Behind the Wings

Latest Episodes:

Electronic Warfare in the EA-6B - Episode 44 Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

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:

Our guests were inspired to join the Navy at a young age. Matthew grew up watching airshows and Space Shuttle launches and Ethan came from an Air Force family but decided to attend the Naval Academy.
Landing on an aircraft carrier is tough, especially in the Prowler. Matthew discusses the challenges of both day and night traps.
The Prowler was one of the loudest airplanes on the deck, requiring dual ear protection.
Maintainers worked day and night on the Prowlers, even replacing entire engines so the EA-6B could fly missions the next day.
Ethan discusses the process it took to detonate IEDs in the Middle East remotely and how the Prowler's role changed over time.
Matthew and Ethan tell us about the differences between the Prowler and the Growler and why the Growler is ultimately a better aircraft.
Matthew has flown more than 22 aircraft during his career, and even flew the exact Prowler displayed in our museum!

Resources:

Will JWST Find Life in Space? - Episode 43 Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

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:

Chris was first inspired to go into aerospace after seeing photos from the Hubble Space Telescope. Now, years later, he is a part of the team operating the Hubble!
The Space Telescope Science Institute helps operate the Hubble, James Webb, and eventually the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
STScI uses colors and filters in order to identify specific parts of JWST's photos like elements, matter, heat, and more.
JWST will be able to see back 13.5 billion years, possibly unlocking the secrets of the universe's origins.
Webb is researching our galaxy and planets as well as black holes, exoplanets, stars, etc.
JWST will not be able to confirm if there is life on other planets, but it will tell us if a planet has the materials to support life.
Webb will continue to work with the Hubble and someday the Roman Space Telescope, photographing the universe for years to come.

Resources:

How The Space Gal Makes Science Fun - Episode 42 Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

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 of 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:

Emily's space journey began when she attended college to become an engineer. She pursued engineering out of necessity but quickly learned she actually loved it.
After college, Emily got the opportunity to host Fox's Xploration Outer Space. This job jumpstarted her science communication career.
Emily has appeared on many science TV shows, including Bill Nye Saves the World. She also had her own Netflix show, Emily's Wonder Lab.
During the pandemic, Emily took to social media to continue her mission of promoting STEAM literacy and inspiring future aerospace generations.
In 2010, Emily got the opportunity to fly onboard the "Vomit Comet." This parabolic flight flies along the line of a parabola up to a maximum of 31 times in a row. This creates weightlessness on board for up to 22 seconds each time, as if in space.
Emily is excited to be a future Blue Origin passenger to space. She will be one of the first 100 women to reach sub-orbit.
Emily has written several books, with the most popular one appearing on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: Next Level has 50 science experiments for little scientists of all ages.

Resources:

What Does Space Smell Like? - Episode 41 Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

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:

Tom's love of aerospace started when he took a field trip to see two Titan space rockets. Since that moment, he knew he wanted to be an astronaut.
Tom enrolled in the Air Force Academy and attended pilot training. There he was assigned as a pilot and commander for the B-52 Stratofortress.
After earning his PhD and applying for the NASA astronaut program three times, he was finally accepted in 1990.
As a mission specialist, Tom flew on four Space Shuttle missions, STS-59, 68, 80, and 98. He helped with several experiments and controlled the robotic arm.
On STS-98, Tom embarked on three EVAs, or spacewalks, to install the Destiny module onto the ISS. This was the first ISS laboratory, enabling the USA to conduct in-depth experiments.
Tom's newest book, Space Shuttle Stories, catalogs every Space Shuttle mission with stories from astronauts who flew on said missions.
Tom tells listeners that life doesn't always make it easy to achieve your goals, but there are several paths to making it possible.

