Apache Helo Pilot Talks Close Calls in '08 Night Raid | Mike Drop Ep. #169 Clip - Ryan Fugit

About this video

Ryan Fugit, an Apache helicopter pilot, recounts a July 2008 night raid when his forward operating base came under attack. He describes scrambling to his aircraft under fire, nearly causing a catastrophic friendly-fire incident when his wingman flew between his aircraft and the target during an engagement, and ultimately helping repel the attackers. Fugit reflects on the leadership lessons and personal doubts he experienced during this intense combat situation.

Key takeaways

• Fugit describes how his crew chiefs stayed exposed on the aircraft wings under fire to ensure the Apaches could take off, which he found inspiring and later led to award nominations.
• Fugit recounts nearly shooting down his own wingman during the chaotic engagement, attributing the near-miss to being in the back seat instead of his usual front-seat command position.
• The guest explains that once the Apache helicopters arrived and began engaging, the attackers effectively broke off their assault on the base.

Episode details: published January 6, 2024 · 8.4K views · 11:08 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Stories told by Mike Ritland’s podcast guests are the guests’ own accounts, attributed to them — not independently verified. Commentary is Ritland’s, presented as his analysis.

← Previous: F/A-18 Survival Kit Review with Top Gun Instructor Jack Stewart | Mike Drop #168 Clip · Next: Army Apache Helicopter Pilot Ryan Fugit Part One →

All Mike Ritland videos · Mike Ritland profile · Mike Drop (official site)