Episode
#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
3:56:51
Published: Tue Sep 08 2020
Description
David Fravor is a navy pilot of 18 years and a primary witness in one of the most credible UFO sightings in history, video of which has been released by the Pentagon and reported on by the NY Times. Please check out our sponsors to get a discount and to support this podcast: - Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/lex - ExpressVPN: https://www.expressvpn.com/lexpod - BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex If you would like to get more information about this podcast go to https://lexfridman.com/podcast or connect with @lexfridman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, or YouTube where you can watch the video versions of these conversations. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it 5 stars on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify, or support it on Patreon. Here's the outline of the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. OUTLINE: 00:00 - Introduction 07:13 - Top Gun 12:06 - Navy pilot career 24:14 - AI is the third brain of a jet fighter 40:37 - Sully 47:34 - Landing a jet fighter on a carrier 53:18 - What's it like to fly a jet fighter? 1:05:22 - Greatest plane ever made 1:11:04 - The Tic Tac UFO story 1:49:16 - Intelligent extraterrestrial life 1:53:30 - Why aren't UFOs investigated more seriously 1:59:52 - Tic Tac UFO details 2:07:55 - What do you think the Tic Tac was? 2:16:23 - SpaceX 2:30:01 - Response to Mick West Debunking 2:48:24 - Was the Tic Tac a secret military test? 3:00:07 - Is the government in possession of alien spacecraft? 3:25:28 - Interesting UFO sightings in history 3:39:55 - Advice for Young People 3:47:47 - Meaning of life
Chapters
The most credible sighting of a UFO or UAP happened in 2004, in an event called the USS Nimitz UFO incident.
00:00 - 03:28 (03:28)
Summary
The most credible sighting of a UFO or UAP happened in 2004, in an event called the USS Nimitz UFO incident. The speaker believes that paradigm shifts in science require the removal of scientific conventions and assumptions to dream and think from first principles.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host talks about the simplicity and beauty of algorithms in computers and the benefits of fasting, including intermittent fasting and longer periods of fasting.
03:28 - 08:54 (05:26)
Summary
The host talks about the simplicity and beauty of algorithms in computers and the benefits of fasting, including intermittent fasting and longer periods of fasting.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Navy conducts site visits to share knowledge and maintain high standards with fleet squadrons through flying sorties at locations like Lamore, California.
08:56 - 15:32 (06:36)
Summary
The Navy conducts site visits to share knowledge and maintain high standards with fleet squadrons through flying sorties at locations like Lamore, California. Tactical decisions are made based on fact and experience, with seniority being a factor in decision-making.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this excerpt, a former fighter pilot explains the strategy behind dogfighting in the Navy and how it's like playing a very fast chess game at 400 knots.
15:32 - 23:41 (08:08)
Summary
In this excerpt, a former fighter pilot explains the strategy behind dogfighting in the Navy and how it's like playing a very fast chess game at 400 knots.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The bombardier navigator in the cockpit utilizes radar technology to identify obstacles and other aircraft at a distance of up to 12.5 miles away, allowing for safer navigation.
23:41 - 29:13 (05:32)
Summary
The bombardier navigator in the cockpit utilizes radar technology to identify obstacles and other aircraft at a distance of up to 12.5 miles away, allowing for safer navigation. This involves the use of range bin technology and CRT screens, with potential assistance from AI and automation.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of phasor radar technology in modern fighter jets allows pilots to quickly and accurately identify and track targets, reducing the response time for launching attacks.
29:13 - 38:10 (08:56)
Summary
The use of phasor radar technology in modern fighter jets allows pilots to quickly and accurately identify and track targets, reducing the response time for launching attacks. This technology maps magnetic resonance to a pilot's headgear, allowing for instantaneous tracking data and calculations for precision targeting.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Pilots face challenging problems in emergencies, having to think through multiple factors in real time while under stress, exemplified by Captain Sully's decision-making when he landed on the Hudson river.
38:10 - 47:12 (09:02)
Summary
Pilots face challenging problems in emergencies, having to think through multiple factors in real time while under stress, exemplified by Captain Sully's decision-making when he landed on the Hudson river.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A former Navy carrier pilot discusses the challenges of flying at night, the importance of training and practice, and how fear plays a role in decision-making.
47:12 - 54:15 (07:03)
Summary
A former Navy carrier pilot discusses the challenges of flying at night, the importance of training and practice, and how fear plays a role in decision-making.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about his experience flying Super Hornets and how the Air Force is working on smaller and cheaper platforms that do not require a human pilot.
54:15 - 59:41 (05:25)
Summary
The speaker talks about his experience flying Super Hornets and how the Air Force is working on smaller and cheaper platforms that do not require a human pilot.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The human brain requires a flat disposition, but knowing the performance of the airplane during displacement maneuvers from high altitudes is important for pilots to successfully navigate.
59:41 - 1:03:49 (04:08)
Summary
The human brain requires a flat disposition, but knowing the performance of the airplane during displacement maneuvers from high altitudes is important for pilots to successfully navigate.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The SR-71 Blackbird can fly at speeds of over 3,000 miles per hour at 70 plus thousand feet, but the relative speed of the air going over it is actually low due to the thinness of the air at high altitude.
