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.