NORFOLK, Neb. (KTIV) -
The Nebraska Air Show and state fly-in took over the Norfolk Regional Airport.
There were plane rides, a military tribute, flight lessons and seminars. Both young and old came out to see the planes in action.
One of the weekend's highlights: a performance by the Golden Knights, the high flying daredevil-ish branch of the U.S. Army.
"I like seeing people just fall out of the air, and it's cool just seeing the planes flying everywhere," said Peighton Eisenmenger of Humphrey, Neb.
"I like to go up in a plane, but I don't think I could jump out," said Dan Backer of Randolph, Neb.
Staff Sgt. Chris Acevedo left his office job to jump out of airplanes about four years ago. These jumpers have rehearsed so many times, they're ready for anything.
"Jumpers will be yelling and you know, you're getting your times, talking to the air boss on the ground. You're coordinating with center to make sure the air space is clear and giving them a heads up," said SW5 Jeff Sopp, a pilot.
As the soldiers prepared for their jump, they check their wind and altitude.
"Winds vary at different altitudes coming down and they really have to anticipate that, so that they don't drift too far one way or the other," said Sopp.
They're hitting air that's blowing at over 100 miles per hour.
At 12,000 feet, the first soldier leaves the plane.
What do those first moments feel like? Acevedo says it's like dropping in an elevator.
"After that, it's pretty much like someone stuck a fan under you and you just got a whole bunch of air blowing on you," he said.
About a dozen more join him in a descent back to Earth.
"It's very serene, very quiet," said Acevedo. "Gotta make sure you pop your ears. But other than that, it's awesome. The body flight is absolutely amazing."
About 15 minutes later, their feet touch the ground. It was smooth soaring.
Norfolk hopes to make the air show an annual event.
