AS A wannabe high-flying journalist, this wasn't necessarily what I had in mind.

The RAF Red Arrows are probably the most famous formation aerobatics team in the world. Millions have seen their display live and many more have watched them on television.

But the opportunity to actually fly with the world-famous aerobatic team is now much easier with the introduction of The Arrows Aerobatics Experience, based at Thruxton Aerodrome, near Andover.

Flying with ex-Red Arrows is billed as the ultimate experience for aircraft enthusiasts and daredevils, rather than the faint-hearted. But, as I and my flying buddy, photographer Tom Bellchambers, found out, it's also a fantastic opportunity to test the boundaries of your bravery.

Pilot Al Hoy said: "We've found that we've become part of the gift industry, usually a wife or girlfriend looking for a good present for a special occasion. It's the perfect experience for the kind of thrill-seeking person.

"So far we've had a 71-year-old woman having a go. We've also had 17-year-olds who are interested in going into the air force."

The Arrows Experience is the first of its kind in the country.

Fellow pilot Rod Player said: "This is the only place you can come where it's licensed to do acrobatic flights. It's the most unique experience in the country and we're the only people doing it properly. We've also had the aeroplanes re-built so they're better than new."

Following in the footsteps of an apparently fearless 71-year-old lady, it seemed I definitely had to put my bravery to the test or face ridicule back at the office. I chose the former, although my churning stomach told me it may not have been the best idea.

The half-hour flight with the pilots follows an intensive briefing where the Pegasus formation is explained, along with aircraft procedures, how to use the communication equipment and what to do in an emergency.

The fact I didn't have a parachute unnerved me slightly, as well as the need for me to "make my own arrangements to escape the aircraft in the event of a fire". Eeek!

Once the world-famous red jumpsuits were allocated by ground crew member Debbie Dyer, the actual flight was an eye-opening experience. I was strapped into the confines of the Pitts S2A aircraft's front cockpit, with the pilot's feet either side of my hips. The engine roared and the instrument panel in front flickered into action. The pilot and I were to lead the formation exercise, with photographer Tom in the second plane with Al.

It's easy to monitor the airspeed indicator, altimeter and G-force meter, although for most of the time I chose not to because the thought of doing barrel rolls made my stomach churn.

Once airborne I could immediately feel the aircraft's sensitivity because every change in height and direction is instantaneous.

During the loop-the-loops and barrel rolls, the G-force kicks in and it feels like a giant hand was pushing me through the seat. The pilot announces each manoeuvre beforehand, increasing the anticipation. The whole experience is like an extreme rollercoaster.

The most exciting part of the formation exercise is called cloud chasing and is typically left until last.

It sounds innocent enough, but involves barrel rolls and loops through the sky as each pilot takes it in turn to chase the other. Despite the obvious gut-wrenching effects of cloud chasing, it was amazing to look through the window and see Tom and his pilot waving like manics from their cockpit.

Once I was back on the ground, I could actually breathe for the first time, and managed to exchange a few words with fellow flyers.

Cliff Barles, from Salisbury, had taken part in the Arrows Experience with his wife Sally. He said: "I was told the formation exercise was going to be good and it certainly was. Doing the loops and barrel rolls was fantastic. Sally even managed to wave at me through the window and she's never experienced any kind of flying before."

After the nerve-wracking flight, those who take part are debriefed and presented with certificates and photographs as proof of their daredevil antics.

Fortunately, I avoided ridicule at the office, having left with a feeling of slight nausea but safe in the knowledge that I am actually much braver than I thought.

For more details on The Arrows Aerobatics Experience, call 01264 882222 or visit www.thruxtonracing. co.uk/thearrowsexperience