How It Feels to Fly a B-1 Bomber Over the Super Bowl LX | US Air Force Pilot Buster Christon

Summary

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Stay Tranquilo Podcast | Episode Summary

Episode: How It Feels to Fly a B-1 Bomber Over Super Bowl LX | US Air Force Pilot Buster Christon

Date: February 11, 2026
Host: Stay Tranquilo Network
Guest: Buster Christon, U.S. Air Force B-1 Bomber Pilot

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Overview

This episode features Buster Christon, an Air Force pilot preparing to lead the B-1 bomber flyover at Super Bowl LX. Buster takes listeners behind the scenes of this high-profile moment, sharing what it means to fly over the Super Bowl, his journey to becoming a B-1 pilot, and what it's like to command one of the Air Force’s most powerful and unique aircraft. The conversation mixes technical insight, candid personal moments, and lighthearted banter, letting listeners experience both the thrill and the professionalism behind the iconic Super Bowl flyover.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Getting Selected for the Super Bowl Flyover

• How pilots are chosen:
  • It’s less glamorous than some might think. Pilots put their names in, and selection often comes down to availability and current commitments.
  • Quote: “We kind of just put our names in the hat. Yeah, they pick one… Honestly, it comes down to who's available and, you know, what other commitments they have going on. At the time, I thankfully was free.” — Buster (01:28)
• Reaction to being picked:
  • Buster describes it as “once-in-a-lifetime,” and expresses obvious excitement to be part of such a major event.
  • Quote: “Just super excited. Once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing. Like I'm never going to get to do anything like this, this cool probably ever again.” — Buster (02:08)

2. The B-1 Bomber and the Flyover Team

• Aircraft details:
  • Buster is flying lead in the B-1 “the big one.”
  • The B-1 is unique—can fly like a fighter jet, pull significant G-forces, go supersonic, and carries the Air Force’s largest conventional payload.
  • Quote: “B1 really, really unusual in that it really wants to fly like a fighter jet… and we can go supersonic, which is something that no other bomber in the world can do.” — Buster (02:52)
• Why the B-1 stands out:
  • Buster playfully notes it will “draw the most eyes” during the flyover.

3. From Top Gun to Mach Speed—Myth vs. Reality

• Movies vs. Reality:
  • Buster admits he tries to enjoy movies like Top Gun without picking them apart, but notices inaccuracies if he pays too much attention.
  • Quote: “I try really hard to just enjoy it and not pick it apart. The moment I start noticing little things, it kind of kills it.” — Buster (03:35)
• Fastest Buster’s flown:
  • Mach 1.2 (about 1.2 times the speed of sound).
  • Surprisingly, accelerating to supersonic speed is “really, really anti-climactic,” but decelerating from that speed feels dramatic.
  • Quote: “You cannot tell the difference… when you slow down from going that speed, it kind of feels like slamming on the brakes in your car.” — Buster (04:04)

4. Journey to the B-1 Cockpit

• Training Path:
  • Commissioned out of college, Buster went to navigator training (Florida) and then more training specific to the B-1.
  • The whole process took about three years.
  • Quote: “It's a really long convoluted track… All said and done, it took about 3ish years to get to.” — Buster (04:33)
• Current Assignment:
  • Based in South Dakota, where the B-1s operate from.

5. Preparing and Executing the Super Bowl Flyover

• Prepping and nerves:
  • There’s pressure to be perfectly timed (“time on target”) during the national anthem.
  • The operation is drilled and choreographed extensively with ground teams.
  • Quote: “As far as, you know, like meeting kind of the time on target at the end of the national anthem, that’s like… always a little nerve wracking… literally everybody's going to be watching you.” — Buster (05:41)
• Rehearsal and coordination:
  • Multiple rehearsals with ground teams, using practice to ensure smooth execution.
• Flying over “no-fly” zones:
  • Buster candidly shares that flying low over a huge crowd or stadium—usually strictly off-limits—feels odd, but is safe and carefully orchestrated.
  • Quote: "Definitely feels a little weird flying over something that big, that low. But… it's all very choreographed. It's very safe… we're checking all of our boxes." — Buster (06:42)

