Former test pilot Paul Metz speaks about the F-22 Raptor

From 1992-2001, Paul Metz served as Lockheed Martin’s Chief Test Pilot for the F-22 ATF, and made the first flight on the F-22A Raptor on Sept. 7, 1997. He and a staff of test pilots worked closely with the engineers on subsystem design, flying qualities, simulation, avionics, cockpit layout and man-machine interface. He then served on Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and was named the Vice President for Integrated Test and Evaluation, overseeing a 1600-person, $750 million dollar flight test organization for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and seven other countries until his retirement in February 2006.

[Pathfinders_Ascend]

This man is an absolute legend! He flew both the yf-23 and the f-22!

[chrisbrackin]

For some reason, it's strange to me that a Vietnam veteran flew the F-22 Raptor. That guy saw so much development in aviation science and technology over the decades. If only I knew a fraction of what he knew.

[TheTeehee]

Whenever the F23 and F22 are in the same picture, I can't help but look at the F23. So ahead of its time.

[buddyck]

I met Paul at Pratt& Whitney Aircraft one day in East Hartford Connecticut while working on a flight test 1st stage rotor on a 5 axis machine, and found him very knowledgeable and aware of exactly what I was doing for the program. I was very impressed with his commitment to the project. I believe this was right around the mid 90’s.

[aleccap]

Love the way Paul Metz talks, I can actually listen to him and understand everything he is saying. Would love to meet him

[tensevo]

Wow, sincere respect for anyone who can jump in an experimental aircraft and fly for first time.

[jeremybrown]

My respect goes out to Paul Metz, all military pilots but specially test pilots.
Who are a unique breed of people amongst human beeings.

[andken]

Hard to say but true, if world peace is to prevail America must then certainly take the lead in technology. Paul Metz is one of a few men that can influence the younger generation into making a career in Aeronautics and Aviation. The rest of the world is catching up, China, Russia are getting closer. You do not have to be an American, I am not, but I understand that world peace happens when a America is healthy and strong Militarily.
Long live the USA!

[nordyneken]

I sat in the Gray One while it was being built. I sat by Paul Metz's Desk at McDonnell Douglas for a couple of years. All I really remember about his was how chill he was all the time

[munozcampos]

Test pilot Paul Metz, is dear and important along side his contemporaries in aviation history.

[Hope-hvec]

Been saying it for years. The 23 was a better platform! It boggles my mind that it wasn’t selected over the 22

[DUBEE]

Been there, awesome museum...
Home of the late great XB-70

[trap]

2:08 *Vectored up and down like a frizbee*

[appa]

You know getting slow might actually be useful in combat. If an F-35B hovered at close enough to 0 groundspeed then enemy fighter pulse-doppler radars should be unable to see it even at close range.

[chadwhitten]

WOW. Paul Metz. What a great guy. Perhaps even a National Treasure!

[acompletelynormalhuman]

It's amazing to watch the F-22 just do maneuvers it just seems like it can point its nose wherever the hell it wants whenever the hell it wants

[abba]

The men that make LEGENDS.
TEST PILOTS. 👏👏👆

[roblockhart]

I remember back when the ATF program first started. Based on my own impression, it seemd like Paul would get all giggly and smile a lot more when talking about the yf-23, verses the yf-22. He didn't say he preferred one over the other but it sure seemed like he did. Sure wish he could disclose which one he liked more now.

In the end, he said he thought the Airforce got it right when choosing the Raptor, but unlike the yf-23, the production version of the yf-22 (the F-22) went through a lot of changes to get to the final design; so much so that it wasn't even the same aircraft anymore. Imagine what the yf-23 would have become if it got the nod, too. Looking at the Russian Su-57, I can sort of see glimpses. Would've been an amazing aircraft.

[davidmccann]

hallo sir . i injoyed watching your programs, Great Planes, i injoy watching all you shows sir . your a hero sir .

[christiandelosreyes]

When f22 raptor going zero air speed it can easily turn so good to go far away from it amazing jet