Behind the Wings

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

Fly to all fifty states in this in-depth conversation about a record-breaking flight and airplane. Today, we are excited to speak with world-record-holding pilot, Michael Combs. Michael tells us about his death-defying moment, his record-breaking flight to all fifty states, and why you should never give up on your dreams. We will also hear about his light sport aircraft, Hope One, which is living out retirement in Wings Museum. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: The Story Behind the Flight for the Human SpiritHope One Arrives In Denver

The first Black astronaut candidate talks about his experiences with the astronaut program in this in-depth conversation about his pioneering space journey. Welcome to Season 4 of Behind the Wings, which means 10 new episodes coming your way! It’s February, and in celebration of Black History Month, we are excited to speak with the first Black astronaut candidate, Ed Dwight Jr. In 1961, just 3 years after NASA started, our guest was making waves as a test pilot in aviation and training to be one of the first astronauts. Ed talks about his incredible journey, his time in the Air Force and the space program, and how, in an instant, the dream of space flight was taken away. Ed’s resume reads: Air Force Test Pilot, America’s First Black Astronaut Candidate, IBM Computer Systems Engineer, Aviation Consultant, Restaurateur, Real Estate Developer, Construction Entrepreneur, and Sculpture Artist. There's a lot to learn in this episode! Key Takeaways: Resources: Ed Dwight’s WebsiteEd Dwight’s WikiThe Almost Moon Man – New York TimesI Was Poised to be the First Black Astronaut. I Never Made it to Space. | 'Almost Famous' by Op-Docs – New York TimesEd Dwight Jr. Was Set to Become America’s First Black Astronaut - YouTube

The Behind the Wings Podcast is back this February with Season 4 and 10 new episodes! Hear from Ed Dwight Jr, the first Black astronaut candidate, world record holder Michael Combs, and dive into topics like The Mental Health Pilot Parodox and the history of The Women Airfare Service Pilots (WASP). New episodes come out every other Monday, starting February 19th. Subscribe wherever you listen, because we've got a lot to explore! You can find the Behind the Wings podcast wherever you listen. For past episodes and show notes visit: WingsMuseum.org/podcast.

An American MiG-23 pilot reveals long-held secrets in this in-depth conversation about a declassified program, Constant Peg. On today's show, we’ll meet John Mann who flew in the first-of-its-kind adversary training program, Constant Peg, and take a deep dive into some of the most popular questions we got from you, our listeners. Established in 1977, this top-secret program aimed to train American pilots against the very same MiGs they may one day see in combat. Mann was an instructor who flew the MiG-21 and 23, and co-host John Barry flew in the program as a trainee. This one is going to be cool! If you missed Part One, check that out on Wings Over the Rockies YouTube channel: America's Secret MiG-23s | Behind the Wings - YouTube. Episode 30 marks the end of Season 3 of the Behind the Wings Podcast. We'll be taking a short break and will be back in the new year for Season 4. Key Takeaways: Resources: Red Eagles: America’s Secret MiGs by Steve DaviesCONSTANT PEG: Secret MiGs in the Desert > National Museum of the United States Air Force™ > Display (af.mil)Red Eagle BriefMikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 MLD "Flogger" | Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum (wingsmuseum.org)Dark Eagles : a history of top secret U.S. aircraft programsAF Declassifies Elite Aggressor Program (archive.org)

This episode will dive into the history of some of the world’s first astronomers, exploring how their knowledge has been passed down for more than 60,000 years. We are going to the southern hemisphere to learn about Australia’s Indigenous astronomy, and the impact it has on our world today. Our guest today is Peter Swanton! Peter is a Gamilaraay man from Mackay, Queensland, an astrophysics graduate, and cultural astronomer. He is actively involved in Indigenous astronomy, outreach, and research, and has a passion for the challenging yet critical subject of dark sky preservation. Peter will highlight the scientific importance of Indigenous star knowledge and the challenges and opportunities in preserving that history. Join us as we hear the stories of Australia’s Indigenous Peoples, why constellations and star clusters are so impactful, and how issues like light pollution threaten the very field of astronomy itself. There is a LOT to learn in this episode! Key Takeaways: Resources: Aboriginal AstronomySonglines: Tracking the Seven Sisters | National Museum of Australia (nma.gov.au)Songlines: The art of navigating the Indigenous world - Australian National Maritime Museum (sea.museum)Australia's First Astronomers

