#162 Chuck Yeager

In this episode, the host reflects on the gripping autobiography of General Chuck Yeager, a legendary fighter pilot and test pilot who famously broke the sound barrier. Yeager's harrowing experiences, from near-death spins in the Sierra mountains to his record-setting flights, are recounted with vivid detail, showcasing his instinct, skill, and sheer luck. The host also discusses his own podcasting journey, including the simplification of his secondary podcast feed, "Founders Postscript," to avoid unnecessary complexity and to better serve his audience. Yeager's life, characterized by his passion for flying and his commitment to pushing the limits of aviation, is celebrated as a testament to the power of determination, practice, and facing fears head-on.

• Chuck Yeager describes a harrowing experience flying at extremely high altitudes.
• Comparing steering an airplane at high altitudes to driving on slick ice.
• Yeager experienced a critical malfunction at 80,000 feet, with his aircraft beginning to roll uncontrollably.
• He details the violent physical toll it took on him, including being battered in the cockpit and nearly losing consciousness.
• Yeager's quick thinking and piloting instincts allowed him to regain control and safely land the aircraft.
• The incident illustrates the extreme dangers of test piloting jet aircraft.

"I reached the top of the ark and began to level off. I could have shaken hands with Lord Jesus. 80,000ft. A nighttime sky with flickering stars at ten in the morning. Up there, with only a wisp of an atmosphere, steering an airplane was like driving on slick ice."

This quote describes the surreal and dangerous conditions of flying at the edge of the atmosphere, emphasizing the skill required to pilot under such circumstances.

• The speaker discusses recent complexities introduced in their podcast and the decision to simplify access to content.
• They reference a secondary podcast feed for non-biography books as a way to incentivize annual plans.
• They mention the time consumed by managing complexities, which should have been spent on creating content.
• The speaker decides to make the new podcast feed accessible to all subscribers as a way to add value and thank supporters.
• The simplicity of this approach is highlighted, with a nod to Steve Jobs' philosophy on reducing complexity.

"I started a secondary podcast feed for all the books that I read that are not biographies as a way to incentivize people to sign up for annual plans."

This quote explains the initial strategy for offering exclusive content to annual subscribers, which was later revised for simplicity.

• The speaker praises "Yeager: An Autobiography" and recommends it for its insights and straightforward writing style.
• Yeager's autobiography details his life, from his upbringing in West Virginia to his achievements as a pilot.
• The book's narrative reflects Yeager's no-nonsense personality and approach to life.
• Yeager's story is seen as valuable not just for pilots but for anyone dedicated to mastering their craft.

"That is what it's like to almost die testing jets. And it comes from the book that I want to talk to you about today, which is Yeager, an autobiography by General Chuck Yeager."

This quote introduces the book under discussion, highlighting its focus on the life and near-death experiences of Chuck Yeager.

• Chuck Yeager grew up in a rural setting, learning self-sufficiency and resilience from a young age.
• A tragic accident in his childhood involving his siblings left a lasting impact on his family.
• Yeager's early life was characterized by poverty, but he learned to hunt and contribute to the family's sustenance.
• His upbringing instilled values of hard work, self-sufficiency, and the importance of doing one's best.

"We lived in Myra on the upper mud river, which was just a few farmhouses, a post office, and a country store."

This quote paints a picture of Yeager's humble beginnings and the environment that shaped his character.

• Yeager initially joined the military without aspirations of becoming a pilot.
• His natural aptitude for flying and competitive spirit quickly became apparent during training.
• Yeager's dedication and fascination with every aspect of flying contributed to his success as a pilot.
• The autobiography discusses how Yeager's approach to learning and flying set him apart from other pilots.

"I never thought of going to college, but I was always eager to acquire practical knowledge about things that interested me."

This quote reflects Yeager's desire for hands-on learning and practical skills, which were crucial to his development as a pilot.

• Yeager emphasizes the importance of avoiding stupid mistakes, which is a recurring theme in the book.
• The speaker draws a parallel between Yeager's philosophy and Charlie Munger's advice on avoiding stupidity.
• Yeager's passion for flying and his enjoyment of the work are highlighted as keys to his success.
• The book underscores the joy and fulfillment found in pursuing one's true interests.

"As hard as dad worked, he enjoyed it. And that was an important lesson, too."

