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::Interviews::

Written by Dawn Suiter, Bodyflight Network

Name: Ann Marie Toto-Chervenak
Occupation: Manager/Developer of Interactive Training/Animation
Location: New Jersey
Home Tunnel: Currently Homeless L
Years in Sport: 16
Tunnels Flown: (6 tunnels in 8 locations) Flyaway Indoor Skydiving Las Vegas, Pigeon Forge, Aerodium Action Park, NJ, Oklahoma, American Dream Flying Machine (Georgia, Florida), Dynasoar in Indiana, SkyVenture Orlando
Clubs and Organizations:Tunnelrats

BFN: How did your first tunnel flight come about (when
where)?
AMTC: Ohh gosh in the late 80's a College lie to my friends that we went on one, but really when we saw it we though it looked CRAZY!!!., so then we went a 2nd time (with the other group of friends) we had to go on it!!!! But it was really our 1st time!!

BFN: What do you remember about that first flight?
AMTC: Having to "step up to the plate" when we wound up together at the Aerodium in NJ.

BFN: Why do you fly in vertical wind tunnels?
AMTC: It’s a reality that has come out of my dreams!

BFN: Tell me something about your progression, were you a 'natural' or did take some time to master your skills?
AMTC: I think I was an average student. got the owner to give me a job and pay me in flight time due in stead of cash soon after enough experience I went from dressing people to showin off every 20 min or so when ever needed.

BFN: Who taught you how to fly?
AMTC: John Suiter, Phil H (Henderson). Paul taught me the basics.

BFN: What is/was the hardest thing for you to learn in the tunnel?
AMTC: Head down flying (still not that great at it)

BFN: Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for flyers who are just starting out?
AMTC: Relax! Relax! Relax! (Don't make fists with your hands).

BFN: What’s a typical tunnel session like for you (airspeeds, discipline etc)?
AMTC: The longer the better!

BFN: What are your future tunnel flying goals?
AMTC: For John and Dawn Suiter to build one in the Poconos! :)

BFN: Of all the tunnels you've flown, which one was your favorite? Why?
AMTC: Well I’m hoping that would be the L1 at AAC but I have yet to get there.

BFN: Do you have a favorite tunnel flying memory you would like to share?
AMTC: Being an Aerobat at the Okalahoma State Fair circa late 80's or early 90's (geeze when was that?) Also been on TV in Indianapolis for the Dynasoar.

BFN: Describe your ‘best’ tunnel flight with who, where
what.
AMTC: Probably at the Okalahoma State fair, where John, Paul, Rudy and I pulled at least a 25ft High 4 way in the open air! Oh yea and in the back ground was one of those Ferris Wheel called the "skydiver" very cool picture, Ill have to see if I can pull that out of the video I have. (see photo)

BFN: Have you ever had a scary tunnel moment, or have you sustained any injuries while tunnel flying?
AMTC: Scary? Probably from jumping from that silly diving board we made to jump in to the open air tunnel in NJ, and no injuries thanks to "tuck and roll".

BFN: Who if anyone, has influenced you in bodyflying?
AMTC: Just got lucky to fall in to a very cool sport with some of the very coolest friends that got it all started.

BFN: Is there any body who has stood out to you in this industry and why?
AMTC: John Suiter...I love that that head down thing he does, when he flops his legs feet back and forth over this body and the control his has is incredible! Control, control, control!!! To be able to do the "delta" move with him was like the biggest honor

BFN: What kind of fun flying or wind tunnel souvenirs have you collected over the years?
AMTC: Photos, photos and a very large Cowboy had from the tour to Okalahoma!

BFN: In a perfect world all vertical wind tunnels would be:
AMTC: very very wide (and tall)

BFN: What is something you think everyone should know about Wind Tunnel flying?
AMTC: It is very aerobic! (I was never thinner in those days)

BFN: What would you like to see more of in Wind tunnels?
AMTC: That’s exactly it "more of" them!

BFN: What are your thoughts on Tunnel Competitions?
AMTC: Great Idea, Wish they had them back when I was good!
Not sure what the categories are but I’m sure the more the better!

BFN: Where do you think the sport is going?
AMTC: CRAZY :)

BFN: Do you log your tunnel time?
AMTC: Sure wish I did, back then no one knew what it was so not much use for it. It’s been a while I probably have a few hundred hours. I've been in about 5 tunnels in 6 or so Locations some don't even exist any more.

BFN: What does "tunnel rat" mean to you?
AMTC: Shane Tully

BFN: In addition to tunnel flying, do you skydive too? If yes, how often
how do you feel the two sports are different, if at all? If NO. Why not?
AMTC: Don't Dive anymore, have a few cloud punching, inverted tandems under my belt though! Shhhhh!!!
They are similar in some ways, different in others :)

BFN: Describe yourself in 5 words
AMTC: - down to earth, realistic, happy"

Favorites:
Late Night Snack: Kettle Cooked Potato Chips
Band or Song: Grateful Dead or James Darren
TV Show Reruns: Star Trek

BFN: Thank you Ann Marie for taking the time to share your experience with us.

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