This Is What Riding In A F-18 Hornet Looks Like
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's the kind of air plane ride that's not for the faint of heart.
The U.S Navy Blue Angels gave me a once in a life time ride in an F-18 Hornet, and it was an unforgettable experience.
They're in Duluth for the Duluth Airshow this weekend.
And they're the best of the best.
Not a wrinkle in their suit, or a flaw to their flying.
Lt. Ryan Chamberlain has been wearing the blue since 2006.
"We get to travel around the country in some fancy blue jets and talk about what it's like to serve in the Navy and Marine Corps," he said.
He has 1,500 hours in the F-18 cockpit, and on Friday he took me for a spin.
First, I suited up in a flame retardant suit.
Not going to lie: I was a little nervous.
To boost my confidence, Chamberlain told me to "get the G."
"Don't let the G get you," he said. "Gotta get angry at it and enjoy yourself. That's all there is to it."
That was good advice to ponder as I strapped in.
Before taking off, we went over vital breathing techniques.
Doing those exercises when pulling Gs keeps the blood in my brain, keeps me from losing consciousness.
Or, at least, that's the goal.
Then it was time to taxi for takeoff.
This take off was nothing like anything I've experienced.
The immediate speed, then the burst of acceleration straight up into the sky.
Right away, we pulled 6 Gs to get above the clouds in a matter of seconds.
At speeds of 700 mph, the ride was smooth.
That is until the loops, spins and G-force turns.
Whew... what a ride!
It was the Wild Thing times 10 – that's the only way to describe it.
The Duluth Airshow is Friday and Saturday. You can get tickets here.
