A Blackbird Sunday

Transcontinental speed record holder, former SR-71 pilot Ed Yeilding, showing a remarkable unconcern about whom he is photographed with

Today at church I had the pleasure to meet retired Air Force pilot Ed Yeilding, who honored us by attending before he headed home to Alabama. He said he had seen me on The O’Reilly Factor on April 4. In Nashville for a couple of days, he looked me up, which was very kind.

Ed was an SR-71 “Blackbird” reconnaissance aircraft pilot for several years. When the plane was retired from service in 1990,

an SR-71 (972) accomplished history on a record breaking flight from Los Angeles to Washington, DC Pilot Ed Yielding [sic] and RSO Joseph T. “JT” Vida made the flight in 64 minutes, 54 seconds, averaging 2,144.8 mph, setting the coast- to- coast world speed record. On that historic event, aircraft 972 was turned over to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport. [link]

Ed Yeilding, right, with co-crewman J.T. Vida

As you may imagine, it is fascinating to talk with Ed in person. There are only about 100 SR-71 pilots, according to Ed, and about that many navigators. It’s a very exclusive club! Many thanks to Ed and all his comrades for their invaluable service for well over two decades of the Cold War.

2 Responses to “A Blackbird Sunday”

1. E2 Says:
   May 15th, 2005 at 9:24 pm

   This was surely a very good experience for you DS. No bravado, no calls for accolades no drum roles. I once had a similar experience. As a young USAF officer we usually had lunch at the O club on Thursdays at my base in Japan.

   So, I go in one Thursday back in 1969 with my companions and after ordering lunch one of my compatriots says, “see the guy at the next table ?”.

   “Yes” . I respond.

   “He’s Chuck Yeager”, he said.

   I look across the tables. Surprisingly, I said, “Yup, that’s him, that is definitely Chuck Yeager ?” No bravado, no calls for accolades, no drum roles. There was a silent recognition that we all recognized each other as fellow military. That was a good day.

2. Sean Says:
   May 16th, 2005 at 8:08 pm

   I’ve always been fascinated by the Blackbird, I wish my trans continental flights today
   went 2000 mph, it would make my life much easier. I heard that the Blackbird leaked
   fluids when on the ground, since the metal expanded at high speeds. I’m sure
   Ed could tell some cool stories about the missions he flew during the Cold War (just as
   B-2 pilots today).

   Sean

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