Flying High!

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Transcript

0:00:03 > 0:00:06Eh, Radzi, what are you doing?

0:00:06 > 0:00:09- Just looking for today's episode of Blue Peter, Linz.- Right.

0:00:09 > 0:00:13- What do you mean?- We've made so many off-the-charts films about flying...

0:00:13 > 0:00:17- Yeah.- ..we've put them together for a Blue Peter special.- Really?

0:00:17 > 0:00:18That's cool. Have a look.

0:00:34 > 0:00:38- BOTH:- Hello!- Welcome to Blue Peter, and welcome to our flight special.

0:00:38 > 0:00:41- I am excited!- You really are. So am I.

0:00:41 > 0:00:44And the reason we're so happy today is because we have

0:00:44 > 0:00:47squidged together all of our greatest highlights from

0:00:47 > 0:00:51up there in the sky, and to do that we're at City Airport in Manchester.

0:00:51 > 0:00:53They're the really, really highlights, Linz.

0:00:53 > 0:00:57- Cos they're "High."- Oh, "High" cos planes are in the...sky.

0:00:57 > 0:00:58- Shall I get on with it?- Mh-hm.

0:00:58 > 0:01:02Now it's time for one of my favourite films, possibly of 2016.

0:01:02 > 0:01:04Not on one plane, but on two.

0:01:04 > 0:01:07- Wait. What?- Ehhh!- What?

0:01:12 > 0:01:16Wow. Oh, goodness, Radzi. What are you...doing?

0:01:16 > 0:01:19- It's challenge time, Linz, and I am ready.- No, I can see that.

0:01:19 > 0:01:21Why are you wearing that? I think we're getting changed later.

0:01:21 > 0:01:25Plus, we haven't actually said what the challenge is.

0:01:25 > 0:01:27You mean I didn't have to wear this on the way here?

0:01:27 > 0:01:29I did think people were noticing me.

0:01:31 > 0:01:32- Anyway.- Yeah.

0:01:32 > 0:01:35Well, the reason Radzi is wearing this is cos we're about to do...

0:01:35 > 0:01:37this.

0:01:37 > 0:01:40'That's right, we're going to try wing walking...'

0:01:40 > 0:01:41SHE SHOUTS

0:01:41 > 0:01:43'..which involves standing on the wings of plane

0:01:43 > 0:01:45'whilst it's in midair.'

0:01:45 > 0:01:48And helping us do that is the world's only

0:01:48 > 0:01:51formation wing walking display team,

0:01:51 > 0:01:53who perform dazzling displays

0:01:53 > 0:01:56and gravity-defying stunts all over the world.

0:01:59 > 0:02:02Emily, that is off the charts.

0:02:02 > 0:02:05How did wing walking even begin?

0:02:05 > 0:02:07So, it all began after the first world war,

0:02:07 > 0:02:11when there were lots of planes knocking about.

0:02:11 > 0:02:14Pilots dazzled crowds by performing incredible stunts they'd learned

0:02:14 > 0:02:17during World War I, at air displays.

0:02:17 > 0:02:21In 1918, one pilot, eager to show off his skills,

0:02:21 > 0:02:23stepped out onto the wings of his plane,

0:02:23 > 0:02:26and wing walking was born.

0:02:26 > 0:02:30As you can see, no worries about health and safety back then.

0:02:30 > 0:02:34I can't imagine how it feels. I mean, how fast do you go?

0:02:34 > 0:02:35What does it feel like?

0:02:35 > 0:02:38We can go up to about 150mph when we're diving through a loop,

0:02:38 > 0:02:41or it's sort of slower when you're going through different manoeuvres,

0:02:41 > 0:02:43so it's pretty awesome.

0:02:43 > 0:02:45And when you're doing the loop, it's up to about 4G.

0:02:45 > 0:02:47- 4G?- Yeah.

0:02:47 > 0:02:49So, four times your body weight, you're going to be experiencing?

0:02:49 > 0:02:52- Yeah.- Oh, my goodness, this is going to be fun.

0:02:52 > 0:02:54Three words, my friends - bring it on!

0:03:00 > 0:03:02Radz, how many years have we wanted to do this?

0:03:02 > 0:03:04- Too many years to count, Linz! - Let's go.

0:03:04 > 0:03:06The planes are there!

0:03:06 > 0:03:10'We're going to attempt a classic manoeuvre - a loop-the-loop.

0:03:10 > 0:03:12'We will each be strapped to a plane...'

0:03:12 > 0:03:14- Really tighten those.- Yeah.

