Tucker Hamilton

My life as an experimental Test Pilot meant facing literal life or death decisions every day while strapped into a $100 million aircraft. But that doesn’t make me special. The reality is that life-defining decisions are just around the corner, no matter what phase of life you are in, and your preparation for them is happening right now. Are you going to have what it takes when the time comes? Preparation, communication, and teamwork were critical to my survival on the job. But those practices still matter when I leave the ‘office’ and return home, in my day to day as a spouse, father, leader, and CEO. When it really counts, most of us are only prepared to give 80%, but true success, especially in high-pressure situations, demands the last 20%.The difference between 80% and 100% is not a number; it’s a mindset. It’s the shift from reacting to life to shaping it. It’s the art of being intentional—crafting a life, career, and relationships with purpose, passion, and relentless pursuit of your full potential. My life has been shaped and defined by my mindset and ability to unlock that last 20% and live proactively and present at 100%. If you’re ready to join me, you’re ready for my book, Unlocking the Last 20%, which @mattholtbooks will publish on March 24, 2026. You can start reading it, as well as sign up to receive updates, new stories, and videos from behind the scenes here on my website (link in bio): TuckerHamilton.com Follow me here in my daily, relentless pursuit of 100%—your best self awaits, and now is the time to step forward and claim it.

This is why we flight test. Discovering and fixing system issues is the name of the game. This video is actually an issue with cable system that caused the hook to separate rather violently. #fightertestpilot #fighterpilot #testpilot #aviation #hook #f35 #arrestment

The pilot who inspired Top Gun: Maverick has survived a mid-air collision, logged 82 combat missions, flown 30+ aircrafts, and served as the Air Force's first Chief of AI Test and Operations. Our latest podcast guest, Tucker Hamilton, knows a thing or two about performing when the margin for error disappears. 🎧 Listen now on the WHOOP Podcast. Available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

The Moment AI Controlled a Fighter Jet. Col. Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton discusses the moment he flew alongside the first high-performance aircraft piloted entirely by an AI agent. This flight and further testing truly marks a new era of aviation. To hear more stories, check out the Collaborative Combat Aircraft episode on Wings Over the Rockies YouTube channel or at the link in bio!

The last page of my book… is really the starting line…the next chapter is yours. The world doesn’t need more noise. It needs people grounded in discipline, balanced in their priorities, and anchored in community and character. That’s how we navigate what’s ahead. ✈️ Keep climbing. Unlock your last 20%. #TheLast20 #Leadership #Purpose #Growth #community

How to make split second decisions that have the highest of consequences. 🙌 @cincohamilton 🎧 Full episode now live on @behindthehuman ____ A special thanks to our mental fitness + sweat partner @sipsauna 🔥

My book is out. Grateful for the endorsement from the inspiring, brilliant, and wildly creative @thehacksmith —his storytelling pushed me to share my own. This book is about unlocking your full potential—through discipline, resilience, and the people around you. Find it wherever books and audiobooks are sold. #TheLast20 #Storytelling #FighterPilot #Leadership #FullPotential

New episode! Jell-O interviews Cinco about his new book, Unlocking the Last 20%. A conversation about purpose, leadership, discipline, balance, resiliency, community, and much more. Get a valuable perspective on how to unleash your full potential and find fulfillment. #fighterpilot #podcast #leadership #rise #thelast20

AI Is Forever Changing Military Aviation. Col. Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton discusses how advances in data, computing power, and algorithms are transforming the way aerospace software works. Instead of relying only on rigid “if-then” code, AI can now adapt and respond to complex challenges that traditional programming can’t always predict when operating alongside fighter jets. To hear more stories, check out our Collaborative Combat Aircraft episode on Wings Over the Rockies YouTube channel or at the link in bio!

Find out why this song is so meaningful to Cabo (@cabogunderson ) in our newest episode of the Fighter Pilot Podcast! We discuss his remarkable experiences as the F-22 Demo pilot and also the challenges and opportunities after moving on from active duty. #fighterpilot #fpp #f22 #aviation #leadership @cincohamilton

NEW episode of the Fighter Pilot Podcast…learn about the future of simulators…wherever you get your podcasts and on our YouTube channel. #fightertestpilot #aviation #simulator

*NEW* Fighter Pilot Podcast Episode live with Jameel “Chocolate” Janjua—Fighter Pilot to astronaut…what a journey. #fightertestpilot #aviation #astronaut