A Day in the Life of a US Secret Spy Plane Pilot

The utmost respect to the pilots and ground crews that make all of this happen!

The 400k helmet is like apple earbuds. U need to have the 100 M plane for it to be useful. 😂

just an awesome look behind the scenes of this iconic aircraft and the people associated with it! Thank you!

Some great info. Never thought about what these pilots have to go thru before they even get into the plane.

Amazing episode! Huge respect for pilots and crews! 👍

50 years ago, 1971-72 David Clark paired the full pressure helmet with the MC-3A partial pressure suit. By that time, the introduction of the U2-R allowed pilots to wear a full pressure suit, versions S1010 (1971), S1031 (1991) to S1034 (1990s). NASA U2 pilots wore this full pressure helmet & partial pressure suit combination up to 1989. This "Utility" aircraft has undergone some amazing changes, the first versions didn't even have an ejection seat until November 1957 and it took another 10 years to perfect the escape system !

The u2 still flying today . Thank you Kelly Johnson!

My father was in the Air Force, Photo Reconnaissance. He was station at R.A.F Alconbury in the 70's where we lived for 3 years. He developed the film exposed during flights. Several years later a former U2 Pilot, Dan Schmar who was the local "eye in the sky" flying a news helicopter, helped with an "Aeronautical Club" which met after school building and flying model Airplanes and rockets. I also saw the SR-71 several times. First when we were parked just past the runway at Fairchild AFB during an Air Show. It took off and flew overhead at very low altitude. Also years later when I was attending Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB during it's official retirement ceremony in 1990. Most of my flight was at parade rest on the parade grounds and couldn't look up to watch it fly overhead. I was lucky enough to be assigned to direct visitors away from the parade grounds and did get to watch it as it flew overhead. Experiencing the Sonic Boom during acceleration.

I didn’t think we used they types of planes anymore but good to know we have someone keeping an eye out

If I could go for a flight on 3 planes, P-51 Mustang, B-26 Marauder (this was my grandfathers plane during Korea in the 90th bomber squadron light, 8th Air Force 51-53 he was a Sgt, Co-pilot / Navigator as the Marauder didn't TECHNICALLY HAVE a co pilot even though it did) and at the top of that list, Is one of the most simple yet elegant planes ever created, The U2 Spy Plane. Id love nothing more than to go on a flight to 60k feet and just kick back and enjoy the ride and view.

Wow .. Wonderful sharing my friend

Back when the U-2 was developing its "place-in-the-sun", a 421-powered Pontiac Catalina convertible was used as a chase car for specific NASA aircraft.

Good job guys respect

I think it would friken cool to be a U2 pilot, and if not part of the crew who helps piolot till the last momonet.

Loved the SR-71, and sad that it is no longer in service.

Gotta love that How It’s Made music!

3:25 Even with all the extra hassle, you can tell he loves being a U2 pilot. What a grin.

Probably never gets tired of the view from that altitude.

Quite impressive 👍👍

I have no words for how amazingly cool and movie-like this career is.