Behind the Wings ®
The Podcast – S6, Episode 60
Retired Fighter Pilot Randy “Laz” Gordon explains how the F-22 changed the air battlefield and why it was built to win the first fight.
Listen Anywhere! Apple | Spotify | All Players
In this episode, Randy discusses the 70-plus aircraft he has flown, his combat career, test-flying fighter jets, and how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of aviation. We’ll also explore some of the Raptor’s surprising similarities to civilian Cessna aircraft, and why, in some ways, the Skyhawk is a harder airplane to manage. From flying a zeppelin to iconic planes like the F-15, “Laz” has done it all. This one is going to be cool!
Episode 60 marks the end of Season 6. We will be taking a short break, but are excited to bring you more stories in Season 7, coming this fall.
Key Takeaways:
- According to Randy, the F-15 Strike Eagle was the hardest aircraft to learn and master, while planes like the F-16 were a little bit easier. This is due to the different capabilities and mission sets each one had.
- Test pilots constantly push the “envelope” of fighter jet capabilities. While most pilots operate within the middle of the envelope, testing requires going to the “corners” and bringing the aircraft to its near-breaking point.
- “Laz” worked on artificial intelligence at MIT and saw firsthand how collaborative combat aircraft and AI-integrated cockpits will forever change the air battlefield.
Resources:
Want more Behind the Wings?
Peek into the cockpits of rare warbirds and spacecraft, hear from aerospace experts and more in our episodic documentary series!
Learn more