May 8, 2025 · 57 min
Strap in and hit the burners — Red is flying solo this week on Keys To The Jet, bringing you the wild, dusty, and downright legendary history of Edwards Air Force Base! We’re talking about how a random patch of dirt turned into the proving ground for every crazy aircraft idea you can imagine. From Chuck Yeager busting Mach 1 with two busted ribs (because of course he did), to rocket planes melting their own windows, to Space Shuttles landing like bricks at 200 mph — Edwards has seen it all. Along the way, Red rants about why old-school pilots were built different (spoiler alert: broomsticks and bourbon), hits you with some wild "This Day in Aviation" facts, and runs through the latest aviation news — because the skies are still full of speed, innovation, and a little bit of insanity. Whether you're a seasoned crew chief, a first-term Airman, a pilot, a desk flyer, or just someone who thinks fighter jets are awesome — this episode’s got something for you. This Week Includes: How Muroc Dry Lake became the world’s most famous runway Chuck Yeager’s broomstick-fueled sound barrier smash The golden era of X-planes (and melted cockpits) Space Shuttles landing like controlled car crashes This Day in Aviation — with a few surprises The latest in Aviation News (and Red’s colorful takes on it) Lots of laughs, Red-style rants, and good vibes Come for the speed records — stay for the bad jokes and better company. Hit play, grab a cold one, and let’s break some sound barriers together.