Behind the Wings

The Last Marine Corps Harrier — Episode 81

Major Eric “Porky” Scheibe flew more than 2,087 hours in the AV-8B Harrier II. Now he reflects on the aircraft’s final Marine Corps flight and the people who made its missions possible. In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with Scheibe about flying the “jump jet,” supporting Marines on the ground, and helping close the Marine Corps’ last operational Harrier squadron, VMA-223. From his first hover at Cherry Point to night landings aboard amphibious assault ships, Scheibe shares what it took to fly and maintain this unusual aircraft. This one is going to be cool! What you’ll hear: The final Harrier flight: Why Scheibe had to keep his eyes on the lead aircraft as thousands watched the June 2026 sundown ceremony. Learning to hover: What it felt like to slow a jet until its wings were no longer providing normal lift. Why short takeoffs mattered: How a rolling takeoff let the Harrier carry more fuel and weapons than a vertical launch. Close air support in Afghanistan: The mission that became personal when Scheibe met the Marines he had helped from the air. Flying from amphibious ships: How wind, aircraft weight, fuel, and deck schedules shaped every launch and recovery. Landing at night: The concentration required to bring a Harrier down vertically on a moving ship. The people behind every flight: The trust between pilots, maintainers, plane captains, and flight deck crews. The Bulldogs’ next chapter: What VMA-223’s Harrier legacy can carry into its planned transition to the F-35B. Learn More: Read about the AV-8B Harrier II+ at Wings Over the Rockies Read the Marine Corps account of the Harrier sundown Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Explore more Behind the Wings episodes Subscribe and leave a review to support the show

Behind the Wings Season 9 Trailer

From the Marine Corps’ final Harrier squadron to the SR-71 Blackbird, Season 9 of Behind the Wings brings you the people and stories behind extraordinary aircraft. Join host Rick Crandall for 10 new episodes featuring the most exciting stories from across aerospace. Behind the Wings began in support of Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum’s mission to educate and inspire. More than 80 episodes later, we’re still exploring flight and space through the voices of the people who fly, build, study and preserve them. New episodes drop every other Monday, starting October 26. Subscribe wherever you listen, and explore the full Behind the Wings library while you wait. Learn more: Explore the podcast archive at wingsmuseum.org/podcast Support Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Declassified: America's MiG Squadron - Bonus Episode

Go inside Constant Peg, the once-secret Cold War program that gave American fighter pilots the rare opportunity to train against real Soviet MiG aircraft. In this special bonus episode, get a full-length lecture from former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot John Mann. A veteran of the F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle and Operation Desert Storm, Mann flew MiG-21s and MiG-23s with the Red Eagles during Constant Peg. He shares an extraordinary firsthand account of the aircraft, people and training program that transformed American air combat preparation. What you'll hear: Lessons from Vietnam: Why the U.S. Air Force reexamined its aircraft, weapons and fighter training The origins of Constant Peg: How real Soviet aircraft became part of a highly classified adversary program Meeting the MiGs: Mann’s first encounter with MiG-17 and MiG-21 aircraft during training Flying the MiG-21: Its impressive turning ability, unforgiving handling and unconventional cockpit systems Inside the MiG-23: Tremendous speed, variable-sweep wings and dangerous flight characteristics Training against the real threat: How Constant Peg taught American pilots to recognize and counter Soviet aircraft The maintenance heroes: How crews kept unfamiliar MiGs flying without factory support, technical manuals or standard replacement parts Risk and secrecy: The strict security rules, hazardous test flights and sacrifices behind the Red Eagles program Preparing for Desert Storm: How realistic adversary training helped give American aircrews a decisive advantage See the aircraft: Learn more about the MiG-23 on display at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Learn More: Visit Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum to see the MiG-23 Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Subscribe and leave a review to support the show This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