0:03:14 > 0:03:16'..and whilst flying in formation,

0:03:16 > 0:03:18'we'll perform a perfect loop in the sky.'

0:03:19 > 0:03:22This is what Blue Peter is all about.

0:03:22 > 0:03:24SHE TAKES A DEEP BREATH

0:03:24 > 0:03:27THEY SHOUT/SCREAM

0:03:29 > 0:03:31ENGINES ROAR

0:03:31 > 0:03:34- Whoo!- Oh, my goodness!

0:03:34 > 0:03:36As we hit takeoff speed,

0:03:36 > 0:03:39the noise is just unbelievable,

0:03:39 > 0:03:42and a 150mph wind

0:03:42 > 0:03:45does pretty strange things to our faces.

0:03:45 > 0:03:47Mum, I'm stood on a plane!

0:03:48 > 0:03:51After a few minutes to get used to the sensation,

0:03:51 > 0:03:53it's time for our pilots to begin the loop.

0:03:55 > 0:03:58They start by diving the planes to help us gain speed.

0:04:04 > 0:04:05Then we begin to climb.

0:04:07 > 0:04:10HE SHOUTS

0:04:10 > 0:04:12SHE SCREAMS

0:04:17 > 0:04:19OH, MY GOODNESS!

0:04:19 > 0:04:22SHE SCREAMS

0:04:24 > 0:04:26HE SHOUTS

0:04:36 > 0:04:38SHE LAUGHS

0:04:38 > 0:04:42That was the best thing I've ever done in my life!

0:04:42 > 0:04:44I feel like I genuinely need to come to terms with...

0:04:44 > 0:04:45Like... Wow.

0:04:45 > 0:04:48I'm, genuinely... I'm lost for... I'm not usually lost for words.

0:04:48 > 0:04:50I'm properly lost for words.

0:04:50 > 0:04:52Oh, wow. That was the most...

0:04:52 > 0:04:56Genuinely, the most terrifying thing I've ever done in my life.

0:04:56 > 0:04:59The adrenaline surging through my body was ridiculous,

0:04:59 > 0:05:00and going upside down...

0:05:00 > 0:05:01I cannot describe it to you.

0:05:03 > 0:05:05SHE SCREAMS

0:05:06 > 0:05:08We finished the loop the loop.

0:05:08 > 0:05:10I went, "Yes!"

0:05:10 > 0:05:14I looked across at you, and you looked like you'd just seen a ghost.

0:05:14 > 0:05:16THEY LAUGH

0:05:16 > 0:05:18I've never... Genuinely in my...

0:05:18 > 0:05:20All the Blue Peter filming, I've never been that terrified,

0:05:20 > 0:05:24- excited, happy, scared...- All the emotions.- Everything at once.- Yeah.

0:05:24 > 0:05:26- Well, do you know, that's why it was a BP challenge.- We've done it.

0:05:26 > 0:05:29- Challenge complete. - Challenge over! Yes!

0:05:29 > 0:05:32- BARNEY:- Er... You didn't think that was the challenge, did you?- What?

0:05:34 > 0:05:38What you're actually here for today is to take on Blue Peter's

0:05:38 > 0:05:40iconic wing-walking challenge.

0:05:40 > 0:05:42You must pass a one-metre baton to each other while

0:05:42 > 0:05:45strapped to the wings of two planes.

0:05:45 > 0:05:48Oh - and Lindsey, you're the one going upside down.

0:05:48 > 0:05:52One more thing - the challenge has never been completed.

0:05:52 > 0:05:55Twice, Blue Peter presenters have tried to make contact in the air,

0:05:55 > 0:05:57and twice they've failed.

0:05:57 > 0:05:59This is a ridiculous challenge.

0:05:59 > 0:06:02I watched this challenge when we used to watch Blue Peter growing up.

0:06:02 > 0:06:05- I've seen it.- And they've always failed. So, now the pressure's on.

0:06:05 > 0:06:09- Third time lucky.- Mh-hm.- And you know what's going to help?- What?

0:06:09 > 0:06:12- Happy dance as I walk off. - No, don't you...- Yehhhhh!

0:06:12 > 0:06:14Off...the...cha-arts!

0:06:14 > 0:06:18Unbelievable. Genuinely, one of the best days of my life, that.

0:06:18 > 0:06:19Do know what, Linz?

0:06:19 > 0:06:22To find out if we did indeed make Blue Peter history,

0:06:22 > 0:06:24- I've just decided what we're going to do...- Oh, yeah?

