Daredevil reporter DAN KEEL braved the cold and wind to take to the skies for his fifth challenge. Here he talks about his wing-walking exploits with the Aerosuperbatics display team.

FLYING has never scared me - in fact I used to want to be an astronaut. But I never achieved the grades. Or the fitness levels. Plus I get travel sick a lot - and nobody likes spending a whole week with me.

So instead I find myself working for a local rag being forced to take part in ridiculous challenges, which although entitled "Daring" usually only succeed in making me look stupid.

But here was my opportunity to discover what I have missed out on.

My first scheduled flight was cancelled because the runway was covered in ice and snow. A week later I arrived at Gloucestershire's Rendcomb Airfield in the pouring rain expecting it to be postponed again.

But as I was talked through my safety briefing by professional wing-walker Sarah Tanner, the skies began to clear and the rain cleared away.

Sarah saying: "The wind in your face might make it difficult to breathe so you might want to turn your head to the side every now and again," did little to calm my nerves.

But after being strapped to the wing of the PT-17 biplane and taking off into the gusty breeze - any fears I had of suffocating were quickly replaced by the sting of the bitter winter wind in my face.

Fortunately after a couple of minutes my face went completely numb meaning I was free from pain to enjoy the stunning views which the Gloucestershire countryside has to offer.

This was a truly amazing experience which everyone should enjoy if they are ever given the chance. Looking straight ahead it was easy to get lost in the view and forget there was a plane beneath me.

I have no idea how the professional wing-walkers manage to wave and kick into the wind against such a fierce force while flying at 140mph.

After a few slow waves I attempted to move my leg, but the wind threw it firmly back into place - I didn't try that again.

From this day on - any rollercoaster ride will seem very very boring.

Speaking afterwards, pilot Martyn Carrington said: “It was great fun flying Dan. I put the aircraft through some dives and steep turns to show him we are the best roller coaster ride in the world.

"At airshows our professional wingwalkers wave and complete handstands through an adrenaline pumping sequence of formation aerobatics.

"Dan did well to keep waving against the 140mph wind pressure but maybe wasn’t quite as graceful as our professional girls.”

The Aerosuperbatics display team is looking for a new sponsor from October. Please call Rhiannon Roche on 01285 831774 if you are interested.