Local media personalities take wing

Bryan Kelly, a news anchor for WJXT TV-4 News, and Jeff Brumley, a reporter for The Florida Times-Union, both suited up in full flight gear and hopped in the back seat of the F/A-18 Hornet for the ride of their life.

''I get sick on rollercoasters, so, I'm a little nervous,'' said Kelly, chuckling. ''But it's an honor to get the chance to fly with the Blue Angels and I'm thrilled to be getting this opportunity.''

''I'm really looking forward to it. I have been a reporter for 20 years and I've been able to catch a ride on many different types of aircraft over the years, but riding with the Blue Angels has always been a goal of mine. I feel lucky and fortunate to be here,'' said Brumley about his chance to catch a ride in a Blue Angel F/A-18 Hornet.

At each air show throughout the season, up to three media representatives are selected and must be cleared for the flight. These representatives must come from sponsors of the air show and they must also be medically cleared since the physical demands can be excruciating on the individuals.

The Blue Angels Team Narrator Lt. Kevin Davis, referred to as ''Seven'' by his crew chiefs, pilots the No. 7 aircraft and is responsible for the media and VIP flights. ''The media, leading up to an air show is

important, not only to our team, but it also helps to get the word out that the air show is coming,'' he said.

Prior to the flight, Kelly and Brumley were meticulously briefed on every detail in reference to their safety.

''Anything that is yellow or black in the cockpit, don't touch. If you get airsick, there are white bags on your right and left side. Go ahead and use them as you need them,'' explained Blue Angel Crew Chief AE2(AW) David Schmidt. ''The physical demand of the flight is tough. About 95 percent of our guest riders pass out but it will cause no harm to you and the pilot will be able to see you in his mirrors. He will be communicating with you the entire time.''

Blue Angels Crew Chief AE2 David Schmidt gives a safety brief to Jeffrey Brumley, a writer for The Florida Times Union, left on couch, and local television anchor Bryan Kelly Oct. 25. Brumley and Kelly rode with the Blue Angels as part of the 2006 NAS Jacksonville Air Show events. Photos by MC2 Christopher Brown

Schmidt reassured the media riders, ''He's an extremely experienced pilot with years of training and you'll be in safe hands with him.''

Each rider was treated to 45 minutes of VIP treatment from Davis. ''Feel free to ask him to ease up if you want or if you want to do another maneuver, just let him know,'' stated Blue Angel Crew Chief AD1(AW) Patrick Palma.

After their flights, both Kelly and Brumley were smiling from ear to ear.

''I know now that not anyone can do what they do. You have to be disciplined, you have to be in shape and you have to be ready to deal with the trials of this extremely challenging job,'' explained Kelly.

''During Brian's ride, we started off with a pretty dynamic move called the 'low transition.' At about 50 feet above the runway, we accelerated up to 300 knots. I rapidly pitched the aircraft up 45 degrees, went nose up and with the afterburners lit, we climbed up to 8,500 feet in about 10 seconds,'' explained Davis.

''You lose your nervousness pretty quick when you're trying to stay conscious,'' said Kelly. ''Seven was great to fly with and he talked me through every step.''

''I was laughing and smiling the whole time. It was a total rush to fly inverted for more than 15 seconds and the maneuvers were unbelievable,'' exclaimed Brumley after his ride. ''I can't even imagine how a fighter pilot can actually do their job with all the gravity forces on their body. All I had to do was sit in the back seat but I'm covered in sweat and I feel like I just ran a marathon.''

After completing the media rides, Davis was cool and collected with every strand of hair completely in place. He took a moment to explain the importance of media to the Blue Angel's mission.

''By generating large crowds with the help of the media, we are able to show our team's demonstrations to more people. That benefits the show and the team because there are more people as spectators and we have a broader base of people to influence. It gives us a larger opportunity to demonstrate how great our jobs are and how great the Navy and Marine Corps team is as a whole,'' he said.

The flights were carried out smoothly, everyone seemed to have a good time and fortunately, no one had to use the white bags located in the cockpit.