Dave Price: My Trip to the Edge

"Early Show" Weather Anchor and Features Reporter Dave Price Blogs about His Experiences in "Edge of the Earth" Series

(CBS)  Dave Price spent the week at Beale Air Force Base in Northern California, training to fly in the legendary U-2 spy plane. He floated above everyone but the astronauts on the space station when he took to the skies. As Dave trained for his journey and took us along, he also gave us a glimpse at the tools the Air Force uses in intelligence-gathering around the globe.

FRIDAY, Nov. 20, 2009

You know, as we get older and experience more, one of the negative consequences is that we sometimes wonder less. There's simply less to wonder about.

But there's still plenty -- and I suppose finding those things has become my passion. It's why I scuba dive -- to swim next to fish twice my size and wonder about life under the ocean. It's why I travel -- to meet someone in a remote part of the Amazon and wonder about how his life is different than my own. And it's why I fly -- to head to sky and wonder about all that's going on below as I float over it.

Yesterday, my wonderment followed my eyes above the canopy of the U-2 I was in and toward the deep blue above me. I thought about how little we all seem beneath the infinite darkness, and how miniscule we must be in contrast to the endless space above us.

But it also reminded me of how important each of us can be right here on Earth's surface. As meaningless as we may be in the endless reaches of space is how meaningFUL we can be to each other and our fragile planet.

Earth from 70,000 feet was physically breathtaking, but it was even more beautiful to me when I landed. I cherished the solitude of high-altitude flight because it also reminded me to cherish all that surrounds me right here on the ground.

That's what I wondered about yesterday.

WEDNESDAY, Thursday, Nov. 18, 19, 2009

I've been at Beale Air Force for three days now, taking in "all things U-2." From its colorful history to its current capabilities, the "Dragon Lady" (as she is called) is an imposing figure. Thursday morning, I'll go from learning about this remarkable airplane to experiencing it first-hand. My mind is racing, my heart is jumping, and there's a genuine sense of child-like excitement. I spent the late-afternoon Wednesday on the flight-line -- just watching the U-2s roar down the runway and disappear into the sky. And today, it's my turn.

I'll admit, after Wednesday's emergency training, I'm trying to erase the images of ejecting from the plane or suffering some sort of mechanical or structural failure. But it's hard -- especially since I've had to commit the egress procedures to memory. The pilots joke about it, but focus, safety, and the very serious business of flying are foremost on their minds.



Maj. Luke Lokowich is taking me up Thursday morning. He personifies everything you hope our military pilots are all about. In a phrase, he's out of central casting: Confident and amusing -- but detail-oriented and prepared. He told me what most excites him about our high-altitude flight Thursday is that he gets to share this experience -- this SINGULAR experience -- with someone else. I feel the same way -- because I'm sharing this flight with you. It's time to close the canopy.

Fasten your seatbelt and let's go!

TUESDAY, Nov. 17, 2009

Tuesday was a grueling day that once again gave creed to the slogan, "Nothing is as glamorous as it looks."

After doing the show from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. (Pacific time) -- so it could be live on the East Coast -- I spent time with the 940th Wing, which handles Global Hawk Operations.

From mission briefers, to weather officers, to maintenance crew members and pilots, these men and women operate some of the most technologically advanced equipment in the military. They do so with remarkably choreographed precision and cross-disciplinary coordination. In 2009, we have pilots operating jet aircraft flying over war zones -- who are in secured rooms thousands of miles away. Simply stunning. It makes you wonder how much "Gee Whiz" technology we have that we don't even know about. The men and women who make up this group are largely reservists, which enables this unit to remain efficient and agile, even in times of mass deployment. Next time you see a reservist -- ask them about what they do -- you'll be impressed AND thankful.

The afternoon was spent in a series of tests to make sure I am fit for high-altitude flight. Put in my altitude suit (read that: space suit!), I entered a pressure chamber and watched as the atmospheric conditions changed to simulate flight at 70,000 feet. Water boiled, balloons inflated, and I had gas pains (a physiological effect of too much soda before a rapid assent). Remember that next time you take the space shuttle. It can make for an awkward ride into orbit!



Late in the day, I went to out to the airstrip to watch the U-2 pilots practice "touch-and-go's," in which the pilot touches down and immediately goes full throttle, adjusts the surface controls of the aircraft, and takes off again. Because of the design of the cockpit and the restrictive clothing, U-2 pilots have a very poor sense of peripheral sight, so "spotter cars" race down the track at 135 mph or so, letting them know altitude just prior to touchdown. Wild, huh? That's how tricky it is to land the Dragon Lady.

