Many people have a bucket list to accomplish during their lifetime. I have an opportunity to fly in C-130 aircraft and experience G forces on board Fat Albert this Friday, May 26.
The Jones Beach Air Show sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union will host the largest flying air show in the history of the event. The C-130 Hercules is just one of several flying machines in the air during the show. The quad prop affectionately known as “Fat Albert” is flown by a crew of pilots and enlisted aircrew. It can climb thousands of feet quickly and passengers and crew will experience G forces of up to G3.
What made me want to do it? American pride. Yes sir, with the upcoming Memorial Day remembrances, I wanted to experience what it takes for a young man or woman to defend our country and go up in a plane to do battle. However, you have to pass a few tests before you can board a plane. Here are a few of the questions asked:
Do you weigh between a 110 and 270 pounds? Whew, I knew I qualified and answered this question easily.
Do you have any disease of the eye, ear or sinus? Disease no, but I do wear glasses.
Do you have sinus pain or are your sinuses blocked? Wow, I had to think about this considering it is allergy season.
Chest pain, heart disease, abnormal heart rhythm or pacemaker? No, but I might after we take off.
A slew of similar questions had to be answered and then faxed back to the company to prescreen applicants. After all that, you receive approval to board the flight with further instruction to come.
To follow me on this exciting adventure, turn in tomorrow to find out exactly what I must do in order to board the C-130 Hercules on Friday.
