James Shaw Jr., known as the "Waffle House hero," took part in high-flying action at Smyrna Airport Wednesday with No. 7 Blue Angels pilot Lt. Cary Rickoff.

“(It was) amazing. No words can express it. … Nothing like that,” said Shaw, who was visibly a bit shaky after the ride. “It’s like you’re on a trampoline with a $28 million dollar piece of equipment.”

Shaw managed to disarm mass shooter Travis Reinking, who killed four people at an Antioch Waffle House April 22, 2018.

As a way to thank him for his bravery, Shaw was invited to take a 15-minute “joy ride” in the Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet over the skies of Smyrna as a way to thank the Nashville native for his bravery that fateful day at Waffle House.

The flying novice did have some advice: don’t eat M&Ms before you plan to experience intense G-force.

The Blue Angels are in town this week for the Great Tennessee Air Show, set for Saturday and Sunday, at Smyrna Airport.

Shaw “did amazing,” Rickoff said.

“He had a blast and a good time up there,” said Rickoff. “I showed him whatever he wanted to see. We showed him a little bit of the aerobatics, some of the high-speed stuff, some of the more dynamic maneuvers.”

Rickoff said his passenger was “conscious most of the time.” But overall, Shaw “had a great ride.”

Shaw said his favorite part of the flight was going upside down. But he was also focused on staying in the seat, keeping calm and enjoying the ride.

“After I woke up when I kind of went out, I started laughing,” Shaw said.

During the flight, the two had a chance to share their stories and Rickoff enjoyed learning about Shaw’s bravery.

Shaw, grazed by a bullet, saw the accused killer’s AR-15 had jammed so he rushed the assailant and wrestled the gun away only 42 seconds after the attack began.

Shaw likewise gained a new respect for the skill and talent of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team.

“It almost makes me feel like one of them,” said Shaw. “Blue Angels … what they exemplify. … I have a lot of gratitude."

Reach reporter Nancy DeGennaro at degennaro@dnj.com and follow her on Twitter @NanDeGennaro.