Bzzzzzz! As the canopy closed on Greg Colyer's beautiful Lockheed T-33 trainer, “Ace Maker”, all I could think was “WOW!!” Greg amazes so many people at airshows, and here I was, the first 12 year old media representative to fly with him! Before I knew it, we were taxiing down the flight line and almost at the runway. I could see myself in the canopy, and I felt so professional with a flight suit, helmet and even oxygen mask!
And then we were barreling down the runway. I'd seen my dad frantically scampering around the taxiway taking pictures and video of us, but as soon as Greg inched the throttle forward, my dad's jealousy of my flight quickly left my mind. I looked in the plane to my left, where the throttle is, and since T-33's are dual control, I saw the throttle slowly push forward to the firewall. It was so cool! We lifted off, and I looked back on Yolo County Airport and Davis Flight Support, which by now were quickly disappearing because his jet is so fast.
I had never been going so fast in a plane before. I looked down to all the little roads and pastures suddenly so far below us. Then Greg pitched the nose up, and we did a super-smooth roll, and then another rolling the other way. The plane felt so stable and smooth as we were rocketing across the sky towards Travis Air Force Base and the upcoming 2011 Travis Air Expo. Then, to my utmost happiness, Greg gave me the controls! Greg is a CFI, so him handing me the controls was extra special. I got a quick feel for the smooth controls of it, and even did a little wing-wagging!
We were going so fast, it only took about 5 minutes to get to Travis AFB. For my dad in the car, about 30 minutes. Before we landed, an F-15 Eagle had landed too, so we were taxiing behind it on the taxiway! We parked, put in an order for fuel, and headed out to relax at the passenger terminal with all the other pilots, where my dad picked me up. I still can't believe that Greg took me to an active military base. Travis is one of my favorite shows, with a lot of great people and performers.
I'll never forget what a great time I had. Thanks again, Greg!
Be sure to go to an air show where Greg is flying! You don't want to miss it!