Asteroid Bennu and the Ingredients for Life - Episode 80

What can a few grains of asteroid dust tell us about the origins of life on Earth? In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with NASA astrochemist José C. Aponte about the organic chemistry preserved inside asteroid Bennu. From NASA’s OSIRIS-REx sample-return mission to amino acids, nucleobases, and the mystery of life’s left-handed molecules, Aponte explains how scientists search for clues to our chemical origins. This one is going to be cool! What you’ll hear: Why NASA traveled to Bennu: Pristine asteroid material offers evidence that meteorites altered by Earth’s environment cannot. How scientists prevent contamination: A fingerprint can contain more organic material than the tiny Bennu samples researchers analyze. What researchers discovered: Bennu contains 14 of the 20 amino acids used to build proteins and all five nucleobases found in DNA and RNA. Why molecular diversity matters: Thousands of nitrogen-bearing compounds reveal the complex chemical environment of the early solar system. How a mass spectrometer works: Aponte explains how scientists use molecular fragments to identify compounds inside asteroid material. The mystery of left-handed amino acids: Life uses almost exclusively one mirror-image form, but scientists still do not know why. The search for tryptophan: Researchers found tentative evidence that could represent the first extraterrestrial detection of this complex amino acid. What Bennu’s salts reveal: Minerals formed through evaporating water suggest Bennu’s material originated in a different part of the solar system. Learn More: Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Subscribe and leave a review to support the show This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

How the World Agreed to Go Farther - Episode 79

NASA’s Meredith McKay discusses how diplomacy, trust, and international cooperation are helping turn ambitious space missions into reality. In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with Meredith McKay, Deputy Associate Administrator in NASA’s Office of International and Interagency Relations, about the partnerships behind humanity’s next steps into space. From the hard-earned lessons of the International Space Station to Artemis and the growing community of nations signing the Artemis Accords, McKay explains how cooperation on Earth becomes exploration in space. This one is going to be cool! What you'll hear: NASA diplomacy behind the scenes: How a team of fewer than 50 people helps scientists, engineers, governments, and space agencies build successful partnerships Reworking the International Space Station: McKay recalls helping negotiate a new assembly plan after the loss of Columbia reduced the remaining shuttle flights from 28 to 18 What makes international cooperation last: Why shared goals, clearly defined responsibilities, and benefits for every participating nation give partnerships staying power Lessons from 25 years aboard the ISS: How trust and open communication have sustained one of the most complex international projects ever attempted The transition beyond the space station: How NASA is helping prepare commercial destinations and a new economy in low Earth orbit What makes Artemis different from Apollo: The international crews, spacecraft, rovers, payloads, and surface systems supporting a long-term return to the Moon What the Artemis Accords actually do: How their principles put the Outer Space Treaty into practice through peaceful exploration, scientific cooperation, astronaut assistance, and coordination on the lunar surface Building the future together: Why listening, remaining open to unexpected opportunities, and “rowing in the same direction” may be as important as any spacecraft or technology Learn More: Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Subscribe and leave a review to support the show This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

Fighting Wildfires from the Sky - Episode 78

As wildfires grow larger and more complex, pilots, firefighters, scientists, and aviation experts are developing new ways to protect communities from the air. In Episode 78, Host Rick Crandall revisits interviews about wildfire aviation originally recorded in 2021. From Colorado’s East Troublesome Fire and infrared-equipped Pilatus PC-12s to single-engine air tankers, Firehawk helicopters, and night-vision operations, these experts reveal how people, aircraft, and real-time information come together to support firefighters on the ground. This one is going to be cool! What you'll hear: The East Troublesome Fire reaches Grand Lake: Resident Ernie Bjorkman and Assistant Fire Chief Schelly Olsen recall the evacuation and the challenges facing local firefighters. Why wildfires are becoming more difficult to contain: Colorado State Climatologist Dr. Russ Schumacher explains how heat, drought, wind, forest health, and climate shape fire behavior. Seeing through smoke with infrared sensors: Mission Sensor Operators explain how Colorado’s Multi-Mission Aircraft locate hotspots and map active fires. A symphony in the sky: PC-12 pilot Dave Bickerstaff describes how tankers, helicopters, lead planes, intelligence aircraft, and ground crews coordinate over a wildfire. Single-engine air tankers: SEATS are agile aircraft that can operate from smaller airports and deliver precise retardant drops to help ground crews contain fires before they grow. The Firehawk: CAL FIRE leaders explain how the Black Hawk-based helicopter transports crews, performs rescues, and carries a 1,000-gallon water tank. Marc “Thor” Olson’s night-flying legacy: The veteran pilot explains how night-vision goggles could extend fixed-wing firefighting operations beyond sunset. This episode honors Marc “Thor” Olson, who died in the line of duty on November 16, 2021, while flying a nighttime water-drop mission on the Kruger Rock Fire near Estes Park, Colorado. It also recognizes every firefighter and aviator who has made the ultimate sacrifice protecting people, communities, and public lands. Learn More: Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Subscribe and leave a review to support the show This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