0:06:24 > 0:06:26- ..and play part two right now! - Whoa, whoa, whoa, Radzi.

0:06:26 > 0:06:28You're getting ahead of yourself. We need a bit of suspense.

0:06:28 > 0:06:31- That is coming up later in the show. - Ohhh!- I'll tell you what we will do.

0:06:31 > 0:06:35- Yep.- We'll play a challenge...- OK. - ..with the two of us...- Yeah.

0:06:35 > 0:06:37- ..going head-to-head...- Yeah! - ..in midair....- Yeah!

0:06:37 > 0:06:40..facing the incredible power of the wind.

0:06:40 > 0:06:42- Play part two!- No, still not part two, Radzi.- Ah.

0:06:42 > 0:06:45- It's time for indoor skydiving.- Of course.

0:06:46 > 0:06:49For almost 100 years,

0:06:49 > 0:06:53skydiving's been popular with thrill-seekers all over the world.

0:06:53 > 0:06:56But it requires nerves of steel, a plane...

0:06:56 > 0:06:58Oh, and don't forget a parachute.

0:06:58 > 0:07:02So, it's not necessarily the easiest sport to get into.

0:07:02 > 0:07:04But there is a way you can experience the thrill

0:07:04 > 0:07:07of freefall without jumping out of a plane...

0:07:08 > 0:07:10..indoor skydiving.

0:07:11 > 0:07:15It's a new competitive sport that's really taking off.

0:07:15 > 0:07:19People of all ages can do it, and today we're going to give it a go.

0:07:20 > 0:07:24So, we met instructor Paul to find out more.

0:07:24 > 0:07:25How does it work?

0:07:25 > 0:07:29- Basically, you've got a super-huge fan right up there...- That is huge.

0:07:29 > 0:07:32..which is going to create up to 180mph worth of wind,

0:07:32 > 0:07:37- and you're going to be supported by the wind, right here.- 180mph?

0:07:37 > 0:07:40Actually, to be fair, for you guys today maybe 120...

0:07:40 > 0:07:42- Oh, that's nothing(!)- Once you get better, we're going to turn it up.

0:07:42 > 0:07:46- Oh. Well, bring it on.- We're so excited. Can we get flying?

0:07:46 > 0:07:47- Absolutely.- Let's go.

0:07:49 > 0:07:51This is so cool!

0:07:51 > 0:07:52But of course it's easy when you've got

0:07:52 > 0:07:55a top instructor holding on to you.

0:07:55 > 0:07:59And that 120mph wind can create some really funny faces.

0:08:01 > 0:08:03Mum, look at my chops!

0:08:04 > 0:08:07The next step in our training is to learn how to let go

0:08:07 > 0:08:10of the instructor and, with tiny movements of our arms and feet,

0:08:10 > 0:08:13start attempting a few moves, like spins.

0:08:15 > 0:08:18It's great fun.

0:08:18 > 0:08:21But don't take out word for it - these young fans love it too.

0:08:21 > 0:08:23When you first get in,

0:08:23 > 0:08:26you feel really light and it just feels all tickly.

0:08:27 > 0:08:31Skydiving is fun, because your face goes like...ooh-oh-ooh!

0:08:31 > 0:08:33LAUGHTER

0:08:34 > 0:08:38Wow. That is so much fun. I love this.

0:08:38 > 0:08:40That is off the charts!

0:08:40 > 0:08:43- But, Linz...- Yeah?- ..I think we need to up the ante a little bit.

0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Ooh, yeah. We could do a little dance-off.- We could.

0:08:46 > 0:08:47Or we could join some teams.

0:08:47 > 0:08:49Roll the awesome footage!

0:08:50 > 0:08:53Time for a Blue Peter challenge.

0:08:53 > 0:08:57So, we'll each work with a British indoor skydiving team

0:08:57 > 0:09:00to learn a series of choreographed moves.

0:09:00 > 0:09:02We'll then take it in turn to display the routine

0:09:02 > 0:09:04against the clock.

0:09:04 > 0:09:09Lindsey's joining super skydiving squad Volition,

0:09:09 > 0:09:11and I'm with top team ACM.

0:09:13 > 0:09:14Now we have our teams,

0:09:14 > 0:09:18we need to try and memorise the moves we'll be performing.

0:09:18 > 0:09:20To do this, we'll be using creepers,

0:09:20 > 0:09:23wheeled boards that allow us to practise on the ground.

0:09:23 > 0:09:27- Now you're doing your solo. - Solo spin?- Spin.

