She Helped Create the System That’s Saved 13+ Fighter Pilots | Jessica "Sting" Peterson | TALK4 167

In episode 167 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes Jessica “Sting” Peterson — flight-test engineer, TPS instructor, and PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. A former civil-service technical director and instructor at the USAF Test Pilot School, Sting worked on Auto-GCAS and air collision-avoidance systems now credited with saving over a dozen pilot lives.What did we explore in this episode?In this dynamic conversation, Sting shares how she went from a non-traditional path to her first jet flight in an F-16, the reality of pulling 9G in the centrifuge, and how her team safely tested “don’t-hit-the-ground” tech without… hitting the ground. We dig into the engineering behind Auto-GCAS, the VISTA F-16 as an AI/autonomy “sandbox,” and her current research using real-time performance modelling to help pilots make smarter engine-out decisions. We also talk STEM outreach that truly inspires the next generation — and why human pilots and AI are stronger together.Packed with behind-the-scenes flight-test insight, leadership lessons under pressure, and practical takeaways for aviators, engineers, and anyone who loves pushing the envelope.🎧 Listen now on Spotify: [add your live link]⏱️ Enhance your style with AVI-8’s aviation-inspired watches!AVI-8 is offering an exclusive 20% discount with code: LOUISSKUPIEN20. Shop here: https://www.avi-8.com/talk4💰 Thinking of starting your own business? Launch your online store today for just £1 with Shopify!Get started: https://shopify.pxf.io/TALK4🎥 FREE Content from TALK4!Download and share short clips from our podcast!Download here: [your Drive folder link]👉🏻 Who Is Jessica “Sting” Peterson?Sting is a flight-test engineer and educator completing her PhD at UNR. As a TPS instructor and former USAF technical director, she helped develop and test Auto-GCAS and air collision-avoidance capabilities for frontline fighters. She’s passionate about STEM outreach and research that makes aviation safer.⭐️ Love the Talk4 Podcast? Leave a review!👉🏻 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk4-podcast/id1591476875👉🏻 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DxcH2DxGbn0MVZUBqV1Gv?si=f335eeda0b3e44f4Video Title:Jessica “Sting” Peterson | Auto-GCAS, 9G Reality & AI Flight Test (VISTA) | Talk4 EP 167This episode covers: Auto-GCAS, flight-test safety, 9G centrifuge, AI/autonomy in fighters, VISTA, engine-out performance modelling, STEM outreach, and leadership under pressure.✅ Subscribe to our channel for more inspiring content:Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg0INsEySnXei_cS3lZceqg⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Listen to the audio podcast on your favourite platform:👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk4-podcast/id1591476875👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DxcH2DxGbn0MVZUBqV1Gv?si=f335eeda0b3e44f4✅ Stay Connected With Louis Skupien:👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisskupien/👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/louisskupien👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louis.skupien👉 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@louisskupien👉 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/louisskupien👉 Website: https://louisskupien.com👉 Talk4 Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk4podcast/✅ For Business Enquiries: louis@louisskupien.com==========================✅ Recommended Playlists:Explore Playlists: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLei2UnG7GRuwHK5UBos6H6asVl8G2O4VX✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching:👉 Samuel “RaZZ” Larson | F-22 Raptor Demo Team | TALK4 EP 104: https://youtu.be/ue3OdODBVF4👉 Chris “Chowdah” Hill | US Navy Captain, CO CVN-69 | EP 129: https://youtu.be/82VY1dRUHf4© Louis Skupien#AutoGCAS #FlightTest #VISTA #USAF #AviationSafety #AI #STEM #Talk4Podcast #F16 #EdwardsAFB