Sharon "Betty" Preszler: Nowhere to Hide | PART 1

In the flagship episode AFNS Season 2, we feature the first woman to fly the F-16: Sharon "Betty" Preszler. 

Betty “Sharon” Preszler was one of the first three women selected to fly fighter jets in the U.S. Air Force in 1993, going to to set a number of other firsts in a massive career in aviation. In our interview with her, she shares what it was like to break some of the first barriers for women in the fighter community, facing intense scrutiny and pressure with every decision. Preszler reflects on the importance of real leadership, the support she received from her squadron commander, and how she developed a mindset to rise above the doubters in the 1990's.

She also recounts a harrowing emergency ejection from her F-16 and the psychological toll that followed, offering a rare look into the stakes of high-performance decision-making. Preszler emphasizes that in the fighter world, performance speaks louder than politics. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, progress, and what it takes to thrive when the odds are stacked against you—making this episode essential listening for anyone interested in leadership, aviation, or overcoming adversity.

Also, how does one get such a standard-sounding call sign?

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. All episodes are recorded with permission.

© 2025 All Fire No Smoke Podcast. All rights reserved. For media inquiries, guest submissions, or more information, visit https://shows.acast.com/all-fire-no-smoke-podcast

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered official advice or endorsement.

Contact us: allfirenosmoke.podcast.com

Instagram: @allfirenosmoke.podcast

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.