0:09:28 > 0:09:30- That's it. Keep...- Oh, my gosh.

0:09:30 > 0:09:33Are you all right? Yeah?

0:09:33 > 0:09:35This is so complicated.

0:09:35 > 0:09:37I know it looks like a lot of fun, and it is a lot of fun...

0:09:37 > 0:09:39There's so much to think about.

0:09:39 > 0:09:41I'm struggling too.

0:09:41 > 0:09:43We have to perform a number of different moves,

0:09:43 > 0:09:46including solo and team spins.

0:09:46 > 0:09:50And what's more, we've just 35 seconds to do as many as possible.

0:09:50 > 0:09:53This is a great example of meeting experts that have done what

0:09:53 > 0:09:57they've done for a very long time, and us having exactly one day

0:09:57 > 0:09:59in which to try and keep up.

0:09:59 > 0:10:01We don't normally have people doing these types of turns

0:10:01 > 0:10:05and these types of formations right on their first go,

0:10:05 > 0:10:08on their first day, so the fact that he's still keeping up,

0:10:08 > 0:10:09it's really good.

0:10:09 > 0:10:12When she first started learning, I thought she was brilliant.

0:10:12 > 0:10:14She showed natural talent right from the beginning

0:10:14 > 0:10:17and she's got better and better as the day's progressed,

0:10:17 > 0:10:20so I think we're going to nail it.

0:10:20 > 0:10:22So it's officially game on.

0:10:22 > 0:10:24Time to take our training back to the wind tunnel

0:10:24 > 0:10:26and practise our moves for real.

0:10:28 > 0:10:31So what Lindsey's very good at is her manoeuvres.

0:10:31 > 0:10:33She is so precise and she's quick.

0:10:35 > 0:10:38But I'm not going to let Linz run away with it.

0:10:38 > 0:10:41I need to get in there and perfect my technique too.

0:10:41 > 0:10:45I am struggling to control my spins, though.

0:10:45 > 0:10:48Do you know what's good to see, is that Radzi is having

0:10:48 > 0:10:51all the same problems, all the same balance issues,

0:10:51 > 0:10:53the same grabbing problems as I am,

0:10:53 > 0:10:56so it does make me feel a bit better but it's going to be close.

0:10:58 > 0:11:02And before long the training's over.

0:11:02 > 0:11:06We've got to perform the same display and complete

0:11:06 > 0:11:09as many formation moves as possible in just 35 seconds.

0:11:11 > 0:11:13Linz, this is it.

0:11:13 > 0:11:15Chinyanganya, I'm going to fall better than you.

0:11:15 > 0:11:18I'm going to forget my routine better than you, Linz.

0:11:18 > 0:11:21I might go on my back by accident.

0:11:21 > 0:11:24- And I'm going to...- I mean... - Shall we just do it?- Yes.

0:11:24 > 0:11:26Come on.

0:11:26 > 0:11:28One of the instructors will be keeping score

0:11:28 > 0:11:32and each successful move earns a point.

0:11:32 > 0:11:34I'm up first.

0:11:34 > 0:11:37I manage a perfect team spin.

0:11:37 > 0:11:39Followed by a solo.

0:11:40 > 0:11:44But as I try to link back up with my team, I miss a grab.

0:11:44 > 0:11:45Oh, no, Radz!

0:11:45 > 0:11:48We get back on track and we complete another team spin.

0:11:48 > 0:11:51He's back in it now, he's doing really well.

0:11:51 > 0:11:53But as I attempt another solo...

0:11:53 > 0:11:56Against the wall, against the wall, Radz, Radz!

0:11:56 > 0:11:59..again I manage to recover and get some points in at the end,

0:11:59 > 0:12:00but it's all over so fast.

0:12:03 > 0:12:06Now it's Lindsey's turn.

0:12:06 > 0:12:08Can she do any better?

0:12:08 > 0:12:11Just like me, she manages the team spins no problem.

0:12:13 > 0:12:15She's off to an absolute flyer here.

0:12:15 > 0:12:18Did you see what I did there, I said "flyer."

0:12:18 > 0:12:20Linz also nails the solo spin.

0:12:20 > 0:12:22This competition's hotting up.

0:12:22 > 0:12:26Look at that, they are quick!

0:12:26 > 0:12:31A series of quick grabs and a final spin, but then, disaster.

0:12:31 > 0:12:33She loses concentration and falls.

0:12:33 > 0:12:35Has that blown it in the last seconds?