F-15, F-16 or F-22? A General's Verdict - Episode 77

Brigadier General Micah “Zeus” Fessler shares stories about flying the F-15 and F-22, traces Colorado fighter aviation from early biplanes to the F-16, and today's homeland defense mission. In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with “Zeus” about the aircraft, missions, training, and people that shaped his military career, including combat operations, Weapons School, and the Colorado Air National Guard. From the 120th Observation Squadron’s early Jennys to Buckley’s ongoing alert mission, Micah offers a wide-ranging look at fighter aviation and the community behind it. This one is going to be cool! What you'll hear: Why Buckley has remained on alert since 9/11 and how Colorado supports the defense of NORAD/NORTHCOM. How Colorado Air National Guard aviation grew from early biplanes at high elevation to Block 30 F-16s. Why the Viper remains a flexible, high-demand aircraft for air-to-air, close air support, and emerging drone defense missions. "Zeus" explains the discipline, radar work, stick-and-rudder flying, and debrief culture that shaped him as a fighter pilot. How one loud, eventful training flight in Alaska turned into a fighter pilot call sign. What changed with stealth, sensor fusion, battle management, and fifth-generation tactics. A memorable F-22 sortie involving ISIS targets, F-16s, tankers, command-and-control aircraft, and Russian air activity. How citizen airmen preserve deep experience while serving both overseas missions and local Colorado communities. Colorado aviation heritage, the 120th Fighter Squadron, Minute Men demonstration team, and the legacy of service connected to Wings’ newest aircraft—a Thunderbird F-16D. "Zeus" encourages young people to believe in themselves, control what they can control, and accept help along the way. Learn More: Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Subscribe and leave a review to support the show This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

The Most Dangerous Plane to Fly in Vietnam - Episode 76

Air Force veteran Art Elser reveals what it took to fly low, slow, and exposed as a forward air controller during the Vietnam War. In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with former forward air controller Art Elser about flying more than 400 combat missions in the Cessna O-2A Skymaster and O-1E Bird Dog. From directing air support over the Ho Chi Minh Trail to helping Special Forces teams under fire, Elser offers a personal account of aviation, fear, courage, responsibility, and the long journey home. This one is going to be cool! What you’ll hear: Inside the O-2 Skymaster: How a civilian aircraft became a flying observation post, radio relay, and target marker The forward air controller mission: Why FAC pilots remained low over the battlefield after faster aircraft departed O-1 Bird Dog vs. O-2 Skymaster: How the aircraft differed in handling, performance, and suitability for remote airstrips Marking targets under fire: How Elser used white-phosphorus “Willie Pete” rockets to guide attacking aircraft Over the Ho Chi Minh Trail: Searching for trucks, supply areas, choke points, and hidden movement beneath the jungle Night operations: Using starlight scopes, Blind Bat flare ships, B-57 Canberras, and F-4 Phantoms to find targets in darkness Becoming “Jake 44”: How Elser built personal relationships with the Special Forces teams who depended on him Courage and coming home: What Elser learned about fear, character, loss, and carrying the war’s memories into civilian life Learn More: Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Subscribe and leave a review to support the show This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

