Retired Lt. Col. Josh Cadice shares his story of going to the edge of space in one of the most iconic spy planes ever built.In this episode, Josh discusses flying the KC-135, wearing the pressure suit, piloting the mysterious U-2 at 70,000 feet, and its aerial reconnaissance capabilities. From Cold War origins to modern missions, this aircraft’s legacy is as fascinating as it is classified. This one is going to be cool! Resources:U-2 Air Force Fact Sheet KC-135 Air Force Fact Sheet Chapters:(00:00) - Intro
(01:14) - Flying the U-2 Overview
(03:10) - Aviation Beginnings and the USAFA
(04:18) - The Civil Air Patrol
(04:39) - U-2 History
(06:00) - Flying the KC-135
(07:19) - Stratotanker Upgrades
(08:05) - Aerial Refueling
(10:16) - Becoming a U-2 Pilot
(11:42) - Dragon Lady Training
(13:24) - First Solo
(14:30) - Mission Training
(15:00) - The Pressure Suit
(19:18) - U-2 Takeoffs and Landings
(20:35) - The Chase Car
(22:03) - Landing Close Call
(23:01) - Flying Missions at 70,000 Feet
(26:07) - Operational Differences
(27:49) - Aerial Reconnaissance
(29:49) - What It Takes to be a U-2 Pilot
(30:48) - Landing the Dragon Lady
(33:24) - The Future of Spy Planes
(34:51) - Flying for United
(35:41) - Josh's Advice
(36:56) - Outro
--------
38:18
3,113 Days as a Vietnam POW - Episode 54
Retired Navy Commander Everett Alvarez Jr. shares his story of surviving the Hỏa Lò Prison as one of the longest-held prisoners of war in U.S. history.In this episode, Everett discusses flying the A-4 Skyhawk, being shot down in Vietnam, enduring harsh conditions and torture, and reacclimating to life back home after Operation Homecoming. Throughout his journey, Everett and fellow captives held onto the will to live when all else was stripped away. There is a lot to learn!Resources:"Code of Conduct" by Everett Alvarez Jr. "Chained Eagle" by Everett Alvarez Jr. The Hanoi Hilton Exhibit (American Heritage Museum) The Hanoi March and the Consolidation of POWs (PBS) Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (Wikipedia) Operation Pierce Arrow (Wikipedia) Chapters:(00:00) - Intro
(01:02) - POW Overview
(04:45) - Flying the A-4 Skyhawk
(06:07) - Operation Pierce Arrow
(09:04) - Ejecting from the A-4
(10:38) - The "Hanoi Hilton"
(14:05) - The Tap Code
(18:41) - Living in Harsh Conditions
(19:32) - The Hanoi March
(20:41) - Ignoring Geneva Conventions
(21:13) - The Will to Live
(25:03) - Operation Homecoming
(30:17) - From Prisoner to Parades
(33:11) - The Congressional Gold Medal Award
(34:22) - Everett's Advice
(35:29) - Outro
--------
37:33
Cleared for Chaos - Episode 53
Air Boss Kellie Hudson tells us how she balances spectacle and safety while controlling intense air show skies.In this episode, Kellie discusses her path from air traffic controller to air boss, managing the airspace over AirVenture Oshkosh, and ramp bossing the Super Bowl. From coordinating warbirds and jet teams to managing emergencies on the flight line, she shares what it takes to keep the skies and ground running smoothly. This one is going to be cool! Resources:Kellie Hudson's Website EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Chapters:(00:00) - Intro
(01:03) - What is an Air Boss?