The evening was all about bomb education and bomb building. I had a fascinating time with the men and woman of AFCOMAC (Air Force Combat Ammunition Center). The information and education they spread through the Air Force ensures that, where intelligence calls for a significant ordinance to eliminate a threat, the expertise will be there to assemble it.

So many people -- 3,000 on this base alone -- who do work on behalf of you and me in humble anonymity. Over and above flying in a U-2, this week, I've been privileged to meet some of them in person.

MONDAY, Nov. 16, 2009

Since childhood, I have been fascinated by the sky. The first time I flew was on a helicopter ride for five minutes at the Dutchess County Fair. I was eight years-old. I begged my parents to let me go up so I could tell my friends I did something amazing over the summer.



I ran out of the cockpit of that Vietnam-era Bell 47 like I had just returned from the moon. I never knew that ride extravagance was an expense my parents struggled to accommodate, and they never knew until years later -- the profound impact that few minutes at 800 feet had on me.

Fast forward 35 years. I travel -- quite literally hundred-of-thousands of miles-a-year by air for work. But no matter how often I’m on the road, or how frustrating it can be to get to and from airports, I still get a thrill as my plane lifts off. Thousands of pounds, hundreds of passengers -- and that behemoth of a machine glides down the runway and lifts us all up -- just to set us down hours later somewhere far away. It's a mind-boggling concept, even though I understand the science of it.

I've become a pilot myself now -- and I know the attention to detail and the preparation it takes to be a skilled aviator -- which makes this week's adventure all the more meaningful to me. Our military pilots are the best in the world, and the machinery and missions they fly are jaw-dropping. I'm heading to Beale Air Force Base to begin a week of training to fly in a U-2 Spy Plane at the edge of the earth's atmosphere. To CBS, it's an interesting story that will grip your attention -- to me, it's the fulfillment of a childhood dream. I hope you enjoy the week ahead as much as I will. I am going to reach for the stars and come the closest I've ever been to touching them.

[gretchenbickel]

Although I would never do what you have done this week..I am still envious of your trip. I don't care who is paying for it(I read those outrageous comments) we should live life to the fullest and I am so glad you are. You are in my living room every single morning and I thought about you yesterday high above us all and was moved by your write up of the peace that you felt. I truly believe that if we ever stop reaching for the stars, then we have stopped living. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary experience...keep reaching for the stars...sincerely, gretchen bickel

[happygils]

Good Morning Dave, What a great week watching you at Beale AFB. Great to see my old friend Luke up there with you. He was a bus boy for me way back while he was going to high school. We are all so proud of him here in Colorado. What a fine young man he is. At least some great things come out of our great little city besides the balloon boy hype. Way to go Maj. Luke !!!

[sam-kiley]

bonjour
merci de nous faire découvrir toutes ces étapes de jour en jour monsieur price, on attends plus de détails..wow ..la tenue d'aviateur vous va trés bien..courage...au revoir

[asaintsmom]

Dave,
Thank you for your wonderful reporting and your positive outlook on life. One question I have for you - are the rest of the gang trying to get rid of you, or just wimps? They never seem to go on dangerous missions like you do. When was the last time Harry attempted to cross the country with no money or transportation, traveled in a time machine, or went to the edge of outer space? Love you all, just concerned about your safety.....

[A_Taxpayer]

Good morning Dave,
I am curious as to who is paying for all this that you are doing, because I am sure that the cost of you training,having all the people put this camara's on the plane, making a suit for you and fuel, ect.ect. So is CBS footing the huge bill for this or is it the taxpayers of the good ole USA. I have a feeling that it is us paying for your fun. We could care less what it looks like from space back to earth since we have all seen pictures of this before, so instead of wasting taxpayers dollars why don't you travel around to area's that have unemployeed people and hand out money. SO WHY DON'T YOU COME OUT ON FRIDAY AND TELL WHO PAID FOR ALL OF THIS.....I DOUBT THAT YOU WILL, BUT I AM SURE YOUR DEMOCRATIC BUDDY IN THE WHITE HOUSE DOESN'T CARE IF YOU SPEND THE GOOD AMERICAN PEOPLES MONEY!!!!!! Give us an answer on this please!!!!!!!! COME ON AMERICA JOIN IN TO GET ANSWERS ON THIS WE SHOULD NOT LET THIS FLY BY US......WASTE..WASTE...WASTE.....

