This is another image of the Blue Angels that I was able to get at the Frontiers In Flight Air Show at McConnell AFB in Wichita. As I mentioned, there is a great documentary on them on Amazon Prime. Each pilot is only in the group for, at most, 3 years. It is a very prestigious position but requires them to be away from home for quite a lot of time. They have a Winter Training where they have to complete 120 flights and then a very rigorous schedule of shows across the country. They fly Boeing FA-18s and pull very high G Forces in the maneuvers but don't wear G suits as it can affect them having complete control over their plane. They control G Forces by doing muscle contractions. When they perform their maneuvers, there are times that they are only 18 inches apart. Pretty incredible.
It takes skill, and trust in your wingman
ReplyDeleteLots of skill and trust for sure!
Delete