Retired Fighter Pilot Randy "Laz" Gordon explains how the F-22 changed the air battlefield and why it was built to win the first fight.

In this episode, Randy discusses the 70-plus aircraft he has flown, his combat career, test-flying fighter jets, and how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of aviation. We’ll also explore some of the Raptor's surprising similarities to civilian Cessna aircraft, and why, in some ways, the Skyhawk is a harder airplane to manage. From flying a zeppelin to iconic planes like the F-15, "Laz" has done it all. This one is going to be cool!

Episode 60 marks the end of Season 6. We will be taking a short break, but are excited to bring you more stories in Season 7, coming this fall.

Resources:

• Special Lecture: F-22 Flight Controls (YouTube)
• Randy's Bio
• The F-22 Raptor (Lockheed Martin)

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro
• (01:35) - Flying 70+ Aircraft
• (02:47) - Aviation Beginnings
• (06:10) - The USAFA
• (09:03) - What Makes a Good Pilot?
• (11:29) - Flight Training
• (13:18) - The F-15 vs. F-16
• (15:59) - Flying the A-10
• (17:44) - Combat in Iraq
• (21:08) - Flying the F-22
• (26:08) - Cessna vs. F-22
• (28:11) - Raptor Mindset
• (31:11) - Radar-absorbing Material
• (32:39) - Stealth Airframe
• (35:55) - Supercruise
• (39:41) - The Human and the Jet
• (42:18) - Test Flying Aircraft
• (44:43) - Why the F-15 was Hard to Master
• (45:24) - A Dangerous Moment
• (48:05) - How AI Will Impact Aviation
• (53:34) - F-22 Legacy
• (55:13) - Randy's Advice
• (57:40) - Outro