Behind the Wings

NASA’s Meredith McKay discusses how diplomacy, trust, and international cooperation are helping turn ambitious space missions into reality.
In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with Meredith McKay, Deputy Associate Administrator in NASA’s Office of International and Interagency Relations, about the partnerships behind humanity’s next steps into space. From the hard-earned lessons of the International Space Station to Artemis and the growing community of nations signing the Artemis Accords, McKay explains how cooperation on Earth becomes exploration in space. This one is going to be cool!
What you'll hear:
NASA diplomacy behind the scenes: How a team of fewer than 50 people helps scientists, engineers, governments, and space agencies build successful partnerships
Reworking the International Space Station: McKay recalls helping negotiate a new assembly plan after the loss of Columbia reduced the remaining shuttle flights from 28 to 18
What makes international cooperation last: Why shared goals, clearly defined responsibilities, and benefits for every participating nation give partnerships staying power
Lessons from 25 years aboard the ISS: How trust and open communication have sustained one of the most complex international projects ever attempted
The transition beyond the space station: How NASA is helping prepare commercial destinations and a new economy in low Earth orbit
What makes Artemis different from Apollo: The international crews, spacecraft, rovers, payloads, and surface systems supporting a long-term return to the Moon
What the Artemis Accords actually do: How their principles put the Outer Space Treaty into practice through peaceful exploration, scientific cooperation, astronaut assistance, and coordination on the lunar surface
Building the future together: Why listening, remaining open to unexpected opportunities, and “rowing in the same direction” may be as important as any spacecraft or technology
Learn More:
Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website
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This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

As wildfires grow larger and more complex, pilots, firefighters, scientists, and aviation experts are developing new ways to protect communities from the air.
In Episode 78, Host Rick Crandall revisits interviews about wildfire aviation originally recorded in 2021. From Colorado’s East Troublesome Fire and infrared-equipped Pilatus PC-12s to single-engine air tankers, Firehawk helicopters, and night-vision operations, these experts reveal how people, aircraft, and real-time information come together to support firefighters on the ground. This one is going to be cool!

What you'll hear:
The East Troublesome Fire reaches Grand Lake: Resident Ernie Bjorkman and Assistant Fire Chief Schelly Olsen recall the evacuation and the challenges facing local firefighters.
Why wildfires are becoming more difficult to contain: Colorado State Climatologist Dr. Russ Schumacher explains how heat, drought, wind, forest health, and climate shape fire behavior.
Seeing through smoke with infrared sensors: Mission Sensor Operators explain how Colorado’s Multi-Mission Aircraft locate hotspots and map active fires.
A symphony in the sky: PC-12 pilot Dave Bickerstaff describes how tankers, helicopters, lead planes, intelligence aircraft, and ground crews coordinate over a wildfire.
Single-engine air tankers: SEATS are agile aircraft that can operate from smaller airports and deliver precise retardant drops to help ground crews contain fires before they grow.
The Firehawk: CAL FIRE leaders explain how the Black Hawk-based helicopter transports crews, performs rescues, and carries a 1,000-gallon water tank.
Marc “Thor” Olson’s night-flying legacy: The veteran pilot explains how night-vision goggles could extend fixed-wing firefighting operations beyond sunset.
This episode honors Marc “Thor” Olson, who died in the line of duty on November 16, 2021, while flying a nighttime water-drop mission on the Kruger Rock Fire near Estes Park, Colorado. It also recognizes every firefighter and aviator who has made the ultimate sacrifice protecting people, communities, and public lands.

Learn More:
Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website
Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Subscribe and leave a review to support the show
This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