Will Air Taxis Change Everything? - Episode 75

NASA’s RAVEN aircraft is helping researchers explore one of aviation’s biggest next steps: electric vertical takeoff and landing. NASA’s RAVEN aircraft is helping researchers explore one of aviation’s biggest next steps: electric vertical takeoff and landing. In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with NASA researchers Siena Whiteside and Jason Welstead about RAVEN, the Research Aircraft for eVTOL Enabling Technologies. From air taxis and regional mobility to noise, safety, hover-to-forward-flight transitions, and the challenge of scaling new aircraft designs, Sienna and Jason explain how NASA is building a flying laboratory for the future of advanced air mobility. This one is going to be cool! 🎧 What you’ll hear: How eVTOL aircraft work: What electric vertical takeoff and landing means, and how these aircraft differ from helicopters and airplanes What advanced air mobility means: How drones, air taxis, and regional aircraft fit into the future of transportation Meet NASA’s RAVEN: Why NASA is building a remotely operated research aircraft to study eVTOL technology Air taxi vs. flying car: Why eVTOLs are more likely to connect transportation hubs than replace your car The safety challenge: Why public trust and certification are essential before eVTOLs become common Noise and community impact: How researchers are studying aircraft sound, not just loudness Hover to forward flight: Why the transition from vertical lift to wing-borne flight is one of the hardest problems to solve Why size matters: How RAVEN bridges the gap between small models and full-scale passenger aircraft Open eVTOL research: How NASA hopes to share data with universities, startups, and industry partners Advice for future aerospace engineers: Why broad experience and curiosity matter in a fast-changing field Learn More: Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Subscribe and leave a review to support the show This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

Flying Soviet MiGs in the Nevada Desert - Episode 74

Rob “Z-Man” Zettel shares his story from inside one of the Air Force’s most secret Cold War programs, Project Constant Peg. In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with Z-Man, a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and former member of the legendary 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron, the “Red Eagles,” about what it was like to fly real Soviet MiG fighters in the Nevada desert. From the F-4 Phantom and F-5 aggressors to the MiG-21 and MiG-23 at Tonopah Test Range, Zettel offers a firsthand look inside the classified program designed to train American pilots against the real thing. This one is going to be cool! 🎧 What you’ll hear: How Vietnam changed air combat training: Why the Air Force realized pilots needed to train against real adversary aircraft Getting recruited into Constant Peg: The mysterious selection process and entering one of the Air Force’s most secret programs First time flying a MiG: Learning Soviet fighters with Russian-labeled controls and almost no manuals MiG-21 vs. MiG-23: The strengths, weaknesses, and personalities of the Soviet fighters compared to American jets Flying against America’s best: Training Weapons School, Topgun, and frontline fighter crews in real MiGs Life inside Tonopah Test Range: The secrecy, satellite windows, and culture surrounding the Red Eagles The psychology behind Constant Peg: How the program eliminated “buck fever” before real combat What the MiGs taught the Air Force: Lessons in maneuvering, energy fighting, and defeating Soviet tactics The maintainers behind the mission: Why keeping the MiGs flying required “miracles” from the ground crews The legacy of Constant Peg: Why Z-Man believes the program transformed U.S. air superiority for decades to come Learn More: Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Subscribe and leave a review to support the show This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

Maintaining America's Secret MiGs - Episode 73

Jim “JB” Bell shares his story from inside one of the Air Force’s most secret Cold War programs, Project Constant Peg. In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with Jim, a retired crew chief of the legendary 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron, about what it took to keep MiG fighters flying in the Nevada desert. From maintaining MiG-17s, MiG-21s, and MiG-23s at Tonopah Test Range to flying on unmarked C-5s into China and bringing home F-7 fighters, Bell offers a rare perspective on one of the most classified adversary air programs in U.S. Air Force history. This one is going to be cool! 🎧 What you’ll hear: How Bell got recruited into Constant Peg: From a chance meeting in a bar at Nellis to joining the secretive 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron From F-4 Phantom to MiGs: Why working on Soviet fighters was completely different from traditional Air Force maintenance What Constant Peg was built to solve: How Vietnam exposed the need for American pilots to train against real adversary aircraft Learning to fix MiGs with no manuals: Trial and error, machine shops, scrounging parts, and building solutions from scratch MiG-21 vs. MiG-23: Why the MiG-21 was reliable and rugged while the MiG-23 became a constant maintenance challenge The crew chief mindset: What it meant to fully “own” an aircraft and why trust between pilots and maintainers mattered China missions and unmarked C-5s: Traveling to Beijing in civilian clothes to recover Chinese-built F-7 fighters for the program Life at Area 52: Working inside Tonopah Test Range alongside the early stealth programs and living inside a world of total secrecy How Constant Peg changed air combat: Why Bell believes the program saved lives and gave American pilots a critical edge The end of the program—and why it still matters: Why Constant Peg ended and why Bell believes a modern version should still exist today Learn More: Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Subscribe and leave a review to support the show This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

