Becomes Oldest Person To Fly With The Demonstration Team

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin made history again on Sunday when he became the oldest person to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds at the age of 87.

Florida Today reports that Aldrin was prepped for the flight just before 1000 local time Sunday morning. He flew with the team for about 20 minutes likely at speeds approaching 700 miles per hour, according to Orlando Melbourne International Airport executive director Greg Donovan.

Before donning his flight suit, Aldrin was spotted wearing a t-shirt saying "Get Your Ass To Mars." Aldrin has been a strong proponent of NASA or a private company mounting a mission to the Red Planet.

AvGeejery.com reports that Aldrin flew in the back seat of Thunderbird 7 with pilot Lt. Col Kevin Walsh. The flight took him over Launch Complex 39A, from which he, Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins departed Earth for the Moon. His name had been stenciled on the side of the cockpit for the flight.

“In 1969, Buzz Aldrin broke barriers and set foot on the moon,” Thunderbirds spokesperson Capt. Sara Harper said from the flight line on Sunday. “He is a true American hero and pioneer. We are proud of his accomplishments and the legacy he represents every day.”

The Thunderbirds performed as part of the Melbourne Air & Space Show over the weekend.

(Images provide by the USAF)

FMI: www.afthunderbirds.com