One of my most incredible memories is of the day I rocketed into the sky with Nancy Lynn in her fabulous Extra 500 stunt plane. The Extra was an incredible machine, an over-powered, twitchy creature that would have demanded attention even if it hadn’t been painted bright red.

Nancy demanded just as much attention. She was stunning and glamorous and fun, a top air show pilot whom I immediately bonded with. Five minutes into the flight Nancy let me roll the plane. I still laugh thinking about her quiet instructions.  “Just tilt the stick towards the left wing, dear. Ge-eently.”  Pretty soon we were looping and even did an upside-down pass over the airport that I flew my hang glider out of.

This kind of flying requires top skills and judgment from the pilot. Ideally, one should “wear” the plane, so it responds almost as a part of the body, like an arm or leg, instead of flying it.

Formation flying likewise calls for a high pilot skill level. You’d better not scratch your ear or let your mind drift to what you’re going to have for dinner if you plan on living to see it. The distance between aircraft can close in less time than it takes an ant to bite.

The Blue Angels, the U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron (USNFDS) that are based out of Pensacola, mix aerobatic and formation flying. The recipe results in one of the most awesome displays of aircraft and skill imaginable. Their aerial demonstration includes high-speed passes, fast rolls, mirror formations, tight turns and their signature Delta formation showcasing the capabilities of their powerful F/A-18 Hornets, and runs approximately an hour and 15 minutes. You’d be crazy to miss the chance to see them strut their stuff in their six jets, particularly since admission will be FREE in their performances at Pensacola Beach  on 07/11/08 - 07/12/08. Don't miss it!  

This is the Blue Angel’s website.

This is dedicated to a most special angel, the beautiful, passionate Nancy Lynn, who was one of my role models.