0:12:37 > 0:12:40Time for lead instructor Paul to reveal the scorers.

0:12:40 > 0:12:42The winners with 17 points...

0:12:44 > 0:12:46..Lindsey!

0:12:46 > 0:12:48CHEERING

0:12:48 > 0:12:52Radzi and Lindsey in air traffic control saying that was fantastic.

0:12:52 > 0:12:55It was amazing, wasn't it, and especially because I won!

0:12:55 > 0:12:59I don't really see it about winners because we had so much fun.

0:12:59 > 0:13:01Radzi, you saw the judge raise my hand,

0:13:01 > 0:13:04which means that I was the winner.

0:13:04 > 0:13:06OK, when you say you were the winner,

0:13:06 > 0:13:08is that because you flew over Buckingham Palace

0:13:08 > 0:13:12to celebrate the Queen's Birthday, watched by millions of people?

0:13:12 > 0:13:15- No, but that does sound awesome. - Take a look at this.

0:13:15 > 0:13:17(I still won.)

0:13:17 > 0:13:19Trooping the colour.

0:13:19 > 0:13:23The official celebration of the Queen's Birthday.

0:13:23 > 0:13:26Every year, thousands gather around Buckingham Palace

0:13:26 > 0:13:30to see Her Majesty's armed forces put on a spectacular parade.

0:13:37 > 0:13:40And this year marks the Queen's 90th birthday,

0:13:40 > 0:13:42so the celebrations are extra special.

0:13:46 > 0:13:50But while the streets around the palace are filled with colour,

0:13:50 > 0:13:54for the most breathtaking moment, you've got to look to the skies.

0:13:54 > 0:13:57It's tradition that every year when the royal family

0:13:57 > 0:14:00make their way out onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace,

0:14:00 > 0:14:04they are greeted by a Royal Air Force fly-past.

0:14:07 > 0:14:12It is a mammoth operation and takes a huge amount of planning and skill.

0:14:13 > 0:14:16And some pretty impressive aircraft.

0:14:17 > 0:14:20The 2016 Queen's fly-past is made up

0:14:20 > 0:14:23of 29 of the finest in the RAF's fleet,

0:14:23 > 0:14:26specially assembled for the Queen's 90th birthday.

0:14:29 > 0:14:32In wave seven, just in front of the world-famous Red Arrows

0:14:32 > 0:14:35is the A330 Voyager.

0:14:37 > 0:14:40In fact, it'll be this A330 Voyager!

0:14:44 > 0:14:46And it's quite a plane.

0:14:46 > 0:14:50The Voyager is the largest aircraft the RAF has ever operated.

0:14:50 > 0:14:54Fully loaded, it can travel over 6,000 miles

0:14:54 > 0:14:57and do anything from carry cargo, passengers

0:14:57 > 0:15:00and even be a flying petrol station,

0:15:00 > 0:15:03refuelling other planes in mid-air!

0:15:07 > 0:15:09But why am I stood underneath this

0:15:09 > 0:15:13rather than the other 20 aircraft involved in the Queen's fly-past?

0:15:13 > 0:15:16That's because I'm going to be on board this one!

0:15:16 > 0:15:18Yes!

0:15:18 > 0:15:22That's right, the RAF have given Blue Peter the exclusive opportunity

0:15:22 > 0:15:25to be on board the Voyager's flight deck

0:15:25 > 0:15:27as it travels over Buckingham Palace.

0:15:27 > 0:15:30And guess what, you're coming along for the ride too.

0:15:32 > 0:15:34Making sure the planes stay bang on time

0:15:34 > 0:15:36is the job of Flight Sgt Paul Riley,

0:15:36 > 0:15:39the mission systems operator.

0:15:39 > 0:15:41- Flight Sgt Paul Riley, lovely to meet you.- Nice to meet you, Radzi.

0:15:41 > 0:15:44I would love to be a part of it and possibly try and help out.

0:15:44 > 0:15:45Is there anything I can do?

0:15:45 > 0:15:48We're thinking about letting you do some of the timing

0:15:48 > 0:15:50so what I'd like you to do is you're going to check

0:15:50 > 0:15:53a couple of waypoints to make sure we are on time.

0:15:53 > 0:15:56After meeting up, the planes will fly you pre-planned route

0:15:56 > 0:15:59to the palace which has markers called waypoints.

0:15:59 > 0:16:02By looking at when the planes fly over each waypoint,

0:16:02 > 0:16:05Flight Sgt Riley can tell exactly if we are on schedule

0:16:05 > 0:16:08or if we're not.

