![]() ![]() A few years ago we transitioned to the Super Hornets. We’ve been flying the Legacy Hornets since 1987. Stangel adds, “This is our first time bringing the Super Hornets up to Traverse City. ![]() And really the teams that have come before us have inspired so many. “I think the respect for the team comes from the 76 years of the team’s history. You know I’m here to show the capabilities of the F-18s and kind of demonstrate what the pilots do during the flight demonstration,” he says. “Probably close to 100 so far this season. It’s his first year with the Blue Angels but he’s been a Navy pilot for 10 years, and already has flown dozens of civilian flights this year. I still feel like I’m dreaming right now.” ![]() I think that’s when it’s going to hit me that it’s real. She’s got a good life insurance policy on me.” What’s he looking forward to most of all? “Just actually walking over and sitting down in the plane. I mean who wouldn’t be? Everybody but my wife. McKinley says, “I think everybody’s a little bit nervous. The rest of the flight you’re just enjoying it really,” he says. We knock out that first maneuver on take-off, it’s kind of like a football game taking that first hit, getting tackled or something like that. You can tell there’s a little bit of anxiety there (with the civilians). Griffin Stangel is piloting Blue Angels #7 – his Call Sign is “PushPop”. I told my dad, I said ‘I’ve never thought about asking for a ride in a Blue Angel, because it would be like asking to go to the moon.’ Who would ever think to be able to do something like this? It’s exciting, humbling,” he says. ![]() But before they can takeoff, McKinley goes through an official briefing and some preflight training. McKinley was nominated to take the civilian flight because of his work and service to the community. Wayne Moody with the NCF Air Show Committee sits in the background. The Blue Angels prepare Matt McKinley for his flight. ![]()
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