Behind the Wings

National Museum of WWII Aviation Curator Gene Pfeffer discusses why winning the air war was pivotal to D-Day's success. In this episode, we’ll dive into the planning and execution of air operations, the aircraft that supported the massive assault, the continued aerial support for troops after Operation Overlord, and its lasting legacy and impact on aviation. June 6, 2024, marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day and gave us the opportunity to learn more about one of the most important battles of WWII. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: The National Museum of WWII Aviation WebsiteOperation Overlord: D-Day (National Museum of the U.S. Air Force)Operation Overlord (Wikipedia)Air War During Operation Overlord (Wikipedia)

Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh, discusses the crossroads of pageantry and the military. In this episode, Madi takes us through her groundbreaking journey as the first active-duty officer to earn the Miss America title. She shares insights into her pilot training, attending the United States Air Force Academy, cancer research, starting a non-profit, and how a military background has influenced her career. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Miss America WebsiteOne Lieutenant’s Journey from USAFA to Miss Colorado to Harvard (United States Air Force)Madison Marsh: Beauty Queen, Hard-Core Air Force Officer (Forbes)Whitney Marsh Foundation

How the world's largest aircraft, Stratolaunch Roc, is paving the way for repeatable hypersonic testing. Welcome to the final part of our bonus podcast miniseries on the making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 6! In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette discuss behind-the-scenes stories while filming with Stratolaunch at the Mojave Air and Space Port. Join us as we talk about the history of hypersonics, building the Stratolaunch Roc, the Talon-A test vehicle, the Hadley rocket engine, and flying this twin-fuselage aircraft. This one is going to be cool! Check out the new season on PBS or at our YouTube channel. We can't wait to show you what we've been working on! Our regularly scheduled podcast series will return on 12/2/24 with guest Madison Marsh, the first active-duty officer to be crowned Miss America. Thanks for joining us! Full Season Premiere Schedule: PBS Episode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 7, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Episode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 14, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Wings' YouTube Channel Episode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 21, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 28, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MTyou

How a seemingly impossible idea helped America win the space race. Welcome to part 3 of our 4-part bonus podcast miniseries on the making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 6! In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette discuss behind-the-scenes stories while filming the legendary Super Guppy in El Paso, Texas. Join us as we talk about the space race, building the Super Guppy, the similarities this aircraft has with Frankenstein, and watching the odd airplane fly. This one is going to be cool! Check out the new season on PBS or at our YouTube channel. We can't wait to show you what we've been working on! Full Season Premiere Schedule: PBS Episode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 7, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Episode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 14, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Wings' YouTube Channel Episode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 21, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 28, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT

The ethics of deploying AI in Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), are weighed against the risks of falling behind technologically. Welcome to part 2 of our 4-part bonus podcast miniseries on the making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 6! In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette continue their conversation about AI in the military, with a specific focus on AI-piloted aircraft. Join us as we talk about building CCAs, how they could change the air battlefield, the ethics of AI in warfare, and flying alongside "the most loyal wingman". This one is going to be cool! Check out the new season on PBS or at our YouTube channel beginning November 7. We can't wait to show you what we've been working on! Full Season Premiere Schedule: PBS Episode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 7, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Episode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 14, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Wings' YouTube Channel Episode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 21, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 28, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT

How testing and simulations advance AI pilot agents from the lab to the field. Welcome to part 1 of our 4-part bonus podcast miniseries on the making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 6! In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette discuss behind-the-scenes stories while filming around the U.S. to learn more about AI in military aviation. Join us as we discuss the history of AI, the AI arms race, flying simulators, and being at the crossroads of ethics and speed. This one is going to be cool! Check out the new season on PBS or at our YouTube channel beginning November 7. We can't wait to show you what we've been working on! Full Season Premiere Schedule: PBS Episode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 7, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Episode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 14, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Wings' YouTube Channel Episode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 21, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 28, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT

We are excited to announce our special four-part miniseries featuring stories from the making of our newest Behind the Wings PBS season! Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette discuss AI in Military Aviation, Collaborative Combat Aircraft, The Super Guppy, and Hypersonic Flight Testing. Join us to hear inside tales you won't find anywhere else. This is going to be cool! New episodes come out every Thursday, starting October 31. Also, check out the new season on PBS or at our YouTube channel beginning November 7. We can't wait to show you what we've been working on! Our regular podcast episodes will take a mid-season break while these air and return on November 25.

