Interview with Rich Graham on the SR-71 Blackbird

SR-71: The Complete Illustrated History of the Blackbird, The World's Highest, Fastest Plane- amzn.to/2jLzCNN
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Ex USAF pilot Rich Graham talks about his time flying the SR-71 Blackbird from the missions to the pressure suit.
He also talks about his time on the F-4 and writing books.
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[@Ditmanppi]

Rich Graham is probably the best interview out there about flying the SR-71 and the program as a whole. Especially considering he made it all the way to wing commander at Beale. He's so informed and conveys his experiences so well I could listen for hours.

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

Look for Frank Murray, on you tube, who flew the A-12, even a little higher and faster.

[@twentyrothmans7308]

"Slow the aircraft down to 2.8 Mach". I'm still trying to get my head around that. Great interview, great pilot.

[@sillyoldbastard3280]

He teaches at the local flying school! Lucky students My mentor and instructor was a retired 747 captain and I've thought that was pretty cool but an SR71 pilot... well that is another league.

[@n7565j]

I met Mr Graham at Sun n Fun in Lakeland Fl in 2003. He gave a terrific talk on the SR then spent about an hour just chatting with me about flying afterwards :-) He's a genuine American Hero!!! I have all of his books, signed of course ;-) Thank you for posting this interview, you do a superb job of prompting the subject and letting him tell his story!!! :-)

[@timrogers2045]

To have met Mr Graham must have been truly inspiring. Fair play to you Brian.

[@JosephHF]

Awesome. I always love hearing this guy speak.

[@ApolloVIIIYouAreGoForTLI]

I still cant imagine what it must of been like seeing these in 60's for the first time...They still look futuristic & alien in 2023!

[@richardroddenberry2079]

Thanks, for a very good interview. I enjoyed it very much. As a ret USAF Vet and First Sergeant, and about the same age as Richard. I thank you for your sevice to our country.

[@strangersound]

Thanks, these interviews are invaluable historical documents. :)

[@Aircrewinterview]

Your very welcome.

[@frankcrawford416]

Thank you for posting. It is very cool to hear from an actual pilot of these marvelous planes. The pilots are just as cool.

[@mcaste8495]

Great interview with a true American hero. Thank you for your service.

[@rmb689]

Thank you for this upload. I had the privilege of watching the SR71 fly in Okinawa back in 87-88. Semper FI

[@Aircrewinterview]

Glad you enjoyed it. I never had the privilege of seeing on in the air.

[@RealFloridaHorseman]

I launched & recovered the Sled while I was stationed in Kadena Tower, 1/69 thru 7/70. Best duty ever!

[@Aircrewinterview]

I am rather jealous! I bet it was a great experience.

[@TheDormonid]

is SLED his callsign?

[@thefrecklepuny]

Again, an understated yet fascinating interview from a pilot who flew a unique aircraft. Very good work.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks very much, he was a very pleasant man.

[@anchor4067]

@@Aircrewinterview ouw is he late?

[@jimbrown5268]

Col Graham is so laid back. Thanks to both of you

[@cgmp5764]

Fascinating to listen to.

[@flywheel986]

Had an opportunity to check out a "Habu" at Kadena AFB. First impression was it leaked like a sieve, JP7 dripped from every seam. Was told that it was an intentional design feature since the airframe contracted at speed and expanded while grounded. The crews mopped and wiped constantly, and the crew chief was very glad for the extremely high flash point.

[@aengberg1]

What a fantastic channel.... love it, thank you!

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks very much Adam. I am glad your enjoying the interviews :)

[@finchleyflyer]

Yes, really enjoyed that. Typically understated, as so many of these very talented guys seem to be. Must go and buy a couple of his books!

[@Aircrewinterview]

Peter Clark thanks once again, Peter.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks Peter, I know what you mean, i believe they should get a lot more recognition for what they are doing.

[@Ditmanppi]

Aircrew Interview I kind of feel like that understated and humble approach to flying is what made them ideal candidates in the first place. No egomaniacs or hotheads flying the Blackbird. :)

[@danaharper9708]

The pride an imprisoned man may feel in obtaining his GED is noteworthy. That Cunningham used his knowledge to assist others in completing their GED goals is honorable.

[@MS-gr2nv]

Kadena, OKINAWA, awesome, I was at Camp Hansen in the 90, Love the Aircrew Interviews...

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks.

[@floydvail7527]

My Uncle Floyd Jimmy Rhoton, was a "Crew Chief" of one of those SR-71's. Lockheed Skunkworks, Palmdale, California . I have pictures that he gave me. of Special Events. He was known as "Pappy Rhoton" w/ SR71 Crew Chief/ SkunkWorks Team. A great man, from Holdenville, Oklahoma. Thoroughly enjoyed this video. I was named after him, Floyd Jimmy Vail in Okc, Ok.

[@floydvail7527]

Would like a reply, if you knew him, My Uncle Floyd Jimmy Rhoton, "Pappy" Rhoton /Crew Chief, SR71 Blackbird, Skunk Works team. thanks, FJV. in Okc

[@Cheka__]

Great interview. This dude seems super cool.

[@Avofan]

Guys like him whi flew the SR have the ultimate bragging right when it comes to flying.