The Tuskegee Airmen were an experiment by the US Army Air Corps to determine whether Black pilots could handle military flying. It turns out they could! But the Tuskegee Airmen fought a second battle – one against racial discrimination. With an impressive combat record and war accomplishments, the success of the Tuskegee Airmen helped influence then-President Harry Truman's decision to desegregate the armed forces in 1948. Our Guests today are Bill Shepard and Col. James Harvey. Bill is the former Vice President of Education for the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), and former CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader. On today’s show, he explores with us the path that led him to proudly fly the P-51C Mustang for the CAF Red Tail Squadron. We will also hear from Col. James Harvey who was a Tuskegee Airman, and his personal journey as one of the first Black Aviators in the US military. From Bill's journey with aviation, to the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, there’s a LOT to explore in this one! Key Takeaways: Resources: Home | CAF RISE ABOVEBlacks in the Army Air Forces During WWII: The Problems of Race Relations (defense.gov)The Air Force Integrates 1945-1964 (defense.gov)The Tuskegee Flight Surgeons (defense.gov)

This episode will dive into the cutting-edge realm of AI in aviation, with a particular focus on its military applications. From autonomous wingmen drones to predictive maintenance, we will explore the opportunities and risks of AI as it transforms the landscape of aerial warfare. Our guest today is Col Tucker Hamilton, callsign “Cinco”. As the Chief of AI test and operations for the USAF, Col Hamilton is at the cutting edge of researching, testing, and implementing artificial intelligence in the realm of military aviation. Col. Hamilton began his career as an operational F-15C pilot, supporting Red Flag exorcises, and real-world Operation Noble Eagle missions, at times escorting Air Force One and the U.S. President. He served as a Chief Instructor, Test Pilot, and has more than 2,000 flying hours in the F-35, F-15, F-18, F-16, A-10, and more than 20 additional aircraft. Is there anything he hasn’t done? We’re about to find out! Join us as we unravel the intricate web of AI technologies shaping the future of aviation, while gaining unique perspectives from a seasoned military leader at the forefront of this transformative field. There’s a LOT to explore! Key Takeaways: Resources: A.I. Brings the Robot Wingman to Aerial Combat - The New York Times (nytimes.com)AFRL AI agents successfully pilot XQ-58A Valkyrie uncrewed jet aircraft > Air Force > Article DisplayAir Force Wants $5.8 Billion to Build AI-Powered Unmanned Aircraft (businessinsider.com)

On today’s show we’re getting an inside look at the design, testing and manufacturing processes at Honeybee Robotics, as they build a key component for the Orion Spacecraft, and a new lunar drill. Don your bunny suits, because we are excited to bring you inside a clean-room and experience first-hand how space hardware is made from prototype through manufacturing! Tune in to hear from Andrew Maurer and Isabel King of Honeybee, as we get a behind the scenes tour at their production facility in Longmont, CO. THIS is going to be cool! We’ve explored the Artemis program on the show before, if you missed those episodes go back and give a listen to episode 10 to hear from an Orion spacecraft engineer, and episode 21 as we compare Apollo and Artemis with former NASA Astronaut Harrison Schmitt, and historian Dr. Teasel Harmony-Muir. Key Takeaways: Resources: Design and Test of the Orion Crew Module Side HatchNASA Selects 12 New Lunar Science, Technology Investigations | NASAApollo to Artemis: Drilling on the Moon | NASAHoneybee Robotics

This episode will dive into the world of hypersonic flight, and how new methods of heat management could help usher in a new era for high-speed flight. Join us as we look through the lens of a heat management company, Reaction Engines who is pushing the limits of technology in engines, to enable the next generation of hypersonic flight. Hypersonic flight refers to speeds of more than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5. Once you start talking about hypersonic speeds, there are lots of challenges that come into play from propulsion limitations to materials that can withstand high temperatures, economic feasibility, communications, physics, and more. Adam Dissel, President of Reaction Engines, helps us dive into many of these topics today, to get a better sense of the state of hypersonic flight, and where the cutting-edge of aerospace is headed. Be sure to strap in, because there is a LOT to learn in this high-speed episode! Key Takeaways: Resources: Reaction Engines - Making Beyond PossibleHypersonics: Past, Present, and Potential Future (jhuapl.edu)

