Virg Hemphill

Thanks again to our number one Aviation News Scout, Virg Hemphill (L), we are once again able to bring you another fascinating video (14:23 long) about the First Aero’s famous spy plane: the SR-71 Blackbird.

         Buz Carpenter

Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Docent, Col. Buz Carpenter (R), a former SR-71 Pilot himself, gives a us an intriguing tour of his favorite plane, the world’s fastest jet. Since 1976, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird has held the world record for the fastest ‘air-breathing manned aircraft’ with a recorded speed of 1,905.81 knots (2,193.2 mph; 3,529.6 km/h). That works out to a staggering 36.55 miles/58.83 km per minute.

And here below is a 4:25 long video about the Blackbird, with one of our FASF Advisors, and former First Aero Squadron Commander, Major General Patrick Halloran (see his photo below both videos), describing some of his own experiences as a member of the small elite group of pilots priviliged to fly the world’s fastest jet.  General Halloran is the second Blackbird pilot you see being interviewed.

And, below is a 20:00 long video of a SR-71 Cockpit Checkout by former pilot, Richard Graham.

 Gen.  Patrick Halloran