CENTRAL COASTING: Flying with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are back on the Central Coast!

It’s been 10 years since they’ve performed in Salinas and KION’s Amanda Gomez got a preview of the high flying action you can expect to see at the California International Airshow Salinas.

“Ready, hit it!”

And just like that we were off, before I knew it flying high above the clouds with Lieutenant Cary Rickoff.

He showed me exactly what his F-18 Hornet could do, performing some of the maneuvers visitors will see at the airshow!

Despite the gravitational forces, at one point, six times my body weight, I managed to use the breathing technique they showed me to avoid passing out!

It’s called the “Hick” maneuver. Pilots use it to stay alert and avoid passing out during the G forces.

Once we were briefed, I was ready for takeoff, all strapped in and ready to go!

I waved goodbye to my dad who flew in to watch me. A pilot himself, this was a moment he did not want to miss.

“This is really kind of a surreal experience, seeing my daughter get in an F-18, the chance of a lifetime, and I couldn’t be more excited and happy for her,” said Captain Ricky Gomez, pilot for United Airlines.

I think secretly he was even hoping he could take my spot.

“Kind of a little air out of my balloon because I thought well what if she has a mishap and slips, I’ll be ready to go, but there is a 50 year age limit so that knocks me out,” said Ricky Gomez.

Pulling one more trick, a “Blue Angels Breakout” before landing, I now know more than ever that it takes a special person to pilot these incredible planes and a lot of training!

“We do keep ourselves in pretty good shape and you have to do what you have to do to stay in shape for these things because they’re pretty impressive machines,” said Lt. Rickoff.

For more information on the California International Airshow Salinas click here.