Leadership Under Pressure - Episode 72

Major General John Barry shares his story of leadership through some of the most consequential moments in modern aerospace and national security history. In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with John Barry, a fighter pilot, combat leader, former NASA official, and retired U.S. Air Force Major General. From Cold War alert missions in the F-4 Phantom to command at Luke Air Force Base, from surviving the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon to helping investigate the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, Barry reflects on a career shaped by what he calls “windows in history.” This one is going to be cool! 🎧 What you’ll hear: From the Bronx to the Air Force Academy: The unexpected path that launched Barry’s career The F-4 Phantom and Cold War Europe: Going from dead asleep to airborne in five minutes while sitting nuclear alert A lesson in restraint: The near-shootdown that shaped how he identified targets in combat Nellis, Red Flag, and flying against MiGs: How realism in training changed the fight NASA and Challenger: What he learned watching an organization in crisis Command in Turkey: Rebuilding trust after tragedy while flying combat missions over Iraq Luke Air Force Base: Leading the largest fighter wing in the world and confronting dangerous F-16 engine failures Leadership in practice: Why “make it better than you found it” became his guiding principle Inside the Pentagon on 9/11: Evacuation, shock, and leadership in the immediate aftermath Investigating Columbia: The technical failure, the cultural breakdowns, and the “echoes of Challenger” Key takeaway: Preparation, humility, accountability, and the willingness to learn from history are what allow leaders and institutions to respond when the stakes are highest. Learn More: Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Subscribe and leave a review to support the show This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

Shot Down Over Hanoi - Episode 71

Retired Col. Thomas Kirk shares his story of surviving solitary confinement for two years as a prisoner of war at the “Hanoi Hilton." In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with Tom, a fighter pilot, squadron commander, and Vietnam War POW. From one of the most intense air-combat battlefields in history to the harrowing story that followed, Kirk explores what it took to persevere through the unthinkable. There is a lot to learn! 🎧 What you’ll hear: Inside Hanoi airspace: What it felt like flying through dense SAMs, AAA, and MiGs October 28, 1967: Leading a major strike, getting hit, and making the call to finish the mission Ejection and capture: The moment everything changed Life inside the “Hanoi Hilton”: Torture, isolation, and survival Two years alone: How routine, discipline, and mindset kept him going in solitary confinement The tap code: Communication, connection, and resilience among POWs Leadership under pressure: Commanding pilots in one of the most dangerous theaters of war Coming home: The physical and emotional return after 5.5 years Perspective: Faith, service, and “every day above ground is a great day.” Key takeaway: Kirk’s story reframes resilience as endurance over years, built on discipline, belief, and connection to others. About the guest: Col. Thomas H. Kirk is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and combat veteran of both Korea and Vietnam. He commanded the 357th Fighter Squadron and flew missions over North Vietnam in the Republic F-105 Thunderchief. Shot down on his 67th mission, he spent more than five years as a prisoner of war. He was awarded the Air Force Cross, four Silver Stars, and multiple Distinguished Flying Crosses. After his release, he returned to active duty in leadership roles before retiring and later built a successful business career, continuing to speak on leadership and resilience. Learn More: Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Subscribe and leave a review to support the show This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

Behind the Wings Season 8 Trailer

Season 8 of Behind the Wings podcast is here. Hosted by Rick Crandall, the next 10 episodes deliver first-hand accounts from across the aerospace world, spanning historic combat missions, classified Cold War programs, and pivotal moments in space exploration. This season continues the show’s focus on connecting past, present, and future through the people who lived it. Release Schedule: New episodes drop every other Monday, beginning April 20, 2026. More Info: Visit Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Support Wings' Mission of aerospace education and inspiration. Special thanks to United Airlines for supporting the podcast and helping bring these stories to life.