Brigadier General Micah “Zeus” Fessler shares stories about flying the F-15 and F-22, traces Colorado fighter aviation from early biplanes to the F-16, and today's homeland defense mission.
In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with “Zeus” about the aircraft, missions, training, and people that shaped his military career, including combat operations, Weapons School, and the Colorado Air National Guard. From the 120th Observation Squadron’s early Jennys to Buckley’s ongoing alert mission, Micah offers a wide-ranging look at fighter aviation and the community behind it. This one is going to be cool!
What you'll hear:
Why Buckley has remained on alert since 9/11 and how Colorado supports the defense of NORAD/NORTHCOM.
How Colorado Air National Guard aviation grew from early biplanes at high elevation to Block 30 F-16s.
Why the Viper remains a flexible, high-demand aircraft for air-to-air, close air support, and emerging drone defense missions.
"Zeus" explains the discipline, radar work, stick-and-rudder flying, and debrief culture that shaped him as a fighter pilot.
How one loud, eventful training flight in Alaska turned into a fighter pilot call sign.
What changed with stealth, sensor fusion, battle management, and fifth-generation tactics.
A memorable F-22 sortie involving ISIS targets, F-16s, tankers, command-and-control aircraft, and Russian air activity.
How citizen airmen preserve deep experience while serving both overseas missions and local Colorado communities.
Colorado aviation heritage, the 120th Fighter Squadron, Minute Men demonstration team, and the legacy of service connected to Wings’ newest aircraft—a Thunderbird F-16D.
"Zeus" encourages young people to believe in themselves, control what they can control, and accept help along the way.
Learn More:
Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website
Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Subscribe and leave a review to support the show
This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

Air Force veteran Art Elser reveals what it took to fly low, slow, and exposed as a forward air controller during the Vietnam War.
In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with former forward air controller Art Elser about flying more than 400 combat missions in the Cessna O-2A Skymaster and O-1E Bird Dog. From directing air support over the Ho Chi Minh Trail to helping Special Forces teams under fire, Elser offers a personal account of aviation, fear, courage, responsibility, and the long journey home. This one is going to be cool!

What you’ll hear:
Inside the O-2 Skymaster: How a civilian aircraft became a flying observation post, radio relay, and target marker
The forward air controller mission: Why FAC pilots remained low over the battlefield after faster aircraft departed
O-1 Bird Dog vs. O-2 Skymaster: How the aircraft differed in handling, performance, and suitability for remote airstrips
Marking targets under fire: How Elser used white-phosphorus “Willie Pete” rockets to guide attacking aircraft
Over the Ho Chi Minh Trail: Searching for trucks, supply areas, choke points, and hidden movement beneath the jungle
Night operations: Using starlight scopes, Blind Bat flare ships, B-57 Canberras, and F-4 Phantoms to find targets in darkness
Becoming “Jake 44”: How Elser built personal relationships with the Special Forces teams who depended on him
Courage and coming home: What Elser learned about fear, character, loss, and carrying the war’s memories into civilian life
Learn More:
Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website
Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Subscribe and leave a review to support the show
This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.

NASA’s RAVEN aircraft is helping researchers explore one of aviation’s biggest next steps: electric vertical takeoff and landing.
NASA’s RAVEN aircraft is helping researchers explore one of aviation’s biggest next steps: electric vertical takeoff and landing.
In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with NASA researchers Siena Whiteside and Jason Welstead about RAVEN, the Research Aircraft for eVTOL Enabling Technologies. From air taxis and regional mobility to noise, safety, hover-to-forward-flight transitions, and the challenge of scaling new aircraft designs, Sienna and Jason explain how NASA is building a flying laboratory for the future of advanced air mobility. This one is going to be cool!

🎧 What you’ll hear:
How eVTOL aircraft work: What electric vertical takeoff and landing means, and how these aircraft differ from helicopters and airplanes
What advanced air mobility means: How drones, air taxis, and regional aircraft fit into the future of transportation
Meet NASA’s RAVEN: Why NASA is building a remotely operated research aircraft to study eVTOL technology
Air taxi vs. flying car: Why eVTOLs are more likely to connect transportation hubs than replace your car
The safety challenge: Why public trust and certification are essential before eVTOLs become common
Noise and community impact: How researchers are studying aircraft sound, not just loudness
Hover to forward flight: Why the transition from vertical lift to wing-borne flight is one of the hardest problems to solve
Why size matters: How RAVEN bridges the gap between small models and full-scale passenger aircraft
Open eVTOL research: How NASA hopes to share data with universities, startups, and industry partners
Advice for future aerospace engineers: Why broad experience and curiosity matter in a fast-changing field
Learn More:
Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website
Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Subscribe and leave a review to support the show

This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.