Ride of a Lifetime!

During EAA AirVenture 2009 EAA Staff Member Kristy Hemp received a “Ride of a Lifetime” in the fully aerobatic Extra 300L. She didn't quite know what to expect, but she knew that her life would be turned up-side down, and then immediately right-side up! August 1, 2009 – Oshkosh, Wisconsin — An invitation earlier this week to fly with Major John Klatt of the Air National Guard’s “Guarding America, Defending Freedom” aerobatic team in his Extra 300L gave me a few days to think about the coming experience. After the reality sank in of what was coming—and my breathing resumed—questions started racing through my mind. What to eat for breakfast? How extreme will this be? 20gs—what!? As word spread of my approaching flight, advice started coming in. One person told me to say the word “hook” while we pulled g’s to constrict my throat and keep the blood in my head. Another said a banana tastes the same going down as it does coming back up. The morning of my flight, I met Klatt and his crew, who briefed me, helped me into my parachute and strapped me down tight to the front seat. As for the knot that grew feverishly in my stomach leading up to this flight— ironically, it went away as soon as we were in the air. Before this flight, I wondered whether my usually steady stomach might finally meet its breaking point. My breakfast that morning was a banana, as recommended, and a granola bar. I said to myself ‘this is it’ and then Klatt said, “OK, we’re going to go upside down now.” It was the best view I ever had of Oshkosh…and I felt great! We flew inverted and climbed up. We started out with some gentle rolls. He took me through barrel rolls, loops with a roll at the top, more inverted flying. Through the aerobatic sequences, Klatt would say “Hang on!” or “It’s crazy isn’t it?” and “You’re getting the ride of your life.” I certainly was, and then some. At one point during a maneuver, when he was asking me how I was doing, I went for the push-to-talk switch and couldn’t lift that hand, then I thought I’d try a “thumbs up,” and wasn’t having any luck there, either. So I went with the head nod. I later found out that we were pulling 4 to 5 g's in some of those maneuvers. Klatt’s plane is capable of pulling +/- 20gs, which is twice the load of his daily driver, an F-16 he flies with the 148th fighter wing of the Duluth, Minnesota Air National Guard. Then Klatt asked if I wanted to fly. My answer was yes. I took the stick for a bit, and then, to my further delight, Klatt thought we should try a hammerhead. It seemed like I became one with the front seat. The maneuver felt like a roller coaster—the ultimate roller coaster. My thrill ride came to a beautiful end as we flew over show center. I had a priceless view the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh grounds. Once we landed, I let out a “Whooo-hooo!” Klatt suggested an air show performer career in my future. I don’t know about that, but I would fly with him any day! Kristy Hemp is a promotional copywriter for EAA and holds a private pilot certificate.

Reporter Kristy Hemp gets the ride of her life with aerobatic pilot John Klatt. Photo credit: Steve Schulte Kristy Hemp has the front seat as she flies aerobatics with John Klatt. Photo credit: Steve Schulte

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