Rocket-powered plane's pilot says job 'a blast'

[thedrifter]

Saturday, May 17, 2003

Rocket-powered plane's pilot says job 'a blast'
By JOSEPH P. SMITH
Staff Writer; jsmith@thedailyjournal.com


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MILLVILLE -- Riding with Maj. Ken Asbridge can be a real scream, as some visitors to the Wheels & Wings Airshow will find out this weekend.
Asbridge owns the throttle of "Fat Albert Airlines," a U.S. Marine Corps C-130 Hercules that is part of the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron.

Fat Albert's first job is hauling support personnel and equipment to air shows.

After arriving, the plane sets up to show off its emergency capabilities.

Eight solid fuel rockets, each with 1,500 pounds of thrust, are rigged to either side of the fuselage in groups of four. One punch of a button in the cockpit sets off a 15-second blast, helping the plane to take off in less than 1,500 feet.

Asbridge, who joined the Blue Angels in September, said the extra lift can shave a thousand yards off takeoff distance. That can make all the difference in combat.

"It's a rush," Asbridge said. "When we press the button, everyone's screaming in back."

Fortunately, the demonstration lasts just six minutes. "So somebody has to have a weak stomach to get sick," he added.

Asbridge, who grew up outside Chicago, was doing recruiting in Kansas City, Mo., when he applied to the Blue Angels last summer.

From mechanic to pilot, any job slot with the Blue Angels is extremely competitive. The screening process can take several days.

"I grew up knowing deep inside I wanted to fly," Asbridge said. "I pumped gas at the local airfield where I lived. I went to college. Then I joined the Marines."

Outside the air show circuit, Asbridge is still recruiting. The Blue Angels allow time to attend community functions, including school assemblies.

"Some of the kids are really motivated," said Asbridge, who has two children. "They want to talk about flying. They want to talk about the war. It's a blast."

Sempers,

Roger




Major Ken Asbridge of the U.S. Marine Corps shares about his life and job with reporters Friday at the Millville Airport.