About this episode
How the F-16 became a combat legend around the world, and what it takes to build them. Welcome to Part 3 of our 4-part bonus podcast miniseries on the making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 7! In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette share stories from filming around the U.S. to learn more about the history behind the Fighting Falcon. Join us as we discuss the dangerous first flight, touring the only manufacturing plant, technical upgrades, and test-flying the Viper fresh off the production line. This one is going to be cool! Check out the full-length video on PBS or our YouTube channel. We can't wait to show you what we've been working on! Full Season Premiere Schedule: PBS: Episode 1 – The Hurricane Hunters: November 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m. MT Episode 2 – Building the International Space Station: November 6, 2025, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 3 – 50 Years of the F-16: November 13, 2025, 7:00 p.m. MT Episode 4 – Unlocking Asteroid Secrets: November 13, 2025, 7:30 p.m. MT Wings’ YouTube Channel: Episode 1 – The Hurricane Hunters: November 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m. MT Episode 2 – Building the International Space Station: November 13, 2025, 7:00 p.m. MT Episode 3 – 50 Years of the F-16: November 20, 2025, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 – Unlocking Asteroid Secrets: November 27, 2025, 7:30 p.m. MT Chapters: (00:00) - Intro (00:35) - Tracy's F-16 Background (02:28) - Why We Chose the Viper (03:37) - Aircraft Maintenance and Improvements (04:47) - The Last Manufacturing Plant (06:48) - Touring the Production Line (08:51) - Test Flying Fighting Falcons (09:47) - The Aircraft Design (13:22) - The Dangerous First Flight (14:17) - F-16 Legacy (16:32) - Outro