Tomorrow is the big day, flying in a C-130 Hercules. As a member of the media, there are occasionally opportunities which you can not pass by. The realization of the 
upcoming flight is dawning on me.
Doing my research, I have read several blogs which discuss what you will experience when you enter the plane. Now since, the C-130 is a transport plane, the expectation is that it will not be luxurious nor have inflight service. No, the reality is a much more stripped down version, which is similar to those in the movies. Yet it does take three pilots and several crew members to fly the plane.
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed. The C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medivac, and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of other roles, including as a gunship, for search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, and aerial firefighting. It is now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide.
Since the plane was created to make landings where there were no formal airstrips, it accelerates and decelerates rather quickly. The anticipation of experiencing 0 to 100 mph is exhilarating, going from 100 mph to 0, not so much.
The plane and the many other planes from the Jones Beach Airshow were in the air flying to Long Island this morning. Mari Gaudet who was commuting to work from Hauppauge this morning said “I saw them flying in formation this morning and wondered what was happening. Then I remembered the airshow is this weekend. It was quite impressive.”
The airshow will have the largest collection of planes in the history of the show. The show includes the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the F-35 Lightning II Stealth Fighter. For a list of the participating fliers and times of the shows go to www.airshow.jonesbeach.com. Admission is free. Parking is $10.
My colleague, Jen, has loaned me her husband’s Go Pro. If successful, I will be able to provide a video of the flight. Stay tuned for more on this story after the flight tomorrow.
