So this by far is the craziest thing I've ever done! Why I signed up for it, I am still not sure! In reality, I actually didn't really understand what I was getting myself into when I said "Sure! I'll do it!" Looking back on it now, it was certainly the experience of a lifetime. Something I can check off on the list, but never do again. I think I am good now!
I stopped over at Delaware Airpark with my good friend and colleague, Kyle. I brought him along for moral support, which in ways helped and in other ways made me more nervous after hearing his traumatizing story as to why he doesn't fly anymore. Once we arrived, there was no turning back. We met with some of the team from John Klatt Airshows and after signing my life away, I was walking outside with the pilot, Dell Coller, to get set up! They did a safety briefing with me, ensuring everything was going to be ok (I was still skeptical!) As they started to strap on the parachute, I got even MORE nervous thinking WHAT have I gotten myself into! I made sure to listen very closely as to what to do in the event I needed it. They proceeded to have me hop in this little stunt plane and strap me in. As you can see in the video, I questioned from the start and still do as to why I was sitting in the front?? Apparently, the pilot drives from the backseat (still not sure why!) This was the Jack Links Extra 300L Stunt Plane which Dell assured me was going to be a safe and fun ride. I did get a chance to ask him a few questions before take off, learning about his past and how he got into flying. He built his first stunt plane back when he was like 17 years old! Incredible!! He is gearing up to perform at the Thunder Over Dover Air Show this weekend (Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th). He won't be flying this particular plane, but the Screamin' Sasquatch, which he mentions at the end of the video.
Now let me tell you about this ride ... I have never been more scared in my life! All I could do is hold on, pray and do my best to enjoy myself. You'll hear in the video me screaming .. A LOT! At points I was having the time of my life ... at other points I was a nervous wreck. The worst part for me was the feeling I got in my stomach, so hard to explain but as if I could throw up at any moment. Feelings of dizziness, nausea and lightheaded comes to mind. From the first loop ... to the next spin I thought OMG I am going to die! Followed up with him telling me it was my turn to fly the plane! I was like oh no no no no no! Meanwhile, I thought he was in control, til I watched the footage back and realized he put his hands in the air! Like what??? I don't know how I followed through and took control but check it out, I did it! I was ready at that point to just get back down on solid ground. Even then, landing is my least favorite part of flying, I know sounds weird, but I get so nervous. It seemed like a pretty smooth landing to me! All the while, Dell was a true professional in keeping me safe but allowing us to have some fun. Oh and did I mention, it was like 95 degrees outside, so inside that plane it felt like 195 degrees! I was SO hot so moved the air vent towards my face, which as you can see in the video gave me quite the look, but it was a sigh of relief not only to be back on the ground but to open the top and get some fresh air! I was also relieved to have not needed to use the parachute :) #FeedYourWildSide
What an experience! Like I mentioned above, something I don't think I'll ever do again but so glad I followed through and went for it! A ride of a lifetime for sure!
This weekend, don't miss Thunder Over Dover at the Dover Air Force Base. Happening Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th from 9:30am - 4:30pm. Don't miss this opportunity to see incredible aerial acts, get an up close look at static aircraft displays from around the world and see what life is like on Dover AFB!
Heading to the air show or watching the skies from home? Tune in to our sister station 1410 WDOV for the entire air show commentary both days or 1410 WDOV on our iHeartRadio App
Jump/Parachute Performers:
Black Daggers: Army Spec Ops Demo Team
Military/Warbird Performers:
C-5 Fly-over
C-17 Demo Team (Charleston crew flying our aircraft)
F-22 Demo Team w/ P-51 Heritage Flight
B-25 “Panchito”
T-28 ”Trojan Thunder” 6-ship formation team
Younkin Airshows: Beech 18
Ghost Writer Airshows: DHC-1 Chipmunk
Mohawk Airshows: OV-1 Mohawk
Fighter Jets Inc: MiG-17
For more information CLICK HERE
I hope you enjoy the video of my ride as much as I do and a major shout out to Dell and the John Klatt Airshows team for this experience!