This quote underlines the value of finding joy in one's work, as demonstrated by both Yeager's father and Yeager himself.

• Yeager's training was intense and demanding, but he thrived in the challenging environment.
• His autobiography offers insights into the life of a fighter pilot and the rigorous preparation required.
• Yeager's narrative conveys the excitement and fulfillment he found in flying, despite the hardships.
• The book details how Yeager's experiences and skills developed during his time in the military.

"We flew from dawn to dusk, six flights a day, six days a week, dogfighting, buzing and practicing gunnery."

This quote describes the grueling yet exhilarating nature of Yeager's pilot training, illustrating his dedication to mastering flying.

• Chuck Yeager expresses a harsh attitude towards weak pilots, viewing their elimination as a necessity for the greater good of the squadron.
• The stakes of being a fighter pilot are high, with mistakes potentially causing multiple deaths and the destruction of expensive aircraft.
• Yeager's comments reflect a brutal but pragmatic mindset shaped by the life-and-death nature of aerial combat.

"It is way better to bury a weak sister in training than in combat, where he might not only bust his ass, but do something that would bust two or three other asses in addition to his own."

This quote shows Yeager's belief that it is preferable to lose a pilot during training rather than in combat, where their mistakes could have more severe consequences.

"One idiot took out an entire bomber and the ten people on board."

Yeager's use of the term "idiot" underscores his disdain for incompetence, especially when it leads to the loss of lives and equipment.

• Fighter pilots often face death at a young age, leading to a culture that views flying as a young man's game.
• Yeager expresses anger as a defense mechanism against the frequent loss of friends and colleagues.
• The quote illustrates the stark reality of life expectancy in the profession and the emotional toll it takes on those who survive.

"But I got mad at the dead, angry at them for dying so young and so senselessly."

Yeager's anger towards the fallen pilots highlights his coping mechanism for dealing with the constant presence of death in his profession.

• Fighter pilots are portrayed as living a wild and carefree life, filled with risk-taking both in the air and on the ground.
• Yeager's happiest moments were during squadron training, indicating a deep passion for flying.
• The pilots' off-duty behavior reflects their larger-than-life personas and the camaraderie within their ranks.

"We were hell-raising fighter jocks with plenty of swagger."

This quote encapsulates the bold and confident nature of fighter pilots, as described by Yeager.

"Now that I was a fighter pilot, I couldn't imagine being anything else again."

Yeager's statement conveys his complete identification with his role as a fighter pilot, suggesting it was his calling in life.

• Yeager recounts a near-death experience where his aircraft exploded, leading to severe injuries and a dramatic survival story.
• His resilience and determination are highlighted in the face of adversity, both personally and within the broader context of war.
• The narrative emphasizes the unpredictable and perilous nature of aerial combat and the pilot's reliance on quick thinking and survival instincts.

"I jumped for it. When the chute opened, I was knocked unconscious."

Yeager's description of his escape from a disintegrating plane underscores the dangers faced by fighter pilots.

• Yeager details his evasion of German forces after being shot down, showcasing his resourcefulness and the assistance of the French Resistance.
• The story reveals the complex network of support for downed pilots and the risks taken by both the pilots and those aiding them.
• Yeager's determination to return to combat despite regulations against it reflects his dedication to his role as a fighter pilot.

"Free falling flat on my back, spinning from 16,000ft, velocity doubling each second."

This vivid description conveys the intense and life-threatening situation Yeager faced after being shot down over enemy territory.

• Yeager's interactions with the French Resistance demonstrate the collaborative efforts to evade capture and the mutual respect between the pilot and his helpers.
• The grueling journey across the Pyrenees is described in detail, highlighting the physical and mental challenges faced during escape.
• The narrative illustrates the bond formed between those fighting against a common enemy and the lengths they will go to ensure each other's survival.

"I need these guys if I'm going to get out. Across the Pyrenees, I think, is how you pronounce the mountain range that separates France and Spain."

Yeager acknowledges the crucial role of the French Resistance in his escape and the formidable natural barrier he must overcome to reach safety.

• Yeager's friend provides insight into his personality, describing him as aggressive, competitive, and highly skilled.
• His success in combat is attributed to his sharp vision and strategic approach, waiting for the right moment to strike.
• The description of Yeager's character traits underscores the qualities necessary for a successful fighter pilot.

"He was aggressive and competitive, but awfully skilled, too."