[cbsfan2009]

It is amazing to me how foolish you are and yet you presume so adamamtly to have any understanding of this gentleman's journey, or the facilities' support of it. At any base, and at a base where I used be stationed, incentive flights are a common occurence and they are almost always made to coincide with a pilot's own training and currency. Most likely, the pilot's flight would be going on that day regardless of whether a rider is present or not, and either way the pilot will be able to check whatever training boxes are needed at that time. Extensive thought and detailed scheduling usually goes into arranging this to make sure pilots are up to the minute trained and ready before risking their lives and costly equiptment on a mission. Furthermore, they explained that he will be wearing a suit of another pilot who's size most closely fits his body...so no, no special suit is being made...not to mention I don't think you can just have those overnighted to you on overstock.com. I'd imagine CBS is using their own camera for portions of the flight, and duh, a spy plane probably already has all the cameras it needs already attached to it. I am sure no one is purchasing special cameras just for this. I hate to see democratic waste as well, but with some background in the military, I hope this makes you feel better to know that probably minimal costs went into his incentive flights, and in general publicity such as that usually helps with donations and support.

[grant2k]

Dave, I just want to add my name to the long list of envious folks, and I'd like to add my name to the list that says that a ride in the SR-71 Blackbird would be an even headier high. This is a great treat for those of us who have been high performance flight enthusiasts since childhood, but lacked the physical attributes necessary for that service -- and now we can get some sense of it through you and your efforts. Thank you for this grand series. ...and do more. Grant Kimmerly

[shooter-1]

why not the sr-71

[tag60]

Would be a great news story idea CBS if it hadn't already just been done by James May on BBC America on JAMES MAY ON THE MOON U.S. PREMIERE.

http://www.press.bbcamerica.com/press/programoverview.jsp?program_id=115

Description below.

At the centerpiece is James May, co-host of BBC America's International Emmy-winning car show, Top Gear, in "James May On The Moon". Fulfilling a lifelong dream, James gets a taste of how it feels to fly to the edge of space. He experiences zero gravity on the infamous "Vomit Comet" and endures the bone-crushing gravitational forces of a simulated launch in the massive Saturn V rocket, from an Air Force centrifuge chamber. Along the way, he meets some astronauts who give their own personal account of what it was like to fly to the moon.

James May on the Moon premieres Tuesday, November 10, 8:00 p.m. ET/PT

[nicholec76]

Great story Dave, the U-2 is an amazing asset to our Air Force. I noticed this morning that you showed the USAF Global Hawk in one of your shots. Are you going to be featuring the Global Hawk anytime soon? I think that since ultimately the Global Hawk will be replacing the infamous "Dragon Lady" that it would make a great follow up!! Thanks for coming to Northern California and featuring some of the best men and women that serve our country everyday!!

[HANG9]

DAVE...LOVE THIS SERIES. I WAS STATIONED AT BEALE WHEN THE U-2 CAME IN. THE SR-71 GUYS PUT AN IMAGE OF THE "71" TOWING A U-2 ON THE MIRROR BEHIND THE BAR AT THE OFFICERS CLUB. GREAT FRIENDLY RIVALRY BETWEEN THE "SLED" DRIVERS AND THE U-2 DRIVERS. I'M JEALOUS OF YOUR RIDE IN THE BACK SEAT...ENJOY...rd

[Fentro]

Dave - love the story. I have 30 hours on a Piper Warrior (but no job right now, so I can't complete my pilot's license yet) During my biz travels, I did get to ride the Concorde 3 times! Awesome!

Please give our Air Force my regards from an aerospace buff (my Dad worked on Apollo). I'd love to see you in a Stealth fighter & bomber, or a Blackbird (my neighbor was a Blackbird pilot, and although he couldn't say much, he did talk 'poetically' about high Mach flight). Later, once Aurora gets declassified, let's see you in a Mach 8 airframe!!!

Also, can you report on the remote piloted Global Hawk? (Can you get into any part of the control room, or is it all restricted?) That would be cool to see.

BTW - I've been to Chico, and the YoYo museum is fun (but then again, I am a yoyo, which says it all!)

[roseannb]

Hi Dave, I have written before to tell you what a fan I am and requesting that you make a trip to Northern CA. While you're at Beale AFB I hope that you will visit Chico, Ca, only 30 minutes away. We are a beautiful little city, with a State University, Sierra Nevada Brewery, the 4th largest municiple park in the US, a YoYo Museum and lots of trees, trees, trees!! Our community has alot of charm and character, Hope you have an afternoon for a visit.
Roseann Bradley