Universal South Records' Joe Nichols Flies at G Force Speeds with the Arizona Air National Guard To Kick off the 15th Anniversary of Country Thunder USA, in Historic Florence, Arizona On Thursday, April 17th
Submitted By Loudmouth
Apr 22, 2008
Tucson, AZ: Universal Records South artist Joe Nichols joined the 162nd Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard for a refueling mission on Thursday, April 17th as part of the Arizona Air National Guard's partnership with Country Thunder USA. Footage of the flight will be aired at a later date on CMT Insider.
Nichols began his flight experience on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. starting off with a fitting for his personalized fighter pilot gear that included a flight suit, helmet, oxygen mask, and G-suit. After receiving his issued flight gear, he reported for simulator training to learn safety procedures for his back-seat ride. He took off in the F-16 Fighting Falcon from Tucson International Airport approximately at 1 p.m. and returned one hour later.
In addition to the F-16 flight, the Arizona Guard's 161st Air Refueling Wing in Phoenix flew numerous Country Thunder event staff and media in a KC-135 Stratotanker. Both aircraft performed an aerial refueling to further demonstrate the capabilities and teamwork within the Arizona Air National Guard.
Nichols' gives one last wave before his flight.
Joe Nichols' gets ready to climb on board the F-16.