6. Personal Perspective and Light-hearted Moments

• Asked about flyover flair (wing wave, tricks):
  • No demo-team advice needed—Buster and crew have it covered and won’t be doing any aerobatics.
• Other aircraft flown:
  • Buster’s experience outside the B-1 includes the T6 and T1 Air Force trainers.
• Super Bowl rooting interest:
  • Buster picks Seahawks for the game but admits he’s not deeply invested.
  • Quote: “I don't have a dog really, but I want the Seahawks.” — Buster (07:57)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the scale of the event:
  • "Once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing… super excited." — Buster (02:08)
• On the B-1’s uniqueness:
  • “We can go supersonic, which is something that no other bomber in the world can do.” — Buster (02:52)
• On experiencing supersonic flight:
  • “Going up, you know, it's just like business as usual.” — Buster (04:07)
• On flyover nerves:
  • “Literally everybody’s going to be watching you and if you mess it up, they’ll notice.” — Buster (05:41)
• On the flyover being business as usual:
  • “Like, no sweat at all.” — Buster (06:53)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:13 — Buster shares his feelings about being in California for the first time and flying the Super Bowl.
• 02:31 — Confirmation Buster’s flying the lead B-1 for the event.
• 02:52 — Technical insights on the B-1’s maneuverability and unique features.
• 03:35 — Thoughts on Top Gun and Hollywood’s portrayal of flying.
• 03:47 — Discussion of Mach 1.2 and what it actually feels like.
• 04:33 — Buster's training path from college to the B-1.
• 05:41 — The challenge and pressure of perfect timing for the flyover.
• 06:42 — Describing the feeling of flying over a stadium.
• 07:57 — Buster’s Super Bowl team pick.

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Tone and Style

The conversation is easy-going, playful, and energetic—true to the Stay Tranquilo mindset—yet grounded in respect for the technical precision and teamwork demanded by a Super Bowl flyover. Buster comes across as humble, thoughtful, and enthusiastic for both the honor and the community of pilots he represents.

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Closing

The episode offers an authentic look into the mindset and preparation behind an iconic American moment. Whether you’re a football fan, aviation buff, or just love hearing stories about extraordinary experiences, Buster's insight and the hosts’ laid-back interviewing style make for engaging listening.

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Transcript

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[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Hey, good morning.

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[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

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[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

It's all right.

[Geico Insurance Representative]

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[Lowe's Pro Desk Representative]

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[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Take a deep breath.

[Geico Insurance Representative]

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[Lowe's Pro Desk Representative]

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[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

It feels good to geic.

[Interviewer 1]

All right, all right, all right. Welcome back to a really cool episode. Today we are joined by Buster, who's going to be doing the flyover for the Super Bowl. Buster, how are you doing today?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Doing great. First time in California, actually. Much less for an occasion as big as this. So really exciting. Really happy to be here. It's going to be an awesome time.

[Interviewer 1]

That's pretty. So I want to start here. How do you. How do you even get selected to do the flyover?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Honestly, I mean, we're. I don't. I don't. I don't want to say. We kind of just put our names in the hat. Yeah, they pick one. But, I mean, we're all very skilled air crew members. Honestly, it comes down to who's available and, you know, what other commitments they have going on. At the time, I thankfully was free to do this. It's awesome. So I'm very happy to be here.

[Interviewer 1]

So what was your reaction when you hear, like, oh, man, like, you're gonna do. Because I don't, like, I don't know, in terms of, like, pilot milestones, but it's got to be pretty cool. Like, I'm. I'm somebody who, like, no matter what, national anthem at a big sport event, auto goosebumps, like, so, like, you're going to be a huge part of that is doing the flyover, which is, like, synonymous with this. So, like, like, what was your reaction to hearing you're going to do it.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

I mean, just super excited. I mean, once in a lifetime kind of thing. Like I'm never going to get to do anything like this, this cool probably ever again. Like, I mean, just absolutely hyped, you know, getting to do it with a whole bunch of other people around the Air Force and around the Navy. That's not something we get to do very often. So just super excited.

[Interviewer 2]

That pretty amazing. And can you tell us what aircraft you'll be flying over the stadium?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Yeah. So we'll be in the lead aircraft, which is the B1. So the big one.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah, I love the B1.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

I do want to brag, but it'll be drawn the most eyes.

[Lowe's Pro Desk Representative]

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[Interviewer 1]

100%. 100. That's cool.

[Interviewer 2]

That's awesome.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah.

[Interviewer 2]

What's it like? Just the maneuverability between a fighter and a bomber? Even one that can go supersonic?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Yeah, B1 really, really unusual in that it really wants to fly like a fighter jet. You know, we can, we can pull a decent amount of GS for the size of the plane. And obviously like you said, we can go supersonic, which is something that no other bomber in the world can do while carrying the largest conventional payload in the Air Force. So I mean, it's just the coolest. Dangjit all around. Biased a little bit, I guess. But I mean like, definitely, definitely. Awesome.

[Interviewer 1]

That's cool. The thing is, this might be the dumbest question you got. I don't know, but I'm a big movie guy. Top Gun Maverick is like the first thing. Like how, like when you watch a movie like that, are you just like sitting there? Like, this is either super unrealistic or are you just like, oh, this is fine.

[Interviewer 2]

Yeah.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

I try really hard to just enjoy it and not pick it apart. The moment I start noticing and little things kind of kills it. So I just try to like forget about it.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Just enjoy.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah. Wait, what's the, what's the fastest that you've gone?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

The fastest that I've gone, I've gone Mach 1.2. So 1.2 times the speed of sound.

[Interviewer 1]

Wow, that is pretty awesome. Like, I mean, when you're in the cockpit for something like doing that, like what is that like, like, is it like.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Yeah, it's like it's actually really, really anti climatic.

[Interviewer 1]

Really?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

You, you, you cannot tell the difference.

