217. Constant Peg: America's Secret MiG Operation

Rob Zettel joins Dylan and Max to tell the story of flying MiG-21s and MiG-23s with the USAF's secretive Red Eagles under the Constant Peg program. For professional pilots, it's a fascinating look at training, aircraft handling, risk management, and what happens when experienced aviators are handed an airplane with no two-seat trainer and no simulator. Rob gets into fighting frontline U.S. fighters in the MiG-21, taking the MiG-23 to Mach 2.35, handling a serious hydraulic failure, and later trading Cold War fighters for a career at United and the 757. Listen and subscribe for more conversations with the pilots who have some truly ridiculous logbook entries.

Check out Rob's book on his website

Show Notes

0:00 Intro

2:10 Who Were The Red Eagles?

6:48 Acquiring MiGs & Flying Solo

30:59 MiG-21 vs MiG-23

39:24 Maintenance & Overhaul

44:02 Airplane Design & Flying Aggressor

57:48 The Good And The Better

1:05:49 Glory Days & Fun Stories

1:10:39 Writing the Book

1:17:11 Post Air Force Career

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The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.