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Showing posts with label I've never wanted a plane that loops the loops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I've never wanted a plane that loops the loops. Show all posts

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?