[@OrionRox]

Just imaging instructed by Rich in the Cessna, gotta be every student pilot's dream.

[@distortedreality4603]

cracking interview yet again! Never got to see the Blackbird fly unfortunately 😔

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks very much. I didn't either unfortunately.

[@TheDarwiniser]

Currently reading Dan Hamptons Hunter Killers book about Weasels over Vietnam. Doesnt mention Rich but the cross reference is great to hear.

[@ronjon7942]

Nice work.

[@dougstitt1652]

great interview ! he is a cool guy.

[@anuashokan8111]

Thank u for ur service sir respect from india

[@jato62]

Pretty unbelievable your getting your PPL at the local flying club and your IP used to fly SR-71s!!!

[@phillipneal9289]

Keep watching this periodically and I enjoy it more every time I do . Come on Mike more Okie. Possibly Hey Joe as well?

[@Aircrewinterview]

It’s certainly a possibility, Phillip.

[@trespire]

Operating the intelligence gathering planes, these aircrew & other operators helped protect the peace during the cold war.

[@terrygrady7683]

Rich sounds competent as can be.

[@knightlife98]

While not as maneuverable as a Jet Fighter, I still have trouble figuring out, what's above becoming an SR-71 Pilot!? Maybe a ride on a rocket to Space? Maybe witnessing an Iowa Class Battleship, fire it's 16" Mark 7 Guns for an extended amount of time? I guess it all boils down to one's perspective, but I'm not going to believe for a second. That it wasn't freak'n awesome, to fly around in the legendary SR-71!!!

[@rdubb77]

A lot of the pilots just went to the airlines, just like the fighter pilots. Since they were the best of the best, some of them, like Graham, ended up in positions at the Pentagon

[@BluesBoy-ij2rb]

Maybe an astronaut going 17,000 mph on a rocket !!!!!.................... Erik

[@iananderson7883]

"We'd slow down to 2.8 mach" ha ha

[@pschierhorn]

Seeing MiG-25s coming up and being comfortable because they can match neither your speed nor your altitude... unique position. :-D

[@possiblyadickhead6653]

Ian Mangham it's not like the had that much fuel either

[@possiblyadickhead6653]

pschierhorn as you heard the got close to full loud in order to fly around one hour

[@possiblyadickhead6653]

pschierhorn also ever heard of missiles. As he said the migs didn't fire at all (maybe didn't even look them)

[@Supersonicfifi2010]

I ve got the same feeling while skiing.... untouchable🤣

[@mickd894]

9th AMS Bat Cave checking in.

[@knightlife98]

What!? You're Father didn't disown you for becoming an AIR FORCE Pilot!? Lol...!!! On a serious note, I am so very grateful for you and your Father's, Service and Sacrifice to this Country!

[@richw1907]

Did you ever run across Robin Olds, If so what was your take on him???

[@Q2bFF]

Mil den hall had the sr-71 at one time?

[@agt155]

You could have told the poor guy about that mouse on his shirt.

[@parkpunk2]

throttle on right?

[@toddmartin6572]

All these pilots kicked major ass!!

[@AwesomeFullHDvideos]

does rich have his own website ?

[@Aircrewinterview]

I don’t believe so mate.

[@AwesomeFullHDvideos]

@@Aircrewinterview thanks

[@paulnutter1713]

Post strike in Libya, they also covered the work to rule in Iraq but that's still classified

[@1903chrisholden]

Is he contactable?

[@trentkeller5890]

1903chrisholden E-mail him at : [e-mail] Real nice guy. I have all five of his signed books. I served in USAF same timeframe as he did. Real American hero!

[@1903chrisholden]

@@trentkeller5890 thankyou good sir

[@chetlahet5579]

💛✌️🌟💪😡

[@phillipneal9289]

Bollocks just watched Keith Okie Nance interview then commented on it but by the time I'd done that the thing had moved on and I find myself commenting on the wrong interview

[@dyandisraeli3466]

Please explain how a plane going that fast makes adjustment for the curvature of the earth. Or is the earth Flat?

[@DoctorShocktor]

Dyan Disraeli More importantly, how does someone get to your age without learning elementary physics and geography? Dropped out in grade 2? Too many drugs? We suggest you reapply to an elementary school and ask for additional emphasis on gravity and how it continually pulls objects toward the center of planetary mass. I.E. “level”. Best of luck in your studies, as going through life stupid is a serious handicap.

[@allin4395]

Yes it’s flat.

[@possiblyadickhead6653]

Dyan Disraeli right I mean the nasa lied to us our whole lifes I guess the military does to now :))))))))))))))))

[@allin4395]

Happy Bear yes it’s a flat slice of American cheese. Everyone knows that!

[@bushyfromoz8834]

There is no earth, its actually a galactic pizza

[@bruceblake9942]

There is no enjoyment from me of stories of the murderers of civilians in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Frankly, they all should die in shame for what they did. [Aussie]

[@tsgibson91]

Bruce Blake Here's to wishing you were there.

[@michaelgrey7854]

Bruce get a life.

[@richardorsulich4698]

Flog

[@EdMcF1]

He did his best to stop the murdering Communists. They might have taken Australia had the USA not been interested.

[@andersschoen3613]

Bruce….. your a complete idiot…… not surprised since you come from that shithole country down under.