MELBOURNE, Fla. (AP/News 13 Orlando) - Astronaut Buzz Aldrin took flight once again, this time with the world-renowned Thunderbirds, at the Melbourne Air and Space Show in Florida on Sunday.
Aldrin was the second man on the moon, piloting the Apollo 11 and following Neil Armstrong onto the lunar surface in 1969.
Now 87 years old, the retired Air Force colonel is the oldest person to fly with the Thunderbirds, known for their rigorous physical requirements.
"It's certainly been a good while, but I still understand the throttle and the stick and formation flying," said Aldrin. "I felt at home up, and it would be nice to be able to do that all the time."
His copilot described the experience as one he never dreamed he'd have.
"It was a lifetime highlight for sure. To be able to go out and take an American icon up in an F-16 and then to fly over the Cape with all those historic sites, Pad 39 Alpha where Apollo 11 took off. It's hard to put it into words," said Thunderbirds Team Member Kevin Walsh
Aldrin's flight comes as the Air Force celebrates its 70th year. He flew with the Thunderbirds for about 40 minutes on Sunday.
Portions of this article courtesy of News 13 Orlando via CNN Newsource