0:16:08 > 0:16:11And if I am late, what will happen then?

0:16:11 > 0:16:14- No options of being late, we've got to be on time.- OK.

0:16:15 > 0:16:17The big day has finally arrived

0:16:17 > 0:16:19and celebrations are about to get underway,

0:16:19 > 0:16:22hosted by the BBC's Huw Edwards.

0:16:22 > 0:16:25We'll be enjoying all the day's events, culminating

0:16:25 > 0:16:28in a spectacular birthday fly-past at one o'clock.

0:16:30 > 0:16:34And at RAF Brize Norton, it's time to get ready to fly.

0:16:53 > 0:16:55Probably just...leave these.

0:17:13 > 0:17:16Being on the flight deck for takeoff is incredible

0:17:16 > 0:17:18but there's no time for sightseeing.

0:17:18 > 0:17:21Straight away the team get down to work.

0:17:21 > 0:17:23I've got to keep my voice a little bit down

0:17:23 > 0:17:25because there's a lot going on here.

0:17:25 > 0:17:27So we're at the very first phase of the flight team

0:17:27 > 0:17:30which is where we actually go around in circles

0:17:30 > 0:17:32and that's to get the timing right

0:17:32 > 0:17:37so that when we begin our journey, we are spot on time.

0:17:37 > 0:17:40Keeping the Queen waiting is simply not an option.

0:17:40 > 0:17:43The fly-past has to be over Buckingham Palace

0:17:43 > 0:17:44within just a 10-second window.

0:17:44 > 0:17:49And there's another reason we have to stay on schedule.

0:17:49 > 0:17:51We've got friends to meet!

0:17:51 > 0:17:53Right next to our plane are Typhoons.

0:17:55 > 0:17:57They've just arrived.

0:17:57 > 0:18:00The Typhoons are the first to get into formation.

0:18:00 > 0:18:04Gradually, everyone else in the fly-past falls into place,

0:18:04 > 0:18:06which we can see just up ahead.

0:18:09 > 0:18:12So far, so good.

0:18:13 > 0:18:16Meanwhile, on the ground, the crowds have gathered

0:18:16 > 0:18:19and the royal family are coming out onto the balcony.

0:18:19 > 0:18:21So the Queen and the Duke smiling and greeting the crowds,

0:18:21 > 0:18:23everyone waiting patiently.

0:18:25 > 0:18:28And through the haze you can see the skyline of London.

0:18:28 > 0:18:30This has just got real.

0:18:30 > 0:18:35We hit the outskirts of the city travelling at over 300mph,

0:18:35 > 0:18:38less than 1000 feet from the ground.

0:18:38 > 0:18:39There's simply no room for error.

0:18:39 > 0:18:4540 seconds to go, 40 seconds to get this right.

0:18:47 > 0:18:50The first planes from the fly-past arrive.

0:18:50 > 0:18:53There'll be a big round of applause when people see the Spitfire

0:18:53 > 0:18:55and the Hurricane.

0:18:55 > 0:18:57I think I can see Buckingham Palace!

0:18:59 > 0:19:03The great big Voyager, 200 feet long.

0:19:03 > 0:19:05We've done it!

0:19:05 > 0:19:08Flying over the palace bang on time.

0:19:15 > 0:19:18And to top it off, the world-famous Red Arrows.

0:19:23 > 0:19:25Happy birthday, Your Majesty.

0:19:26 > 0:19:29Mum, I've flown over Buckingham Palace!

0:19:29 > 0:19:32This show is full of happy dances and planes. It's amazing.

0:19:32 > 0:19:35But Radz, I don't want to bring you down here,

0:19:35 > 0:19:38but you haven't flown the highest in the BP family. I'm sorry.

0:19:38 > 0:19:40No way. Barney hasn't done it.

0:19:40 > 0:19:42- No, guess who I'm talking about? - Who?- Shelley.

0:19:44 > 0:19:45Meet Alex and Chris,

0:19:45 > 0:19:49experts at sending special weather balloons into space.

0:19:49 > 0:19:53And this one is unique, because Shelley will be hitching a ride.

0:19:53 > 0:19:57First they fill the balloon with a gas called helium,

0:19:57 > 0:20:00the very same gas used in party balloons to make them rise.

0:20:02 > 0:20:06Next, they set up a special camera rig so that we can join Shelley

0:20:06 > 0:20:08for her epic journey.

0:20:08 > 0:20:11And when the balloon is inflated, it's time to launch.

