What it Was Like Flying With the U.S. Army Golden Knights
Yesterday afternoon, I got a call from Chad saying, "Hey! Some media folks are flying with the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team tomorrow." To which I responded, "Oh my gosh, how fun!" He said, "Good, I'm glad you think so because you'll be one of them."
I typically never turn down a new or exciting experience (even if I'm terrified!), so as soon as we finished the morning show, I got myself to MidAmerica Jet at the Owensboro-Daviess County Airport. Maddie Haynes with the City of Owensboro, local photographer extraordinaire Christopher Gendek, and I were the three lucky folks to tag along.
The team was gathering outside of the plane, a C-147A with a sweet sword emblazoned on the side. George gave us the rundown and then joined them outside as they went over the plan for the jump.
A spunky young gal came over and stuck her hand out. "Hey, I'm Mac! Like Mac & Cheese!" SO cute! She was part of the team too.
As we waited alone on the plane, the pilots hopped on board and assumed their positions. We took a look around. Here's where some of the magic happens.
I have only ever seen this scene in movies!
I loved all of the stickers. There were some "hidden" in other spots on the plane.
Once it was go-time, we were ushered to the back here where I am standing and buckled into the seats closest to the jump exit. They have special clearance to be able to keep it open for the entire flight! I didn't anticipate feeling like Beyoncé with her fan the whole time! Kinda...
We just had to be VERY CAREFUL not to accidentally let anything fly out. Our phones and cameras were tethered to the plane, which was good because all I could think about was, "What if I got butterfingers all of a sudden? and oops! Bye bye phone!" No need to worry! The Army thinks of everything! Here they are getting ready.
One of the fellas walked around handing out Lifesaver mints to everyone. "Just in case!" he joked. Then they turned the music up. Elton John, Benny and the Jets got us started; Blink-182 kicked the sing-along into gear, and then when Sweet Caroline came on? WATCH OUT! The whole plane was PUMPED by the first "Ba ba baaaaa." Keep scrolling for video!
Mac said, "Variety is the spice of life! We like to switch things up." She's been jumping out of planes since she was old enough to fit into a parachute. This time, she was outfitted in what I am calling "The Flying Squirrel" suit.
Throughout the climb, they made hand signals to each other and hollered out numbers that were random to me, but they knew exactly what they meant. The team also just walked around the plane like it was no big deal that they were about to yeet themselves out of it.
With the wind rushing, they'd lean out of the open door and look around. The plane would lean over to one side, and they wouldn't even lose their balance. Maddie and I would gasp like they were about to fall out, but there was no way. These folks were calm, cool, and collected.
Then, all of a sudden, we must have reached the sweet spot because the first fella just hopped out of the plane and flew away! Maddie let out a little holler because we weren't expecting it. Then a second and a third flew out, and we giggled because they were so nonchalant. Not at all how I would probably be if I were in their shoes!
A little more time passed, and the rest of the group gathered close to the open door. Mac was first in her "Squirrel Suit." Then one by one, the guys joined her in the air, and Maddie, Chris, and I were alone! Other than the crewmate and pilots up front, of course. We finished the flight by passing the blue bridge and the riverfront.
It was so cool to see Owensboro like that. This weekend, that riverfront will be full of thousands of people making memories. Watching with wide eyes as the fastest planes on the planet do tricks that seem almost unreal. As brave (and self-proclaimed crazy) U.S. Army members fly through the air, inspiring us all to live life to the fullest while we can.
Not my typical Friday at work, that's for sure! See y'all downtown this weekend. Saturday, walk the Blue Bridge from 7:30 AM to noon and then enjoy the air show from 1-4 PM. A second show will grace the skies on Sunday from 1-4 PM. Here's a behind-the-scenes video for you!
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Gallery Credit: Chad Benefield/WBKR
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