When I was first asked whether I wanted to do this co-pilot flight experience, I jumped at the opportunity despite not knowing what was in store for me. All I knew was it was going to be something spectacular and would be pretty much the same ride that the pilots would be doing at the Red Bull Air Race Championship in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Come Monday, the day of the flight, I still did not know what to expect, so when I entered the Red Bull air plane, I was stepping into unknown territory. I had full trust (of course) in my pilot Sergio Pla in taking control of the plane. After all, he has 25 years of flying experience and has done 600 co-pilot flight experiences to date.
After being explained the procedures in the event something should go wrong (which I had half forgotten by the time I entered the plane), it was time to hit the sky at Ras Al Khaimah.
As soon as the wheels left the ground, it was a couple of seconds before I was flying upside down, and that too after a (very) sharp turn! I
n a matter of seconds the plane was back to the usual flying position, with me hoping for more turns and twists. And Pla didn’t disappoint.
Directing the plane vertically towards the sky, I was so high above the ground that my body was full of adrenaline due to the G-force, gravity and 250mph speed.
And while I was in the seat, I didn’t know what moves were expected – which really added to the excitement of my flight experience.
Pla made a variety of moves including flying sideways in what seemed relatively close to the ground as well as going in between two large Air Gates. I was enjoying the experience so much (and the skyline view), that I kept laughing – I don’t think I laughed (or screamed) so much before, because I was enjoying every second so far.
And to leave the best to last – Pla ended the experience just the way he started it – but making one full 360-degree turn! When we did eventually get back on the ground, I couldn’t believe it would be that good.
Amazing would be the word to describe this experience. I’ve been on a few high-adrenaline rollercoasters before, but this was something special and simply cannot be compared.
The flight only took two minutes – roughly the same amount of time the pilots will be in the sky this weekend. I wish the ride could’ve lasted perhaps half-an-hour longer, but it was satisfaction indeed.
My body was still recovering from the thrills nearly half an hour after the experience, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will never forget.
Who says Red Bull doesn’t give you wings?!
