WSET.com - ABC13Blue Angel for a Day by Len Stevens

You may have heard a little outfit called the Blue Angels is coming to Lynchburg in May. The moment I heard of even the POSSIBILITY of them coming here, I started asking around "How can I get on a flight with these guys?" To me, there has to be almost nothing on earth like soaring with the Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, the best in the business.

The idea of skimming the tree tops at speeds of nearly 700 miles per hour, pulling 7Gs as we dive and climb, perform Barrel Rolls, and thunder toward the heavens REALLY appeals to my adventurous side. And I'm happy to report I've been invited on a flight. On the morning of May 18th, 2011, I will suit up and be a Blue Angel for a day.

I'm going through my preparations right now. I have "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins on a loop on my Ipod. I'm hitting the gym (the flights can be physically challenging). I've even started thinking of a handle. You know, all good fighter pilots have them. Top Gun had "Maverick" and "Ice Man." I want to be careful and select a good one. A bad one just doesn't fit. Hot Shots had "Mailman" and "Dead Meat." "Dead meat" is not a good handle! I want to survive this amazing experience and be anything but dead meat! "Newsman" sounds pretty lame. And "Anchorman" is absolutely out. Maybe "Dragonfly," a nod to my wife's local band? Folks, I need your help with this. Please submit your suggestions here. Keep ‘em clean!

Fear of death is not even in the equation for me. The Blue Angels are the best. They've been performing for 65 years and have appeared in front of more than 427 Million spectators around the world. The plane they fly is the F/A-18 Hornet. It's the first multi-role fighter/attack aircraft. And it's cool. My biggest fear is I'll see my breakfast again… or nod off and drool. A camera will be rolling, so my handle could end up being something like "Sleepy" or "Upchuck." No good!

I have no idea what flying near the speed of sound looks and feels like from the air, but – unless I fall victim to some unfortunate illness or injury - I will. And I cannot wait! Lynchburg Air Show Corporation President Jones Stanley puts it this way: "(Len)'ll know he's going fast. Yeah, he'll see things go by quickly." I'm sure my time living out a childhood dream will go quickly, too.

Keep watching ABC 13 News for updates on the Lynchburg Air Show!