Video: Pint-Sized Pilot Flying High at Columbus AFB

[syndicaster id=’6137473′]

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (WCBI) -An 8 year old by battling a blood disease and just out of the hospital got the ride of a lifetime Tuesday at Columbus Air Force Base.

Dressed in his specially made military uniform, much smaller than usual by the way, Kid Pilot Derrick James has a big smile on his face. Having been briefed on his mission, along with his mom and two siblings, James is escorted to a T-6 Texan Two aircraft for his flight.

“Feel like I was actually flying.”

“So to be able to come here and enjoy today and everything that everyone has planned is, words can’t really describe how I feel right now.”
Lashaunda Davenport/Mother “We kept it all a surprise but he said I feel like a pilot. Everybody has been beyond nice. He has enjoyed it.”

By the way that T-6 Texan Two is just a simulator, but tell pint size kid pilot that, although he was careful and read his gauges and panels on the plane, he learned flying isn’t an easy job.

“Well in the ride I crashed a few times…but aahh.”

Just in time for the holidays, this should be a ride this pilot wont soon forget. Although he never left the ground, his enthusiasm and his head while flying, was high in the clouds.

“Neat experience, it he could have that at home in a room, he probably would want it.”
D J as his mom calls him, was recommended for the “pilot for a day” red carpet treatment by The Children’s Hospital in Jackson.