1:03:49 - 1:10:23 (06:33)
Summary
The SR-71 Blackbird can fly at speeds of over 3,000 miles per hour at 70 plus thousand feet, but the relative speed of the air going over it is actually low due to the thinness of the air at high altitude.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Witnesses on the East Coast of the US reported similar strange sightings of unidentified objects flying at low speeds and without wings, including a 40-foot-long white tic-tac-shaped object.
1:10:23 - 1:15:36 (05:13)
Summary
Witnesses on the East Coast of the US reported similar strange sightings of unidentified objects flying at low speeds and without wings, including a 40-foot-long white tic-tac-shaped object.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Mike Bannister talks about his experience of flying a fighter jet, explaining how the radar system works in giving location information and how to land the plane.
1:15:36 - 1:20:32 (04:55)
Summary
Mike Bannister talks about his experience of flying a fighter jet, explaining how the radar system works in giving location information and how to land the plane.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Waves have a specific shape and can be formed by adding a piece of land, such as a seamount, underwater.
1:20:32 - 1:27:10 (06:38)
Summary
Waves have a specific shape and can be formed by adding a piece of land, such as a seamount, underwater. Waves also have different heights and lengths and can be caused by factors such as thunderstorms or helicopter downdrafts.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The legacy Hornets, the F 18 C's, don't have as much gas as the Super Hornets, which made them go back to training.
1:27:10 - 1:29:50 (02:39)
Summary
The legacy Hornets, the F 18 C's, don't have as much gas as the Super Hornets, which made them go back to training. They have to train hard as they're getting ready to deploy overseas.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the various modes of radar including wide, medium, narrow and TV mode.
1:29:50 - 1:36:25 (06:34)
Summary
The podcast discusses the various modes of radar including wide, medium, narrow and TV mode. It also explores how utilizing different modes can help pilots get better returns.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A former military member shares a story about trusting and having faith in one's comrades, even if it means potentially crossing boundaries.
1:36:25 - 1:41:35 (05:10)
Summary
A former military member shares a story about trusting and having faith in one's comrades, even if it means potentially crossing boundaries. However, they were later warned that they were being manipulated by intelligence officers who requested sensitive tapes.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The degradation of quality in copying digital media was a challenge faced by those attempting to preserve vintage video recordings.
1:41:35 - 1:44:47 (03:11)
Summary
The degradation of quality in copying digital media was a challenge faced by those attempting to preserve vintage video recordings. The videos were of original quality, pulled from the back of the display and put onto a high eight tape.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A government employee conducts an unofficial investigation around 2009 and contacts a former military employee to provide him with the report.
1:44:47 - 1:48:23 (03:36)
Summary
A government employee conducts an unofficial investigation around 2009 and contacts a former military employee to provide him with the report. The former military employee also shares his experiences of receiving multiple phone calls from a persistent person.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the guest speaker discusses the need to develop systems and plans for collecting more data in the future to interpret topics such as extraterrestrial life from a scientific perspective.
1:48:23 - 1:54:50 (06:27)
Summary
In this podcast, the guest speaker discusses the need to develop systems and plans for collecting more data in the future to interpret topics such as extraterrestrial life from a scientific perspective. Despite recent theories about gravity being proved, people still struggle to be taken seriously when they talk about aliens.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The episode discusses the hard work undertaken to experimentally validate predictions made by Einstein's theories and a book recommendation called Proving Einstein Right by Jim Gates.
1:54:50 - 2:00:29 (05:39)
Summary
The episode discusses the hard work undertaken to experimentally validate predictions made by Einstein's theories and a book recommendation called Proving Einstein Right by Jim Gates. The guest explains their hesitation to talk with the press due to the inability to push the investigation further in an interesting way.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about the experience of flying in an airplane during an air fight and how safe he felt within the airplane.
2:00:29 - 2:04:52 (04:22)
Summary
The speaker talks about the experience of flying in an airplane during an air fight and how safe he felt within the airplane. He also comments on the aerodynamics of the airplane in comparison to foreign jets.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his curiosity regarding unidentified flying objects and how they seem to effortlessly fly unlike any known technology.
2:04:52 - 2:10:27 (05:35)
Summary
The speaker discusses his curiosity regarding unidentified flying objects and how they seem to effortlessly fly unlike any known technology. He also mentioned the Malaysia Airline crash and how it's surprising that large objects have not been found.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Elon Musk is a self-made billionaire who has a skunkworks contract.
2:10:27 - 2:23:22 (12:55)
Summary
Elon Musk is a self-made billionaire who has a skunkworks contract.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The government has money but they need to justify how they spend it, however, if billionaires such as Bezos and Musk pool their money together, they can develop space travel technology together which could change mankind and space exploration.
2:23:22 - 2:27:43 (04:21)
Summary
The government has money but they need to justify how they spend it, however, if billionaires such as Bezos and Musk pool their money together, they can develop space travel technology together which could change mankind and space exploration.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Collaboration among scientists can push us out of our mindset and evolve new ideas.