Supersonic Flight Without the Boom - Episode 70

Get an inside look at NASA’s Quesst mission and the effort to bring supersonic flight back over land, without the disruptive sonic boom. For more than 50 years, civil aircraft in the U.S. have been effectively barred from flying supersonic over land, not because of speed, but because of noise. NASA aims to change that paradigm with the X-59, a purpose-built experimental X-plane designed to reshape shockwaves so they reach the ground as a quiet “sonic thump” rather than a window-rattling boom. We’re joined by Cathy Bahm, Low Boom Flight Demonstrator Project Manager at NASA Armstrong, who leads the design, build, and flight test progression of the X-59, and Lori Ozoroski, Commercial Supersonic Technology Project Manager at NASA, who oversees mission planning, acoustic validation, and community response testing, and how that data is delivered to regulators. Why it matters: if regulators adopt a noise-based limit, commercial supersonic routes over land could become realistic again, potentially cutting long U.S. flights nearly in half.

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The F-100 Saved This Pilot's Life - Episode 69

Retired Pilot Col. John “Warman” Stewart discusses his Vietnam combat sorties and how the Super Sabre saved his life. In this episode, we explore the history of the North American F-100, John’s Air Force career, his first supersonic flight, and what it was like operating one of the most important fighters of the Cold War. We also get an in-depth walkaround to understand how the Super Sabre's design features enabled its mission. From breaking the sound barrier to supporting troops on the ground, this one is going to be cool! What You'll Hear The F-100 Super Sabre was the U.S. Air Force’s first supersonic fighter, marking a major leap in speed, capability, and risk during the early Cold War. Flying the F-100 required constant attention, as early supersonic airplanes left little margin for error and demanded precise energy management. John’s Air Force career placed him at the forefront of the jet-age transition, pushing the envelope for both pilots and their aircraft. Combat operations over Vietnam highlighted the F-100’s role in close air support, where speed and firepower directly supported ground troops. The Super Sabre’s legacy is one of innovation and hard-earned lessons, shaping fighters and tactics that followed for decades. Support Wings Over the Rockies' non-profit mission to educate and inspire future aerospace leaders: https://wingsmuseum.org/support/donate/

Designing a Home for Artemis II - Episode 68

Human Factors Engineer Cynthia Hudy shares what it takes to design a spacecraft around the people who fly it. We explore Cynthia’s role designing the systems inside Orion, from displays and controls to life support, radiation protection, and the everyday realities of living in deep space. We also discuss how astronaut feedback and human-in-the-loop testing are shaping Artemis II, the first crewed Orion mission to carry humans beyond low-Earth orbit since Apollo 17. From engineering for diverse crews to preparing humans for deep-space autonomy, this one is going to be cool! What You'll Hear Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 This 10-day flight around the Moon is the critical proving mission before astronauts return to the lunar surface. Orion is designed like a “tiny house” in deep space Every system inside the capsule is engineered so four astronauts can live, work, sleep, eat, exercise, and respond to emergencies in an extremely confined space. Human factors engineering shapes nearly every design decision Orion is built around human physical and mental limits, treating the crew as an essential part of the spacecraft system—not an afterthought. The interior of Orion is where Artemis II differs most from earlier missions Life support, a functioning bathroom, exercise equipment, food and water systems, and crew-controlled displays are all coming online for the first time. Astronaut testing directly changed how Orion works “Human-in-the-loop” trials led to real design changes, from how doors open in microgravity to how astronauts sleep, move, and access critical systems. Artemis II is the proving ground for future Moon landings and Mars missions What Orion demonstrates about comfort, safety, autonomy, and crew well-being will shape Artemis III and long-duration human exploration. Support Wings Over the Rockies' non-profit mission to educate and inspire about aerospace: https://wingsmuseum.org/support/donate/