This quote reflects Yeager's friend's view of him as a person who combines a competitive nature with exceptional flying skills, contributing to his effectiveness in combat.

• Chuck Yeager recognized when the odds were in his favor.
• He attacked with ferocity and was unmatched in skill and courage.
• Yeager's ability to identify his edge contributed to his success as a fighter pilot and in his later achievements.

"He's saying where the odds were in his favor." "Yeager was the best, period. No one matched his skill or courage."

The quotes emphasize Yeager's exceptional abilities and his strategic approach to combat by knowing when he had the advantage.

• Yeager demonstrated extreme stubbornness and a black-and-white view of situations.
• He refused to be sent home after being shot down, despite the evadee rule.
• This stubbornness led to him taking charge of his life, changing his future, and ultimately breaking the sound barrier.

"He simply said, I'm not going home." "There wasn't a rule ever invented that couldn't be bent."

These quotes illustrate Yeager's determination and his belief in challenging and bending the rules to continue his mission.

• Yeager experienced the loss of a close friend and roommate, Mac, who died in combat.
• The loss was a driving force for Yeager to continue fighting and make his training worthwhile.
• He felt that the war had been unfairly cut short for him and was determined to bend the rules to stay in combat.

"I felt like I lost a close brother." "Evadee rule or not, I figured the war had been cut out from under me before I could even make worthwhile all those hard and expensive months of combat training."

Yeager's quotes convey the emotional impact of his friend's death and his resolve to honor Mac's memory through continued service.

• Yeager's decision to fight the order to return home was a pivotal moment in his life.
• He believed that had he gone home, his flying career would have ended with the war.
• His persistence led to a meeting with General Eisenhower, who ultimately allowed him to continue flying.

"I was about to take charge of my life and push it in a direction where everything that happened in later years was a logical outcome for a career fighter pilot who had compiled an outstanding combat record."

The quote highlights how Yeager's decision to defy orders set the course for his future success.

• Yeager became the first pilot in World War II to shoot down five enemy planes in a single day.
• His actions vindicated General Eisenhower's decision to let him fly again.
• Yeager's combat prowess was likened to a "West Virginia buzzsaw" by fellow pilots.

"Five kills vindicates Ike's decision." "The Germans began to come up to challenge us and ran into a goddamn West Virginia buzzsaw."

These quotes underscore Yeager's extraordinary achievement in combat and the recognition of his skill by both the media and his peers.

• Yeager's passion was dogfighting, which he considered his true calling.
• He described dogfighting as demanding the sum total of a pilot's strengths and exposing weaknesses.
• Yeager's aggressive nature made him one of the best pilots.

"I knew that dogfighting was what I was born to do." "Dogfighting demanded the sum total of all your strength and exposed any of your weaknesses."

The quotes reflect Yeager's deep connection to dogfighting and the attributes required to excel in it.

• After the war, Yeager was stationed at what would become Edwards Air Force Base.
• He differentiated himself by learning every aspect of aircraft systems, giving him an edge in test flying.
• His knowledge and skill brought him to the attention of Colonel Albert G. Boyd, which led to his selection to break the sound barrier.

"Unlike many pilots, I really learned the various systems of an aircraft." "It was my feel for equipment that first brought me to the attention of Colonel Albert G Boyd."

The quotes demonstrate Yeager's dedication to mastering his craft and the resulting opportunities that arose from his expertise.

• Yeager lived by the principle of doing what he enjoyed, which kept him "real and honest."
• His enjoyment of flying and refusal to be swayed by money or power contributed to his success.
• When the civilian pilot Slick Goodland balked at flying the X-1, Yeager seized the opportunity, leading to his historic flight.

"If you love the hell out of what you're doing, you're usually pretty good at it and you wind up making your own breaks." "I wasn't a deep, sophisticated person, but I lived by a basic principle. I did only what I enjoyed."

Yeager's quotes reveal his philosophy of following his passions and the significant impact it had on his career.

• Yeager's family endured difficult living conditions while he pursued his test flying career.
• His wife and children lived in a small adobe house without basic amenities while he worked on breaking the sound barrier.
• Yeager's family sacrifices illustrate the less glamorous aspects of his career.

"We got so desperate that we almost rented a rancher's chicken house." "It was a one-bedroom adobe guest house, much too small for a family of four."

These quotes from Yeager's wife provide insight into the personal challenges faced by the family during his test flights.

