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Saturday, June 26, 2010

One of these things is not like the others

...one of these things just doesn't belong:

At-6 Texans

Yak-52

Scream

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Can you guess which one it is? #3, you say? Yes. That's what I thought, too.

Then would someone please tell me why I am considering going up in one of these planes? Other than the fact that I must have a death wish. Or at minimum a barf wish.

This is another invite courtesy of my Visit Indiana gig. The Gary Air Show will take place in the northwest corner of the state on July 9, 10 and 11th and they are inviting members of the media to do plane-side interviews with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Then "each reporter or photographer is paired with an experienced air show pilot and gets a 'quick' version of what it is like to fly in a show. There are aerial maneuvers and the teams fly in formation for each scheduled flight."

As some of you may remember, I'm slightly afraid of heights. So why in heaven's name am I seriously contemplating taking this flight?

Maybe it's because I know it's probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Maybe it's because I think it would be a good alternative to dying my hair blue. Maybe it's because I can already imagine what an awesome story it will be to tell here.

For whatever reason, I sent the PR gal a note and said "I'm definitely interested in the opportunity. Can you tell me how wild and crazy these aerial maneuvers are?"

Her response:

First, I have to make sure that you are able to fly with the performers – so I must ask, are you pregnant? Are you in good health? No severe medical conditions we need to know about? And finally, are you able to fit in a commercial airline seat comfortably (size/weight requirements)?

The day of the flight, be sure to eat light (or not at all) and drink plenty of water. It’s usually pretty hot the day of the flight and the cockpit gets pretty heated…safety of the pilot and the passenger is always my #1 priority. The pilots are all VERY experienced and will answer all the questions you have. They are fantastic to work with and even better if you are flying with them. It’s a great experience. If you like rides, this is one NOT to pass up. The maneuvers are different for each flight, but you do go upside-down and turns and fun things like that. I’ve never had anyone complain that it was boring or scary or a bad experience. Everyone walks away with a smile and completely exhilarated. Oh, and bring your camera – you’ll need to document your experience so you don’t forget!"

Annie read the "if you like rides part" and said, "Mom, you DON'T like rides." Which is true. When we go to Holiday World, the wildest coaster I ride is The Howler in Holidog's Fun Town (geared for ages 8 and under).

Even knowing what I now know about the experience; even though if you look up "lilly-livered coward" on Wikipedia you'll probably see a picture of me, I still think I want to do it. Am I out of my ever loving mind? Would you do it?

16 comments:

Beth Zimmerman said...

I probably would not do it personally but I would wish I could! And I would totally encourage YOU to do so! I'm just too big a chicken and my phobias of heights and small spaces would make it too much for me!

Eternal Lizdom said...

A couple of weeks ago, I happened to flip past 99.5 and stopped and heard a re-airing of a show from the previous year when Smiley went up in a trick plane... baaaaaaad results. All they did was go up and he immediately felt icky. One small trick and then he needed a 10 minute fly around to chill back out... then they did a roll, I think. The audio of the guy explaining the g forces and what Smiley had to do in order to not pass out and everything... and then hearing Smiley totally lose his stomach... ha!!!

I hated laughing at him but it was so funny.

But it also convinced me tha tyou have to really enjoy and be able ot handle stomach drops and altitude changes and such.

Personally, I'd love it. My husband- no way.

I'm hoping to take the family up in the Conner Prairie balloon this summer- I think of you every time I see it. And I can see it from my deck and neighborhood so I think of you a lot!!

Ryan R. said...

Uhhh...Can I take you place??!!??!! I'd even promise to blog about it in your place!!

kimybeee said...

No, I would never do something like that. I am afraid of everything - but I am very impressed by the size of your "danglies" that you are considering it. Go for it!!!!!

Joanie said...

No F'ing way would you get me in one of those planes!!!

Melinda said...

I would definitely do it! I love roller coasters, but I hate "spinning" rides, so I'd probably do okay. I'd be scared, but I'd do it. Like you said, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience -- and just think how cool you'll look to your kids! ;0)

Laughed at your comment on my blog ... yes, I may have my parenting flaws, but I'm definitely better in that area than home improvement tasks! ;0)

Cindi said...

Would I do it?

NO WAY.

I don't even go on the first rung of a ladder. But I would always be able to say that I passed on an opportunity to do it.

If you do decide to do it, I wish you the best of luck!

"The Queen of Free" said...

You are crazy girl! I got that e-mail and mutter a quick no thank you. ;)

Jessica McCoy said...

Would I do it? HECK NO! But I would love to read about your experience LOL. I'm all for the blue hair if it was my other option!

varangianguard said...

Listen to Eternal Lizdom. Or, simply find some YouTube videos about the Thunderbirds.

At the very least you'll barf.

At the worst, your shrieking and thrashing will cause the pilot to eject you (just kidding).

Still, if they let you use a pressurized suit, do consider it, as it would be the ride of your life.

Nancy C said...

Do it! Life's too short! How fun! Let me write with more explanation points to state my case! !!!

Shelley said...

I loooooove rides and think this -- *gulp* -- sounds like fun. I hope you decide to do it! It would make an excellent story.

Mike Magan said...

IF you get cold feet, I will gladly be your sub. But you can do it!

"The Queen of Free" said...

alright now I'm thinking about it. sheesh. peer pressure.

Anonymous said...

Can I do it for you? I think that would be so much fun! I am jumping out of a plane in honor of my 40th birthday in August, so I think I can handle a plane. :)

Amy said...

@Queen - Do it! Do it! We can ride together.

@Beth - JUMPING OUT OF A PLANE?! No flipping, freaking way. None. But can't wait to read about your experience. When is your bday? Mine is August 21.