(02:14) - Balancing Safety and Spectacle
(02:35) - Aviation Beginnings
(03:51) - Controlling From the Tower
(05:18) - ATC Misconceptions
(05:56) - Military vs. Civilian ATC
(07:00) - Controlling the Nellis Air Force Base Tower
(08:46) - Red Flag Exercises
(10:12) - Air Boss Origins
(11:49) - Managing the Airspace
(12:42) - Working at Air Shows
(15:22) - Air Show Risks
(17:08) - Air Bossing Oshkosh
(19:58) - Ramp Bossing the Super Bowl
(21:58) - Air Force One
(22:18) - Ramp vs. Air Boss Roles
(22:56) - Air Show Emergencies
(25:16) - Training
(26:26) - The Future of ATC and Air Boss Roles
(27:06) - Staffing Shortages and Aviation Incidents
(30:18) - Kellie's Advice
(31:43) - Outro
--------
33:11
The Pilot Changing Hollywood Filmmaking - Episode 52
Aerial Coordinator and Stunt Pilot Kevin “K2” LaRosa shares how he brought some of the most complex aviation movie scenes to life.In this episode, Kevin discusses designing and flying the modified L-39 CineJet, filming iconic movies like "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Devotion", and training A-list Hollywood actors. If you’ve seen aerial cinematography on the big screen lately, it’s likely Kevin had a hand in it. Be sure to tune in because there's an exclusive announcement this episode! This one is going to be cool!Want to hear more "Top Gun" stories? Check out Episode 40 with "Maverick" Stunt Pilot Scott "Intake" Kartvedt!Resources:Kevin LaRosa's Website Interview: Kevin LaRosa II, aerial coordinator and lead camera pilot for ‘Devotion,’ on those high-flying sequences (Awards Watch) The Aero L-39 Albatros (Wikipedia)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro
(01:19) - The Unknowns of Aerial Cinematography
(02:41) - Early Interest in Aviation
(04:21) - Designing the L-39 CineJet
(06:10) - A Special Announcement
(07:13) - Filming with the CineJet
(08:48) - Picking the Right Cinema Aircraft
(10:13) - Filming with the UH-60 MovieHawk
(12:03) - A Typical Day on Set
(15:29) - Biggest Filmmaking Challenges
(17:29) - Aerial Training and Rehearsals
(19:35) - Aborting a Shot
(20:16) - Filming "Top Gun: Maverick"
(22:32) - Working With Tom Cruise
(24:06) - Flying Alongside Fighter Pilots
(26:38) - Mentally Preparing for High-Speed Stunts
(28:12) - Training Hollywood Actors
(29:27) - CGI vs. the Real Deal
(30:55) - Kevin's Heroes
(32:56) - Dream Movie to Work On
(33:12) - The Future of Aerial Cinematography
(34:07) - Kevin's Advice
(35:24) - Lacking an Off Button
(36:06) - Outro
--------
37:31
The First Woman Thunderbirds Pilot - Episode 51
Retired F-15 and F-16 fighter pilot Nicole Malachowski tells us about flying 18 inches off the wings of high-speed jets as a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird.Welcome to Season 6 of the Behind the Wings podcast! In this episode, Nicole takes us through her groundbreaking journey as the first woman to become a Thunderbird pilot. She discusses her combat missions, flying in airshows, her WASP connection, and how a tick-borne illness changed her life forever. There is a lot to learn!Resources:Nicole Malachowski's Website Nicole Malachowski's Bio (Wikipedia) The Thunderbirds' WebsiteThe Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) (Air Force History Fact Sheet)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro
(01:23) - F-15 vs. F-16
(02:22) - Early Interest in Aviation
(03:26) - USAFA
(04:42) - The Ban on Women In Combat Jets
(06:38) - Flying the F-15 and F-16
(09:06) - Combat Missions
(13:50) - Thunderbirds Admission
(17:58) - Thunderbirds Training
(21:33) - Combat vs. Thunderbirds
(24:02) - Audience Interaction
(27:34) - Tick-Borne Illness
(32:57) - The Wounded Warrior Program
(34:12) - WASP Connection
(36:55) - The Future of Veteran Medicine
(39:21) - Nicole's Legacy
(40:42) - Nicole's Advice
(41:45) - Outro
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum has a podcast! Based on our hit YouTube and PBS series of the same name, the Behind the Wings podcast will cover everything from aviation history to the future of space exploration with thought leaders and experts in the industry. This one's going to be cool!
South Africa