• Yeager's approach to life was to have fun and enjoy every minute of it.
• He recognized the importance of living fully and not making oneself miserable.
• His philosophy can be seen as a guiding principle for a fulfilling life.

"I've had a full life and enjoyed just about every damn minute of it because that's how I lived." "That's fantastic. He's talking about there. It's like, yeah, we may die, but I'm going to have fun while this happens."

The quotes capture Yeager's zest for life and his approach to facing its challenges with a positive attitude.

• Chuck Yeager's friend was a pioneering Hollywood stunt pilot.
• Her grandfather was a founder of Caltech, and she grew up in luxury but chose a life of adventure.
• She was involved in smuggling and gunrunning, and flew during the Mexican revolution.
• She appreciated Yeager's passion for flying the X-1 for the thrill rather than monetary gain.

"She got a bang out of the idea that we were flying the x one for the kick of flying it, not for some big contract bonus."

The quote highlights the friend's admiration for Yeager's pure love of flying, contrasting it with the more common motivation of financial rewards.

• Poncho was generous, refusing to let Yeager and others pay for food or drink.
• She was aware and outspoken about the financial disparities between pilots and those with lucrative contracts.
• Her wedding was unique, featuring a long bridal dance by Indian chiefs and a candid announcement from the bride.

"She wouldn't let us ever pay for food or drink."

This quote exemplifies Poncho's generosity and her role in creating a close-knit community among the pilots.

• The speaker reflects on past memories with nostalgia, recognizing the importance of living in the moment.
• Yeager is remembered not just for his achievements but for his personality and the fun times shared.
• The idea that the present will become "the good old days" is emphasized as a poignant life lesson.

"We have to realize that the good old days now."

The quote underscores the speaker's realization that the present moment is precious and will be looked back upon fondly.

• Yeager saw his flight achievements as the ultimate reward, indifferent to fame and financial gain.
• He differentiated between the superficial aspects of fame and the personal significance of his accomplishments.
• Yeager's simple life at Murak and his obsession with flying shaped his practical view of his career.

"My flight's in the history book. And that's the whole nine yards for me."

The quote reflects Yeager's sense of fulfillment from his achievements in aviation history, rather than from fame or money.

• Scott Crossfield, a NACA pilot, was criticized by Yeager for his arrogance.
• Yeager contrasted the NACA pilots' attitudes with the more collaborative spirit of Air Force pilots.
• The story of Crossfield's accident serves as a warning against overconfidence and the refusal to learn from others.

"That stupid accident would have never happened to an air force pilot because he would have accepted a few pointers about what in the hell was going on with a new airplane."

The quote illustrates the dangers of arrogance and the importance of being open to learning, especially in high-risk professions like aviation.

• Yeager identified a fatal design flaw in an aircraft by connecting the dots between the problem and previous crashes.
• The root cause was traced to a stubborn assembly line worker who thought he knew better than the instructions.
• This story highlights the lethal combination of complexity in aircraft design and human arrogance.

"Complexity and arrogance kills."

The quote succinctly conveys the lesson that overcomplication and hubris can have deadly consequences, particularly in technical fields.

• Yeager's test pilot career ended as he anticipated the law of averages catching up with him.
• He expressed a preference for dogfighting and teaching over testing planes.
• General Boyd's influence and Yeager's straightforward desires led to his new assignment in Germany.

"General, I said, my bags are packed."

The quote shows Yeager's readiness to embrace new challenges and his pragmatic approach to career changes.

• Jackie Cochrane was a significant figure in aviation and became a close friend of Yeager.
• Her life story was one of overcoming adversity, from a difficult childhood to becoming a successful aviatrix and businesswoman.
• Cochrane and Yeager shared a deep passion for flying and a mutual respect for each other's skills.

"She was as nuts about flying as I was."

The quote captures the shared enthusiasm for aviation that bonded Cochrane and Yeager and formed the basis of their lasting friendship.

• Yeager's approach to flying was based on knowledge, fun, and seizing the right opportunities at the right time.
• He emphasized the importance of experience, learning, and adapting to fear in order to excel.
• Yeager's attitude towards aging and life was to never give up and to continue pursuing passions.

"You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can't, you do the next best thing."

The quote encapsulates Yeager's resilient mindset and his determination to live life fully, regardless of age or circumstances.