EA-6B Pilot Matthew Maher and Electronic Countermeasures Officer Ethan Williams dive deep into the world of electronic warfare with a spotlight on the legendary EA-6B Prowler. In this episode, our guests take us back into the cockpit, explore the complex jamming systems that helped protect air and ground crews, landing on a pitching aircraft carrier, and multi-aircraft missions. We also answer several audience questions about the Prowler. After all, we do this all for you! This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Behind the Wings EA-6B Video with Ethan WilliamsNational Naval Aviation MuseumProwler WikiGrowler Wiki

STScI Education and Outreach Scientist Dr. Chris Britt discusses time traveling to the origins of the universe with The James Webb Space Telescope. In this episode, Chris tells us about processing JWST's data into breathtaking images, groundbreaking discoveries, how stars are formed, black holes, and the telescope's future. This one is going to be cool! This episode will follow up on our previous conversation about building the JWST, so if you missed that, check out episode 14! Key Takeaways: Resources: Space Telescope Science Institute WebsiteJames Webb Space Telescope WebsiteWebb Telescope Latest News (NASA)

Science communicator and influencer The Space Gal, a.k.a. Emily Calandrelli, discusses using art as a tool to encourage STEAM literacy. In this episode, Emily tells us about her aerospace journey, exploding foam and making science fun as a host on educational programs, the opportunity to go to space, and how she uses children’s books and social media to inspire and educate future aerospace generations. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Xploration Outer SpaceBill Nye Saves the World. Emily's Wonder LabStay Curious and Keep Exploring: Next LevelResources: The Space Gal WebsiteEmily Calandrelli WikiEmily's Ted Talk

Former NASA astronaut Tom Jones discusses installing the first laboratory module on the International Space Station. Welcome to Season 5 of the Behind the Wings podcast! In this episode, hear stories about flying the B-52, working as a NASA mission specialist on four Space Shuttle missions, life in space, and what it's like to go on a spacewalk. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Space Shuttle StoriesResources: Tom Jones' Wiki PageTom Jones' NASA BioDestiny ModuleTom Jones' Website

Season 5 of the Behind the Wings Podcast is back this September with 10 new episodes! Hear from astronaut Tom Jones, adventures from flying and operating the EA-6B Prowler, and from TV host and author Emily Calandrelli a.k.a. The Space Gal. We've got some incredible stories and guests coming up! New episodes come out every other Monday, starting September 9. Subscribe wherever you listen, because we've got a lot to explore! Trust us, you don't want to miss it. In the meantime, check out our past episodes! Learn more at WingsMuseum.org/podcast

Former F-18 and Blue Angels pilot, Scott Kartvedt, takes us behind the scenes of flying in Top Gun: Maverick. In this episode hear behind-the-scenes stories of how some of the most realistic flying scenes are made. Scott tells us about his time in the Navy, flying as a Blue Angel and on the Patriots Jet team, and "dogfighting" with a helicopter while filming. This one is going to be cool! Episode 40 marks the end of Season 4 of the Behind the Wings Podcast. We'll be taking a short break and will be back later this year for Season 5. Key Takeaways: Resources: Scott Kartvedt's Website

In 1996, astronaut Tom Henricks became the first Space Shuttle pilot/commander to log 1,000 hours in space. Tom tells us about his time as an F-4 pilot and F-16 test pilot, astronaut training, flying four Space Shuttle missions including two as a commander, and the challenges of flying at Mach 25. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Tom Henricks NASA BioTom Henricks Wiki Page

