operations aviation squadron. After more than a decade in civilian aviation, Todd explains what brought him back into uniform as Director Air and Space at CANSOFCOM. The conversation explores the rapid growth of uncrewed aircraft, counter-UAS and space capabilities, lessons emerging from real-world allied experience, and Todd’s advice for anyone considering special operations aviation. He closes by recognizing the mentors, colleagues and family members who made his remarkable career possible.

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(00:00:00) Introduction and Welcome
(00:02:03) Instructing at 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School
(00:04:18) Returning to Fixed-Wing Flying
(00:07:58) Converting from the Tutor to the Harvard
(00:09:21) Why Flight Instructing Is So Difficult
(00:11:12) The Most Rewarding Part of Instructing
(00:12:45) When Students Arrive Unprepared
(00:14:29) Returning to Fix a Missed Opportunity
(00:16:46) Returning to Moose Jaw as Commandant
(00:19:03) Being Both an Instructor and a Principal
(00:19:47) Influencing the Student Experience as Commandant
(00:21:03) Mentorship and Perspective
(00:23:33) The Weight of Ending a Student’s Training
(00:25:24) How Students React to Being Told They Are Done
(00:26:59) Why the Good Days Outweigh the Bad
(00:29:46) Returning to 427 Squadron in 2003
(00:32:43) Commanding B Flight
(00:36:48) The Difference Between Elite and Elitist
(00:38:05) When 427 Squadron Began Drifting Apart
(00:39:47) Developing Maritime Counterterrorism Capabilities
(00:44:17) Standing Up CANSOFCOM
(00:45:47) Transforming Tactical Helicopter Aviation into SOF Aviation
(00:47:41) Why Todd Retired from the RCAF
(00:49:56) Lessons from Civilian Aviation
(00:52:52) Military and Civilian Workplace Cultures
(00:54:18) Returning to the RCAF
(00:56:30) The Director Air and Space Mandate
(00:59:17) How Canadian SOF Aviation Is Evolving
(01:01:48) Learning from Allies
(01:03:51) Special Operations in a Changing World
(01:04:46) Advice for Joining Special Operations Aviation
(01:07:17) Todd’s Remaining Career Goals
(01:08:56) Recognizing the People Behind His Career
(01:11:39) Closing the Series