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

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.

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)

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)

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.

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.

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.