From aggressor training to the F-15, the United States military addressed several shortcomings after the Vietnam War. Today, we are excited to speak with a retired F-4 and F-15 fighter pilot, Colonel Dick Anderegg. In this episode, Dick tells us about his time in Vietnam, the mistakes the US air military made during the war, the lessons learned along the way, and the changes that sprung from them. There is a lot to learn in this episode! Key Takeaways: Sierra Hotel: Flying Air Force Fighters in the Decade After Vietnam Resources: Dick Anderegg Air Force BioSierra Hotel: Flying Air Force Fighters in the Decade After Vietnam

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore the critical challenges pilots face while suffering from mental health issues and discuss possible individual and organizational solutions. Our guests are United Airlines Pilot, Troy Merritt, and Neurologist and Aircrew Brain Health Researcher, Dr. William "Billy" Hoffman. Troy discusses his personal experience of grounding himself due to mental health issues and explains the pilot mental health paradox. Dr. Hoffman draws on his research and medical experience with mental health in aviation to help us understand the efforts being made by researchers and the broader aviation community to bridge the gap for pilots and the industry as a whole. There is a lot to learn in this episode! Key Takeaways: Resources: Pilots say they're afraid to seek mental health care. The FAA says it's listening - NPRThe Pilot’s Pandemic PodcastPilots hide mental health issues so they don’t ‘lose their wings’ - Washington Post

Explore the evolution of cabin safety and learn how it could save your life. Today, we are excited to talk with retired Cabin Safety Specialist, and Wings Over the Rockies Volunteer, Denisekaren "DK" Deaderick. DK has been in this field for over 40 years and was the first Black woman to hold the position of FAA Cabin Safety Inspector. In this episode, we learn what exactly cabin safety is, how it has changed alongside advancements in technology, and how new regulations and rules are shaping the industry today. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: DK’s WebsiteFAA Cabin Safety WebsiteIATA Cabin Safety Website

Today, in celebration of National Volunteer Month, we are excited to speak with Wings Over the Rockies volunteer, Phil Mentesana. Phil shares personal stories about his time as an Electronic Warfare Officer on the B-52, flying the F-4 in Vietnam, and his time as a captain for United Airlines. He has many firsts in his career including being a part of the first B-52 missions to engage in combat during Operation Arc Light in Vietnam, leading Operation Linebacker I in the F-4, and so much more. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Operation LinebackerOperation Arc Light

A first-of-its-kind virtual reality spacewalk experience. Space Explorers: THE INFINITE is a captivating immersive journey inspired by NASA missions aboard the International Space Station. Join us as we hear from creator Félix Lajeunesse who tells us how THE INFINITE project got started, how they filmed and created this experience, working with astronauts, and the unique challenges they faced making virtual reality content on the International Space Station. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: THE INFINITETHE INFINITE THE INFINITE.Space Explorers: THE INFINITE Resources: Félix Lajeunesse: What it’s like to film VR on the ISS‘The Infinite’ Virtual Reality Exhibit Offers a Taste of Life in Outer SpaceTHE INFINITE Experience Denver

In celebration of Women's History Month, dive into the story of the first female Air Force pilots and their roles during World War II. Today's episode tells us about the lives and history of The Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP. The WASP helped the United States domestic war effort by ferrying aircraft, towing targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice, simulating strafing missions, transporting cargo, and so much more. Plus, hear a special story about the first two women to fly the B-29 Superfortress. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Women Fly the B-29: PBSWomen Airforce Service Pilots WikiDeanie Parish WASP SpeechThe WASP of World War 2: Radio DiariesV. Scott Gough Collection: Library of CongressMargaret Ray Ringenberg Collection: Library of CongressNell S. Bright Collection: Library of Congress