0:20:11 > 0:20:14Three, two, one,

0:20:14 > 0:20:16go into space, Shelley!

0:20:16 > 0:20:18As soon as Shelley takes to the skies,

0:20:18 > 0:20:22Newsround's Leah and the team track her using GPS technology.

0:20:22 > 0:20:26How fast will Shelley be moving?

0:20:26 > 0:20:30At the moment, maybe up to 80-100 mph.

0:20:30 > 0:20:33But as well as going up, she's also drifting East.

0:20:33 > 0:20:36We are currently over here.

0:20:36 > 0:20:38She's travelled all the way over to there.

0:20:38 > 0:20:42- How many miles would that be?- 20-30 miles, maybe?

0:20:42 > 0:20:43That's incredible.

0:20:43 > 0:20:46The only thing is, if she drifts too far,

0:20:46 > 0:20:49she could end up landing in the sea.

0:20:49 > 0:20:53After one hour in the air, Shelley is now the same height

0:20:53 > 0:20:56as a jet plane flies and she just keeps on going.

0:20:58 > 0:21:02So she's currently at a height of 18.5km.

0:21:03 > 0:21:05And finally, she is so high up

0:21:05 > 0:21:08she's no longer in the Earth's atmosphere.

0:21:08 > 0:21:12- So, guys, this is incredible. - Shelley is officially in space.

0:21:12 > 0:21:15She's made it, this is absolutely brilliant.

0:21:16 > 0:21:21Shelley eventually reaches over 28,000 metres high.

0:21:21 > 0:21:24Only Tim Peake and the five other astronauts

0:21:24 > 0:21:28aboard the International Space Station are above her.

0:21:28 > 0:21:30But as Shelley climbs higher,

0:21:30 > 0:21:33the change in pressure causes her weather balloon to burst.

0:21:35 > 0:21:38And she begins her journey back to Earth

0:21:38 > 0:21:41reaching over 200mph.

0:21:41 > 0:21:44The race is really on for Leah and the team

0:21:44 > 0:21:46to get to Shelley's landing site in time.

0:21:50 > 0:21:51Oh, look!

0:21:51 > 0:21:54There's just the small matter of surviving the landing.

0:21:59 > 0:22:01There we go! Shelley's in one piece.

0:22:02 > 0:22:06So that's how our Shelley went to space and back

0:22:06 > 0:22:07in just one day.

0:22:07 > 0:22:11And let's not forget, it's all thanks to you.

0:22:11 > 0:22:15Well done, Shelley! She did a good job there, didn't she? She loved it.

0:22:15 > 0:22:18Shelley has actually been to space.

0:22:18 > 0:22:19- Awesome!- Space!

0:22:19 > 0:22:22Right, Linz, the suspense is killing me.

0:22:22 > 0:22:25Don't worry, Radz. We didn't actually send real Shelley to space,

0:22:25 > 0:22:28that was just a little cut-out and a little photo...

0:22:28 > 0:22:30I know! I mean about the fact

0:22:30 > 0:22:32that they might actually make Blue Peter history.

0:22:32 > 0:22:36We might actually pass the baton with you upside-down on a plane,

0:22:36 > 0:22:38with me on a plane whilst wing walking.

0:22:38 > 0:22:41- Go on, then, do the link. - Play part two!

0:22:42 > 0:22:47We are about to take on the classic Blue Peter wing walking challenge.

0:22:47 > 0:22:51It's been attempted twice before and both times it's failed.

0:22:51 > 0:22:53- It was so close. - I'm so annoyed!

0:22:53 > 0:22:54Can we succeed?

0:22:54 > 0:22:57If we can, it'll be with the help of our pilots,

0:22:57 > 0:22:59Martin and Dave.

0:22:59 > 0:23:03So, guys, how exactly are we going to do this? How does it work?

0:23:03 > 0:23:06Basically, what we're going to do is fly two vintage biplanes

0:23:06 > 0:23:10called Boeing Stearmans in formation,

0:23:10 > 0:23:14but we're going to do it in a slightly complicated way

0:23:14 > 0:23:19in that we're going to fly one above the other in perfect alignment

0:23:19 > 0:23:23and then as we're there, you're going to be standing

0:23:23 > 0:23:27on the wing and passing that baton across to Radzi.

0:23:27 > 0:23:28OK.

0:23:30 > 0:23:35But the limiting factor here is it's all going to happen in 10 seconds.

0:23:35 > 0:23:37- Just 10 seconds?- Just 10 seconds.