Explore the pivotal role of aviation in the Vietnam War alongside former USAF Chief of Staff General Ron R. Fogleman (Ret). Join us as we talk with Ron Fogleman, who takes us along his personal journey to becoming Chief of Staff and helps us uncover the strategic importance of aircraft during the Vietnam War. Ron has over 8,500 hours of flight time, including 315 combat missions where he logged 806 hours. During one of those missions, he was shot down while flying the F-100 Super Sabre and was rescued by clinging to the side of an AH-1 Cobra. Ron retired as Chief of Staff in 1997, after 34 years in the Air Force. He shares with us his pathway to becoming Chief of Staff, lessons he’s learned from the cockpit, and insight about aviation during the Vietnam War. THIS is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Ron Fogleman | National Air and Space MuseumRon Fogleman Air Force BioRon Fogleman WikiForward Air Controllers (FAC)

This episode will dive into the world of orbital infrastructure – both the challenges and opportunities - through the lens of an on-orbit spacecraft refueling company, Orbit Fab, who aims to create gas stations in space. Join us as we talk with Adam Harris, the Chief Commercial Officer at Orbit Fab, who gives us insight on the state of LEO (low earth orbit), orbital infrastructure, and explains how on-orbit refueling could be a key part of enabling this new era in space activity more sustainably and efficiently. Orbital refueling is not a new idea, but as space technology, and the cost of launch has come down, the possibility for this type of service at scale is closer to reality than ever before. This is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Orbit Fab WebsiteRisk Analysis of On-Orbit Refueling (nasa.gov)

This episode will dive into the story of Kim “KC” Campbell, one of the few pilots ever to land the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” manually. Kim is a graduate from the United States Air Force Academy. She has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog and more than 100 combat missions including in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2003, Kim received the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism, as she skillfully recovered her battle-damaged aircraft following an intense close air support mission in Baghdad. Campbell has since retired from the Air Force and now is a guest professor, speaker, and bestselling author. She shares with us her pathway to becoming an A-10 pilot, and lessons she’s learned from the cockpit. THIS is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Kim "KC" CampbellFlying in the Face of Fear: A Fighter Pilot's Lessons on Leading with Courage: Amazon Books

The Behind the Wings Podcast is back for Season 3! This episode delves into the legacy of the iconic Apollo program and its profound influence on NASA's ambitious Artemis Program. In celebration of the 54th anniversary of Apollo 11 and the Apollo Program, we’ve got an exciting two-part conversation for today’s episode. Our esteemed guests, Dr. Teasel Muir Harmony, curator of the Apollo Collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and NASA Astronaut Harrison Schmitt, who walked on the moon during Apollo 17 help us unravel the significance of Apollo's groundbreaking achievements, the scientific discoveries made, its political significance, and the lasting impact on human space exploration. Discover how the Apollo program paved the way for Artemis, fueling our dreams of returning to the moon and exploring even further into the cosmos. There is a LOT to learn in this episode! Pack your bags, or at least your spacesuits, as we are taking one giant leap back to the moon. THIS one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Teasel Muir-Harmony | National Air and Space Museum (si.edu)Amazon.com: Teasel E. Muir-Harmony: books, biography, latest updateThe Honorable Harrison H. Schmitt | NASAReturn to the Moon: Exploration, Enterprise, and Energy in the Human Settlement of Space: Schmitt, Harrison: 9780387242859: Amazon.com: Books

Calling all aviation lovers, space nerds, history buffs, and futurists – The Behind the Wings® Podcast is back for Season 3! Ready or not, strap in, because we have 10 great episodes coming up. It’s time to Go... Behind the Wings! We’ve got a lot to explore – stories about how history shapes aviation today, trailblazers in space, and up-close looks at iconic aircraft of the past, present and future. New episodes are published every other Monday, starting on July 17th, 2023. You can find the Behind the Wings podcast wherever you listen. For past episodes and show notes visit: WingsMuseum.org/podcast We’ll see you next time on Behind the Wings!

What is it about Colorado? Coloradans have had a major impact across every aspect of aviation and space exploration. Our state produced the first American flying ace, the first civilian helicopter ambulance service, and the first female airline pilot. We’ve grown astronauts and executives, entrepreneurs and visionaries, and the aerospace industry has brought hundreds of thousands of jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars into our state’s economy. In fact, Colorado has the nation’s second largest aerospace economy, and aviation is the fastest-growing industry segment in the Denver area. Aerospace research and technology developed in Colorado’s schools and labs is out there exploring other planets—and a lot of it finds its way into products you use every day. Key Takeaways: Resources: Pioneers – Pacesetters – Possibilities | Colorado on the Aerospace Frontier - Wings Over The Rockies (wingsmuseum.org)Chuck Stout - Wings Over The Rockies (wingsmuseum.org)