[Interviewer 1]

Okay. Yeah, yeah.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

It's when you slow down from going that speed, it kind of feels like slamming on the brakes in your car. Like you lurch forward a little bit. Like you really feel it when you come down from the speed going up, you know, it's just like business as usual.

[Interviewer 2]

Yeah, that's really cool. And so when you, if we can talk about this. When you were in the academy and you graduated, were you assigned the B1? Is that what you were assigned when you graduated?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

So it's, it's a really long convoluted track. So.

[Interviewer 2]

Okay.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

You know, I, I commissioned into the Air Force out of college, went to navigator training down in Florida.

[Interviewer 2]

Nice.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

I was there for about 2ish years. And it's kind of like right towards the end where you get slotted into your aircraft and then you go off to that plane and get even more training. All said and done, it took about 3ish years to get to.

[Interviewer 1]

Are you, are you based in Florida?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Not based in Florida now. I'm based out of South Dakota. That's where the B1 is coming from.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So for this, like you're, are you take. Well, I know you're taking off from here, but like, like, are all like the B1s like, they take off from, from South Dakota or is that like just yours?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Yeah, so we're, you know, we gotta prepare.

[Interviewer 2]

So there's. Yeah.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Like spare aircraft, you know, just.

[Interviewer 1]

Got it, got it, got it. Yeah.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

You know, whatever it is.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

But yeah, there will be at least one.

[Interviewer 1]

So when you're doing the flyer, I mean, this is, I'm assuming this is your first flyover, Right. So like, when you're going to be flying, is it business usual or you're going to be kind of like pumped?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Yeah, I think everybody's gonna be. Yeah, it's gonna be really hard not to be.

[Interviewer 1]

Of course. It's sick. Yeah.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

As far as, you know, like meeting kind of the time on target at the end of the national, that's like. Yeah, like, that's always a little nerve wracking because literally everybody's gonna be watching you and if you mess it up, they'll notice that kind of thing. But I mean, it's, it's nothing too crazy for.

[Interviewer 1]

Do you have like somebody new you're like telling like, all right, they're at this point, like, you have to now like make your way over.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Like, everybody's gonna be working pretty closely with people on the ground to time it just right though. You know, lots of practice, lots of rehearsal. Kind of makes things pretty smooth.

[Interviewer 1]

How many times have you done the, the route?

[Interviewer 2]

None.

[Interviewer 1]

Oh, you haven't done it yet?

[Interviewer 2]

First time gonna kill it, though.

[Interviewer 1]

That's awesome. Hell yeah.

[Interviewer 2]

And do you. Would you think that like something like a flyover like this, do you feel like it's something that. I guess what I'm trying to say is when it comes to what your normal flying experience is, like, in the sense, like, you're very much controlled. I know he was like saying, if you're going to be very, like, energetic, but do you think that just the experience of flying itself, like, will it stick out? Being able to go over, like a stadium, usually a very big no fly zone, like, how do you think that's going to be?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Definitely feels a little weird flying over something that big, that low. But I mean, like, it's all very, like, choreographed. It's very safe. Like, you know, we're checking all of our boxes.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah, it's really cool.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Like, no sweat at all.

[Interviewer 1]

That's gonna be awesome, man.

[Interviewer 2]

I was gonna say, have you talked to anybody on, like, the demo teams for advice about how to go low and like, maybe like the best way to do a wing wave over it?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

No, no, nothing like that. We got it handled pretty well.

[Interviewer 1]

We're gonna be turning into the sewerways and be doing 360 flips around the.

[Interviewer 2]

I'll be like, that's Buster up there in the front.

[Interviewer 1]

That' that actually be pretty cool, like seeing you do the flowers. Like, we know that guy. We know that guy.

[Interviewer 2]

And the B1, man. What a plane. Just that plane, like, really sticks out, like you said, not just in the, the, the way it wants to fly, but just the shape and of itself and everything.

[Interviewer 1]

It is the coolest looking thing I.

[Interviewer 2]

Was going to ask. Do you have experience flying other, like, aircraft, military aircraft, besides what I was.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Trained in, in my, you know, like, undergraduate flying training. So the T6 and the T1, those are the kind of standard Air Force trainer.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah.

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

Nothing crazy at all. Nothing flashy, but, like, those are the only other aircraft I've touched.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah.

[Interviewer 2]

Yeah.

[Interviewer 1]

Well, listen, the final question we got for you. Do you have a dog in this fight? Are you going Seahawks or Patriots?

[Buster (B1 Pilot)]

I. I don't have a dog really, but I want the Seahawks.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah, okay. Yeah, yeah, just for. I'm going for the Seahawks too. We're from. So we're from Miami, so I'm a Miami Dolphins guy. I hate the Patriots, so being from Dallas. Yeah. Well, awesome. Thank you, man, for joining us and good luck on Sunday. Hey, we will literally be watching you.

[Interviewer 2]

I'm really looking forward.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah, it's gonna be awesome. Thank you, man.