Tornado Race
Wow is all I can say, there are no words to describe the amazing feeling you get going up in a fighter jet.
I want to start off by saying my thank-you's to all that made it possible for me to have to opportunity to fly in the Tornado. Firstly Damian and Gerry Bryce who first mentioned that it might be possible. Then to Sqn Ldr Jez Holmes who piloted the plane excellently and flew it so I didn't throw up, Sqn Ldr Ross Brooks who took me through all the safety aspects of flying and showed me how to work the ejector seat, which in my mind was one of the most important things, this was before I went up. And who got me safely into the jet and showed me all the controls, which I think I forgot as soon as he told me. To all the crew that fitted me with my uniform, and all the rest of RAF Marham and 11(AC) Sqn who made it such a great day. I know a lot of organization went into this, so thanks so much guys. Last but not least to Sqn Ldr Merrick and Crennell for beating me in the race, I'm sure I would have won if the race was shorter.
The day started early, we arrived at RAF Marham and went through all the necessary
Security checks then straight to get kitted up for my flight uniform. I couldn't believe how every little detail was considered. It had to fit absolutely perfectly. Then off to the safety briefing to learn all about what not to tough on the jet and what to do in an emergency, by this time I couldn't wait to get up in the sky. After a full medical by the RAF Doctor I was ready to get kitted up again and it was off to the jet.
It was weird, I always get a little nervous before a race and the feeling of butterflies in my stomach I had the exact same feeling as I was getting strapped in.
The take off was ok, before then Jez had to pressurize the cockpit which was quite a strange feeling. I expected a kick when we took off but it was very smooth and before I knew it we were doing over 500 knots and heading up to the Lake District. We flew over a target range and dropped a dummy bomb on a target, I think we got it!
I still can't get it through my head that we went from Norfolk to Lake Windermere and back in less than 2 hours.
Everyone was saying to me before I went up that I was going to be sick or pass out, quite a high percentage of people do apparently, so that was a major challenge for me not to. I was doing fine until Jez decided to pull a 4 1/2 G turn at around 600MPH and only 200 feet off the ground. And OH MY GOD my vision went grey, and tunnel vision set in. I was told if that happened I was to tense up and try and force the blood back into my head. I was also told to tell the pilot that I was feeling funny, to be honest I could move, talk or anything, but I did remember to tense up and it worked instantly, but as soon as I relaxed it happened again. I nearly passed out but not quite. It was awesome.
After we landed and I realized I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, it was off to the debriefing Room for a quick chat about how the flight went. No rest for the wicked though, and we were on a tight schedule. It was time for the race! I donned my leathers got on my Airwaves Ducati 1098 and went to the runway. The race was over 4000 meters, and was over very quickly. I got an ok start and my acceleration was actually a lot faster than the tornado and I thought I had it in the bag, but Sqn Ldr Merrick and Crennell ruined my fun and pipped me to the post. Never mind I still had the best day.
I guess that's one way to kick it up a gear. You can check out the footage on airwaves pro website.