Behind the Wings

Latest Episodes:

Ejecting from the B-1 Lancer - Episode 58 Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Retired Pilot Maj. Gen. Garrett “Sack” Harencak and Weapons Systems Officer Lt. Col. Tony “Voodoo” Eret share what it was like to fly together in the Rockwell B-1 Lancer.

In this episode, they take us inside the “Bone”, a supersonic, variable-sweep wing bomber originally designed for low-level nuclear strikes and later transformed into a precision conventional strike aircraft. They discuss nuclear alert procedures, low-level mountain missions using terrain-following radar, and a first-hand account of ejecting from the four-person flight deck. This one is going to be cool!

Resources:

Chapters:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:35) - B-1 Overview

(04:28) - Lancer Development

(05:21) - The Bomb Bays

(07:56) - Terrain-Following Radar

(10:08) - The Structural Mode Control System

(12:19) - Variable-Sweep Wings

(13:36) - The Central Integrated Test System

(16:19) - Crew Roles

(19:22) - Nuclear Alert Training

(21:30) - Ejecting from the B-1

(29:39) - Lancer Modifications

(31:00) - The Engines

(32:57) - Flying at High Altitude

(34:17) - Maintenance

(37:08) - The B-1 Legacy

(37:31) - Guest Advice

(39:23) - Outro

How the F-111 Revolutionized Aircraft Capabilities - Episode 57 Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Retired F-111 Pilot Lt. Col. Kevin “Too Kool” Kuhlmann explains how the General Dynamics F-111 could perform almost any role in the air battlefield, as a fighter, bomber, and even low-level attack aircraft.

In this episode, Kevin discusses maintaining weapon systems on the F-106 and F-4, flying the Aardvark, and the thrill of lighting the afterburner during fuel dumps. With groundbreaking technology for its time, like terrain-following radar, variable-sweep wings, and an ejection capsule, this supersonic jet was not only advanced but a whole lot of fun to fly. This one is going to be cool!

Resources:

Chapters:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:34) - The F-111 Overview

(04:32) - Flying at Mach 1.5

(04:55) - Aviation Beginnings

(06:06) - Joining the Air National Guard

(07:01) - F-106 Maintenance

(08:39) - Working on the F-4

(09:24) - Joining the Air Force

(11:32) - Naming the Aardvark

(12:01) - Flying the T-37

(12:29) - F-111 Training

(15:57) - Transitioning from F to A Models

(16:48) - The Variable-Sweep Wings

(19:27) - Terrain-Following Radar

(20:25) - The Weapons System Officer

(22:41) - The Ejection Capsule

(24:41) - Fuel Dumping with Afterburner

(26:25) - Becoming an F-111 Instructor Pilot

(29:57) - Aardvark Retirement

(30:32) - The F-111 Influence on Aircraft Design

(31:59) - Teaching at MSU

(33:16) - Kevin's Advice

(34:48) - Outro

Surviving Extreme Isolation in Space - Episode 56 Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Social Scientist Alires Almon explains why the human element is critical to mission success during long-duration spaceflights.

In this episode, Alires discusses the impacts of sending people to the Moon and beyond, how to maintain their mental health, and the ethics of extended space missions. With challenges like extreme isolation, communication delays, and living within the confines of the spacecraft, taking care of an astronaut’s overall wellness will be no easy task. There is a lot to learn!

Resources:

Chapters:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:54) - Long Term Space Travel Overview

(05:02) - New Capabilities

(07:37) - Aerospace Beginnings

(12:03) - Science Fiction

(14:01) - The Human Factor in Space Planning

(16:44) - Space Mental Health

(19:31) - Stranded Astronauts

(20:30) - Communication Challenges

(23:28) - To Tell or Not to Tell

(27:44) - AI Relationships

(30:27) - Medical Skills

(32:21) - In Case of Emergency

(34:42) - Culture Shock

(37:09) - Should We Go to Mars?

(39:35) - Space Ethics

(45:08) - Would You Go to Mars?

(47:07) - Alires' Advice

(48:44) - Outro

Spying From 70,000 Feet - Episode 55 Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Retired Pilot 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:

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

3,113 Days as a Vietnam POW - Episode 54 May 19, 2025

Show notes

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:

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

Cleared for Chaos - Episode 53 May 05, 2025

Show notes

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:

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

The Pilot Changing Hollywood Filmmaking - Episode 52 Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

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:

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

The First Woman Thunderbirds Pilot - Episode 51 Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

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:

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

Behind the Wings Season 6 Trailer Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

The Behind the Wings podcast is back with Season 6 and 10 new episodes! Hear stories from one of the longest interned Vietnam POWs, Everett Alvarez Jr., controlling the chaotic skies above air shows with Air Boss Kellie Hudson, and the making of Top Gun: Maverick and Devotion with Aerial Cinematographer and Stunt Pilot Kevin "K2" LaRosa. We've got some incredible stories and guests coming up!

New episodes come out every other Monday, starting next week with the first woman Thunderbird pilot, Nicole "FiFi" Malachowski. Subscribe wherever you listen, because this season is going to be cool!

We will see you next week for Season 6 of Behind the Wings. In the meantime, check out our past episodes!

Designing 400 Air and Spacecraft - Episode 50 Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Legendary aerospace engineer Burt Rutan shares untold stories behind some of the most unique air and spacecraft ever built.

In this episode, Burt reflects on a lifetime of aerospace innovation — from working as a U.S. Air Force flight test engineer to breaking records with his homebuilt aircraft. He also discusses stall testing the F-4, Bede Aircraft, the world’s largest airplane, and the Voyager and GlobalFlyer around-the-world flights. This one is going to be cool!

Episode 50 marks the end of Season 5 of the Behind the Wings podcast. We'll be taking a short break and will be back later this year with Season 6!

Key Takeaways:

Burt's love of aviation began when two B-36 bombers flew over his house. He was building airplanes out of balsa wood at the time.
After college, Burt started his aerospace career at Edwards Air Force base as a civilian Flight Test Engineer. He worked on the F-4 to test and help with its stalling problems.
Jim Bede of Bede Aircraft wanted Burt to help him test and perfect his BD-5. Burt would work with him for two years overseeing test pilots and designs.
Burt's passion was to solve departure problems in aircraft. His home builds often had a canard design to help alleviate most spin issues. As of today, he has built 49 aircraft and created over 400 others.
Stratolaunch Roc, the world's largest aircraft, was designed by Burt. This twin-fuselage plane is used to test hypersonic flight by launching a vehicle, the Talon-A, from the aircraft's center.
Burt's aircraft have several world records including the round the world flights conducted by Dick Rutan in the Rutan Voyager and Steve Fosset in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. Steve Fosset flew around the world three times in the GlobalFlyer.
Burt thinks the future of aviation is one without pilots. With the advancements of AI and autonomous vehicles, he thinks that future airplanes should be designed without aviator controls.

Resources:

Chapters:

(00:00) - Intro
(01:11) - Early Interest in Aviation
(03:03) - Spin Testing the F-4
(05:10) - Testing the XC-142A
(06:54) - Working at Bede Aircraft
(10:07) - Building the VariViggen
(11:57) - The Long-EZ
(13:07) - The World's Largest Airplane
(15:07) - 400 Designs
(16:01) - Flying Around the World in Voyager
(18:59) - The GlobalFlyer's Record
(25:16) - The Future of Aircraft
(27:10) - Life Advice
(28:15) - Outro

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