2:27:43 - 2:35:13 (07:29)
Summary
Collaboration among scientists can push us out of our mindset and evolve new ideas. An investment of $100 million in a DARPA program or broad area announcement could spur scientific advancement.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the importance of representation in remembering the evolution of airplane dogfighting, and how it can affect tactics and movements in the moment during a real dogfight.
2:35:13 - 2:39:53 (04:39)
Summary
The speaker discusses the importance of representation in remembering the evolution of airplane dogfighting, and how it can affect tactics and movements in the moment during a real dogfight.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Gimbal, Go Fast, and FLIR videos are only interesting in the context of the UFO story, as they show objects that seem to defy the capabilities of known systems.
2:39:53 - 2:46:51 (06:57)
Summary
The Gimbal, Go Fast, and FLIR videos are only interesting in the context of the UFO story, as they show objects that seem to defy the capabilities of known systems. Mick West highlights the incredible aspect of the Tic Tac UFO flying off the screen in the FLIR video.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode discusses the importance of extensive testing and simulation before deploying new aircraft, and explores the military's encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena and their reactions to them.
2:46:51 - 2:52:23 (05:31)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the importance of extensive testing and simulation before deploying new aircraft, and explores the military's encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena and their reactions to them.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about his casual meeting with Bob, not discussing UFOs but getting to know each other, and mentions attending the McMinnville Fest with his wife.
2:52:23 - 2:57:03 (04:39)
Summary
The speaker talks about his casual meeting with Bob, not discussing UFOs but getting to know each other, and mentions attending the McMinnville Fest with his wife. He comments on how the arrival of extraterrestrial life would not be scheduled.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The possibility of other governments possessing extraterrestrial material is discussed, and the potential impact of releasing such information to the public is considered.
2:57:03 - 3:06:13 (09:10)
Summary
The possibility of other governments possessing extraterrestrial material is discussed, and the potential impact of releasing such information to the public is considered.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The key to overcoming technological limitations is to bring in experts in the field and work collaboratively.
3:06:13 - 3:09:45 (03:32)
Summary
The key to overcoming technological limitations is to bring in experts in the field and work collaboratively. This allows for the sharing of knowledge and leads to finding solutions to problems that may have been impossible alone.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the tendency of the government to classify information and the flaws in assuming that all secret information must be proof of a conspiracy.
3:09:45 - 3:16:01 (06:15)
Summary
The speaker discusses the tendency of the government to classify information and the flaws in assuming that all secret information must be proof of a conspiracy. He also calls for more international cooperation in addressing important issues like the study of extraterrestrial life or the exploration of outer space.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A possible partnership between Bill and Melinda Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk would generate significant amounts of money for Research and Development (R&D), which could overcome the bureaucracy that currently hinders scientific developments.
3:16:01 - 3:23:35 (07:34)
Summary
A possible partnership between Bill and Melinda Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk would generate significant amounts of money for Research and Development (R&D), which could overcome the bureaucracy that currently hinders scientific developments.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares their experience doing a Q&A with a group of people, including the government's recent confirmation of the existence of UFOs and the excitement surrounding the possibilities of this technology.
3:23:35 - 3:27:35 (04:00)
Summary
The speaker shares their experience doing a Q&A with a group of people, including the government's recent confirmation of the existence of UFOs and the excitement surrounding the possibilities of this technology.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Soviet Union's military chased a UFO and shot at it.
3:27:35 - 3:32:07 (04:31)
Summary
The Soviet Union's military chased a UFO and shot at it. The Phoenix Lights incident is another example of mass UFO sightings that have been discredited or explained away by governments or scientific explanations.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The mission of the investigators is to use their knowledge of physics to try and explain the technology behind unidentified aerial phenomena.
3:32:08 - 3:38:58 (06:49)
Summary
The mission of the investigators is to use their knowledge of physics to try and explain the technology behind unidentified aerial phenomena. It is important to balance kindness and force when fighting against evil, and the investigators believe that being both compassionate and strong is essential.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A discussion about pursuing passions and taking risks in life while sharing personal experiences of pursuing different dreams.
3:38:58 - 3:44:40 (05:42)
Summary
A discussion about pursuing passions and taking risks in life while sharing personal experiences of pursuing different dreams.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker encourages people to pursue their passions instead of constantly chasing money.
3:44:40 - 3:47:58 (03:17)
Summary
The speaker encourages people to pursue their passions instead of constantly chasing money. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and finding something that makes one happy in life.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode features a conversation about the limited time we have on Earth and the greater meaning behind our existence, prompted by a personal story of loss.
3:47:58 - 3:52:13 (04:15)
Summary
This podcast episode features a conversation about the limited time we have on Earth and the greater meaning behind our existence, prompted by a personal story of loss.
Episode#122 – David Fravor: UFOs, Aliens, Fighter Jets, and Aerospace Engineering
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares his thoughts on the importance of family and the perspective that can be gained from sitting in traffic, and how it relates to the things we value in life.
3:52:15 - 3:56:32 (04:16)
Summary
The speaker shares his thoughts on the importance of family and the perspective that can be gained from sitting in traffic, and how it relates to the things we value in life.