In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we dive deep into the unsung heroes of the SR-71 Blackbird program, the maintenance and technical teams. While the pilots “rented” the aircraft, the crews who maintained and engineered it truly owned the SR-71. Hear first-hand from Robbie Butterfield, Steve Justice, and Mike Hull as they reveal the challenges of keeping the world’s fastest jet ready for duty. From the unique demands of working with titanium to innovations at the Skunk Works, discover how cutting-edge design and relentless teamwork kept the Blackbird flying high at Mach 3.

✅ 5 Takeaways for the Viewer
Maintenance was ownership – why the SR-71’s reliability depended on the dedication of its crew.
Titanium challenges – how one of the hardest metals in the world shaped every aspect of maintenance.
Heat & speed solutions – insights into high-emissivity paint, materials science, and design tricks that made Mach 3 flight possible.
Continuous innovation – how Skunk Works engineers and maintenance teams constantly upgraded the jet.
Camaraderie & pride – the personal stories of those who kept the Blackbird soaring during the Cold War.

In this second episode of our four-part SR-71 Blackbird series, we step into the world of the men who trained the fastest pilots on earth. Legendary instructors Jerry Glasser, Buz Carpenter, and BC Thomas share how they prepared new SR-71 crews to handle one of the most complex aircraft ever built.
From hours in the simulator to high-stakes check rides, the trainers reveal what it took to fly above 80,000 feet and outrun threats at Mach 3. Every pilot’s path was different—but each was forged by rigorous training, precision, and trust.
This episode highlights the camaraderie, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defined the SR-71 program. It’s not just about flying fast—it’s about the trainers who shaped the pilots to survive and succeed.
Stay tuned as we continue the SR-71 series: next up, the maintenance crews who kept the Blackbird in the air, followed by the ops teams who turned missions into history.

What You’ll Take Away from This Episode:
How SR-71 trainers tailored instruction based on each pilot’s background and strengths.
Why simulator training was just as critical—and sometimes more stressful—than actual flights.
The essential role of teamwork and trust between pilots and RSOs at Mach 3.
How the trainers balanced being mentors, evaluators, and motivators.
Why camaraderie in the SR-71 program was key to mission success

Step into the cockpit of the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet ever built. In this first episode of our SR-71 series, we sit down with three pilots who flew at the very edge of space: Al Joersz, Ed Yeilding, and Noel Widdifield. Together, they share what it was like to push past Mach 3, navigate Cold War missions, and trust their aircraft—and each other—at 80,000 feet.
From pressure suits and precision flying to the teamwork that kept the Blackbird safe, these stories give a rare insider’s look into the record-breaking jet that still inspires awe today.
This is just the beginning of our SR-71 series—future episodes will spotlight trainers, maintainers, and the hidden teams that made the Blackbird soar.

✈️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How pilots prepared mentally and physically to fly at Mach 3.
Why teamwork with RSOs (Reconnaissance Systems Officers) was critical to survival and success.
What it feels like to climb to 80,000 feet—higher than 97% of Earth’s atmosphere.
The unique challenges of flying in a pressure suit for hours at a time.
How pilots managed emergencies when mistakes could be fatal.
Why the SR-71 still holds world records decades after retirement.