0:23:37 > 0:23:40It's like doing a relay race.

0:23:40 > 0:23:42- Exactly.- I need to wait till I can feel Radzi's grab.- Yes.

0:23:42 > 0:23:46And be flying through the air and be upside down on the wing of a plane.

0:23:46 > 0:23:49At 120mph.

0:23:49 > 0:23:51I will not be calm, by the way.

0:23:51 > 0:23:55Now I understand why Blue Peter presenters haven't done this before.

0:23:55 > 0:23:56Now I get it.

0:24:02 > 0:24:05I'll be honest, I've done a lot of Blue Peter challenges

0:24:05 > 0:24:07but there's a difference with this one,

0:24:07 > 0:24:08because this one isn't on my own.

0:24:08 > 0:24:11I've got to do this and work as a team with Radzi

0:24:11 > 0:24:14and I really, really, really don't want to let him down.

0:24:16 > 0:24:18We are representing Team Blue Peter

0:24:18 > 0:24:23and hopefully we can do it for this, the Blue Peter badge.

0:24:25 > 0:24:28We only have around three attempts to get this right

0:24:28 > 0:24:30because there's a limit to the number of times

0:24:30 > 0:24:35that I can hold the baton up in 120mph winds.

0:24:35 > 0:24:37So the pressure's on.

0:24:39 > 0:24:42- Blue Peter history.- Let's do it!

0:24:42 > 0:24:44Let's do it! All right!

0:24:52 > 0:24:55Once in the air, Martin and Dave begin to manoeuvre us

0:24:55 > 0:24:58into position for our first attempt.

0:25:02 > 0:25:05They need to be so exact in their flying.

0:25:05 > 0:25:08Up here, every centimetre counts.

0:25:09 > 0:25:12And let's not forget, I'm upside down.

0:25:15 > 0:25:19We swoop into position trying to match the speed of Lindsey's plane.

0:25:21 > 0:25:24I've got just 10 seconds to try and grab the baton.

0:25:25 > 0:25:27But we're just not close enough.

0:25:30 > 0:25:33Now it's clear just how difficult this challenge is

0:25:33 > 0:25:37and I'm starting to wonder if it's actually possible.

0:25:39 > 0:25:42We line up for a second try.

0:25:48 > 0:25:50We are definitely closer.

0:25:50 > 0:25:53Are we going to do it? Come on!

0:25:53 > 0:25:54No!

0:25:54 > 0:25:57Just don't know if we're ever going to get this right.

0:26:02 > 0:26:03I'm starting to struggle.

0:26:03 > 0:26:07My arms are in agony, but I'm not quitting yet.

0:26:07 > 0:26:11This is our last chance. It's now or never.

0:26:11 > 0:26:14We start our third run.

0:26:17 > 0:26:18I wait until the last second

0:26:18 > 0:26:22and then hold the baton as high as I possibly can.

0:26:27 > 0:26:32Every inch of me is willing us to get closer, just come on!

0:26:35 > 0:26:37And then...

0:26:39 > 0:26:41CHEERING

0:26:41 > 0:26:42..we've done it!

0:26:55 > 0:26:57SHE SCREAMS

0:26:59 > 0:27:01We did it!

0:27:01 > 0:27:04Hands down the best day of my life.

0:27:04 > 0:27:08Can we just say, that was down to these absolute legendary pilots,

0:27:08 > 0:27:10Dave and Martin.

0:27:10 > 0:27:14What skill, what control, Blue Peter history.

0:27:16 > 0:27:18I am so pleased that we finally managed

0:27:18 > 0:27:21to lay this Blue Peter challenge to rest.

0:27:21 > 0:27:26We hope it's inspired you to earn your Blue Peter badges this year.

0:27:32 > 0:27:35- Blue Peter history! - Amazing. We did it.

0:27:35 > 0:27:38Genuinely one of the best experiences of my life.

0:27:38 > 0:27:42Now we've done this flight special, I'm sad it's all over.

0:27:42 > 0:27:45Don't worry. This is Blue Peter, we do action-packed challenges

0:27:45 > 0:27:47all year round, but sadly for today

0:27:47 > 0:27:48that is about all we've got time for.

0:27:48 > 0:27:52Make sure you're watching Blue Peter every single Thursday at 5pm.

0:27:52 > 0:27:54Linz...? Linz?

0:27:54 > 0:27:58Radz, I'm over here! I'm going to just take it for a little spin.

0:27:59 > 0:28:00Wait, where are the keys?