From the End Zone to the Cockpit - Episode 67

NFL Alum and Pilot Jimmy Graham shares stories about stunt flying and how it helped him relax when off the field. In this episode, we discuss how Jimmy earned his pilot certificates during his football career, airshow aerobatics, and his restored 1957 Army Beaver and Vietnam-era UH-1 Huey. We also explore Jimmy's role as Chairman of the EAA Young Eagles program, and his commitment to inspiring future aviators. From the discipline of professional football to the focus required in the cockpit, this one is going to be cool! Resources: Jimmy Graham Bio EAA Bio Young Eagles Bell UH-1H Iroquois Fact Sheet (U.S. Air Force) de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Fact Sheet (Wikipedia) Chapters: (00:00) - Intro (01:04) - Meet Jimmy Graham (01:29) - Football vs Flying (04:18) - Early Aviation Inspiration (05:52) - College Years (07:25) - Unexpected Path to the NFL (08:55) - Draft Day (09:44) - First Huddle (10:29) - Career Highlights (11:04) - Motivation Shift (12:11) - Flight School (14:00) - Ten Licenses (15:12) - Flight Training & Checkrides (17:01) - Lifelong Education (19:20) - Decision-Making (20:30) - First Aerobatic Flight (21:16) - Young Eagles (23:08) - Aviation as Therapy (25:44) - Jimmy's Aircraft (28:36) - Growing Young Eagles (32:31) - What’s Next (35:33) - Advice (37:33) - Outro

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From Warthogs to Reapers - Episode 66

Retired Fighter Pilot Lt. Col. Tammy Barlette shares how flying the A-10 prepared her for operating UAVs like the MQ-1. In this episode, she discusses the Warthog's capabilities, combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, controlling the Predator and Reaper drones, returning to jets after a spinal injury, and how she now shares lessons from the flight deck as a mental performance trainer. As air superiority continues to shift from cockpits to control rooms, we get an inside look at why the pilot's role is more complex than ever before. This one is going to be cool! Resources: Athena’s Voice (Tammy's Speaking Website) Crosscheck Mental Performance (Tammy's Training Website) A-10 Fact Sheet (U.S. Air Force) MQ-1 Fact Sheet (U.S. Air Force) MQ-9 Fact Sheet (U.S. Air Force) Chapters: (00:00) - Intro (01:21) - Balancing Perfectionism (02:26) - Aviation Beginnings (03:44) - Tammy's Pilot Journey (05:15) - Flying the T-37 (06:53) - Selecting the Warthog (08:22) - From ROTC to the Cockpit (09:26) - Flying the Thunderbolt II (10:13) - Favorite Stories (12:17) - A-10 Capabilities (13:28) - Close Air Support Training (14:18) - Transitioning to UAVs (15:59) - Flying the Predator (17:58) - MQ-1 Capabilities (19:09) - Separating Missions and Personal Life (20:15) - Combat in Iraq and Afghanistan (22:24) - Weapons School and the MQ-9 (26:03) - Changing Policies (26:59) - From Jets to Drones to Jets Again (27:54) - Flying Mistakes (29:52) - Aircraft Performances (30:36) - The Future of Uncrewed Aircraft (31:22) - Mental Performance Training (35:50) - Tammy's Advice (36:45) - Outro

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Test Flying the SR-71 Blackbird - Episode 65

Retired Test Pilot Rogers E. Smith recalls flying the final SR-71 Blackbird flight and how a fuel leak grounded the aircraft forever. In this episode, we discuss his Canadian and American military careers, flying experimental aircraft for NASA, and piloting a MiG-25 at 80,000 feet in Russia. From first to fourth-generation fighters, Rogers has flown nearly every U.S. jet and then some, all without ever attending a formal test pilot school. This one is going to be cool! Resources: Rogers' Website Rogers Smith's Bio (Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame) Rogers' SR-71 Career Synopsis (NASA) SR-71 Fact Sheet (National Museum of the US Air Force) Bell X-22 (Wikipedia) X-29 Advanced Technology Demonstrator Aircraft (NASA) Chapters: (00:00) - Intro (01:20) - Aviation Beginnings (02:47) - Flying the F-86 (04:32) - From First to Fourth Generation Fighters (05:06) - How Jet Capabilities Evolved (08:58) - Becoming a Test Pilot (09:56) - Favorite Airplane (11:04) - The Bell X-22 (12:34) - The Grumman X-29 (15:16) - Joining NASA (18:37) - Flying at 85,000 Feet (22:16) - The Cockpit View (23:40) - SR-71 Research and Testing (27:44) - The Last Blackbird Flight (29:40) - The Russian‑American Flight Exchange (36:52) - Flying the MiG-25 (37:34) - Rogers' Advice (40:32) - Outro

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