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.

In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we sit down with Gretchen Jahn, whose career spans from IT leadership to the helm of Mooney Aircraft, and decades of competitive air racing. Gretchen shares how her aviation journey began later in life, what it took to revive a legendary aircraft manufacturer, and the thrill and strategy behind women’s air racing. She also highlights the impact of the 99s organization and why mentorship is vital for the next generation of aviators.

Viewers will discover:

Late Start, Big Impact – How Gretchen transitioned from IT and horseback riding to aviation and leadership in aerospace.

Turning Around Mooney – Insights into reviving an iconic aircraft company through culture, customer trust, and confidence.

Air Racing Secrets – The strategy, teamwork, and challenges behind the Air Race Classic, and what it takes to stay competitive.

The Power of the 99s – How this organization shaped Gretchen’s career and continues to support women in aviation.

Mentorship That Lasts – Why Gretchen invests in guiding new aviators and how mentorship programs like “mother birds” help future pilots succeed.

In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Podcast, Wade sits down with Denver aviator and flight instructor Matt Beyer, a lifelong pilot with a passion for mountain flying, safety, and community service. Matt shares his journey from childhood airshows to becoming Director of Safety at Rocky Mountain Flight School, where he’s dedicated to building a culture of safety and mentorship.
The conversation dives into the unique challenges of mountain flying—from weather shifts to terrain awareness—while exploring how building rapport with ATC, embracing personalized training, and giving back through Angel Flight and Civil Air Patrol can elevate the flying experience.
Whether you’re an aspiring aviator or a seasoned pilot, Matt’s perspective offers valuable lessons on safety, skill, and the joy of giving back.

Key Takeaways From This Episode:
Mountain flying isn’t like flatland flying — learn the unique skills, weather awareness, and terrain management needed to handle the Rockies safely.

Safety begins before takeoff — discover how procedures, habits, and culture at flight schools make or break pilot confidence.

ATC is your partner, not just a voice on the radio — hear why building trust and rapport with controllers can transform your flying experience.

Training isn’t one-size-fits-all — Matt shows how tailoring lessons to each pilot’s pace and goals creates safer, stronger aviators.

Flying can be a way to give back — through Angel Flight and Ci

In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we sit down with Robert Gerlach — a true pioneer of the Alaskan frontier. After venturing to Alaska in the early '70s in search of freedom and adventure, Robert carved out a life in the wilderness north of Talkeetna. From building his own cabin deep in bear country to creating a private airstrip through sheer will and ingenuity, Robert’s story is a testament to self-reliance, grit, and aviation spirit.

He shares gripping tales of transporting bulldozers by bush plane, fending off curious bears, and the ever-changing skies of Alaskan aviation. More than just a homesteader, Robert has become a steward of the flying community, dedicating decades to keeping local airstrips safe and accessible. His reflections span a lifetime of adventure, problem-solving, and community building in one of the last truly wild places on Earth.

Whether you’re a pilot, dreamer, or wilderness enthusiast, this episode will stir your soul and leave you with a deep appreciation for the legends who help keep Alaska alive and flying.

In this inspiring episode, we head north to the wilds of Talkeetna, Alaska, with bush pilot Joe McAneney. From humble beginnings in Western New York to soaring over glaciers in Denali, Joe shares his unique path to becoming a pilot in one of the most rugged aviation frontiers on Earth.

We explore the historic Talkeetna airstrip, the evolution of bush flying, and the powerful sense of community that binds Alaskan aviators. Joe opens up about his early days in Denali National Park, flying with K2 Aviation, landing on glaciers, and what it truly means to live and fly in Alaska.

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, an adventurer at heart, or just curious about life on the edge of the map—this episode offers incredible insights and heartwarming reflections from the Last Frontier.

🛩️ Topics Covered:

Why Joe left New York for Alaska

The golden age of the Talkeetna airstrip

Glacier landings & scenic flying with K2 Aviation

Lessons from Alaska’s aviation culture

Community, connection, and the soul of a small town

What’s next for Joe’s flying adventures

Join us on the Old Fly Guy Network as we take flight with Jonathan Kotwicki—airline pilot turned aviation entrepreneur—who left the skies of commercial aviation to carve out a one-of-a-kind flying haven in the heart of Alaska. From bush flying to building an aviation community around DC-6 and DC-9 Airbnb cabins, Jonathan shares how he created a pilot’s paradise at Big Lake, Alaska.

We explore the beauty and challenges of Alaskan flying—from glacier landings to weather unpredictability—and how Kotwicki’s training focuses on real-world, off-airport experiences. More than just stick-and-rudder skills, this episode dives into the value of pilot community, the importance of learning from each other, and the mindset it takes to thrive in aviation’s most rugged environment.

If you're an aviator, aspiring pilot, or someone who dreams of flying into the wild, you won’t want to miss this inspiring journey through Alaska’s skies.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Building a Pilot’s Retreat in Alaska

Discover how Jonathan transformed his passion for flying into a full-blown aviation destination, complete with private runways and retired jetliners turned into Airbnb's.

The Realities of Alaskan Bush Flying

From glacier landings to off-airport strips, learn what it takes to safely and skillfully fly in one of the most challenging—and rewarding—aviation environments in the world.

Training Beyond the Textbook

Explore Jonathan’s unique approach to flight training that goes beyond checklists and simulators, focusing on real-world scenarios like float flying, ski landings, and weather adaptation.