Resources:

Behind the Wings Season 5 Trailer Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

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

Stunt Flying for Top Gun: Maverick - Episode 40 Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

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:

Scott's love of aviation started when he saw Blue Angels flying over his family's campsite. The original Top Gun also fueled his ambition to join the Navy.
Scott started school as an accountant but later followed his dream of becoming a fighter pilot.
In the Navy, Scott flew the F-18 as a fighter pilot and for the Blue Angels.
All flying scenes in Maverick were performed and filmed in real time.
Scott and his wingman Randy Howell flew as stunt pilots in L-39 jets for the final scene in Maverick. They were later edited over to match the fighters in the movie.
While filming, Scott would often fly straight at the helicopter and pull away at the last second.
Scott leaves us with encouraging advice to ask the question. If you don't ask, the answer is always no.

Resources:

Scott Kartvedt's Website

Flying the Space Shuttle - Episode 39 Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

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:

Tom's love of aviation started when he bought an airplane ride near his family's farm.
Tom graduated number one in his weapons and test pilot school.
After applying four times, Tom was selected to be a NASA astronaut in 1985.
Tom flew to space four times on missions STS-44, 55, 70, and 78. They ran experiments, deployed satellites, and did some early testing that later would help build the International Space Station.
The Space Shuttle reenters the atmosphere at Mach 25, making it very complicated to land successfully. Tom landed the Shuttle on his last two missions.
At the time, STS-78 was the longest space mission to date at 405 hours. Later that same year, STS-80 broke its record by 19 hours.
Tom is excited about the future of Artemis and hopes someday he may even step on the Moon.

Resources:

Lessons From Vietnam Aerial Warfare - Episode 38 May 27, 2024

Show notes

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:

Dick joined the Air Force to train to be a commercial airline pilot. He quickly caught the fighter bug and chose to fly the F-4 Phantom instead.
Dick's book Sierra Hotel: Flying Air Force Fighters in the Decade After Vietnam talks about the major changes the United States military made after the Vietnam War.
During the Vietnam War, the United States changed the F-4 training program in an effort to acquire more pilots.
Dick tells about his first interaction with laser-guided bombs and how it changed air warfare.
The Vietnam era is often attributed with inadequate pilot training. Trainings would leave out several exercises due to aircraft loss concerns. Veterans from the Vietnam War later changed some of the training shortfalls by creating exercises like the Red Flag program.
The F-15 was a vast improvement from the F-4. Dick wrote in his book that "As soon as an F-4 pilot sat in the cockpit, he noticed its efficient design."
Regardless of artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, Dick thinks there is a future for human fighter pilots.

Resources:

The Pilot Mental Health Paradox - Episode 37 May 13, 2024

Show notes

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:

Pilots have two options; disclose their mental health issues to the FAA and become grounded or keep them secret and continue flying while untreated. Many pilots will face this paradox at some point in their flying career.
Troy suffered from anxiety and depression and chose to ground himself in 2022. He found a doctor who prescribed SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and is already on the application pathway to fly again.
Special Issuances are given to pilots who are approved to fly, despite their current health problems.
Troy encourages all who are suffering from mental illness to seek treatment. Even talking to a therapist as a "life coach" is a great first step that doesn't alert the FAA.
Billy continues to research with pilots and participate in conversations on how to better approach mental health problems in aviation.
This paradox isn't limited to mental health. Many pilots also keep physical ailments to themselves or seek treatment without alerting the FAA.
The FAA has set up a mental health rules committee to research and possibly change some regulations.

Resources:

In Case of Emergency - Episode 36 Apr 29, 2024

Show notes

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:

DK got her start in aviation as a flight attendant for North Central Airlines.
Throughout her career, she has written a flight attendant manual, had multiple programs approved by the FAA, and even has her own rule enforced by the FAA that allows passengers to bring portable oxygen concentrators onboard.
Cabin safety personnel support the operation of the aircraft by monitoring cabin hazards and risks.
DK encourages all passengers to read every safety card as each airplane model has different emergency procedures.
Despite the technical errors that Boeing aircraft have been facing, DK believes that they are working hard to fix the problems. In general, commercial airplanes are still the safest form of travel.
Commercial space travel is right around the corner, and with it, a whole new set of cabin safety rules and regulations. DK hopes there is a future for flight attendants onboard space flights.
Cabin safety jobs will always be relevant and necessary, and DK encourages listeners to pursue a career in this field.

Resources:

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