Breaking the sound barrier, a pilot's thrilling tale

Tim Hibbetts, a pilot who has flown faster than the speed of sound, describes the exhilarating experience of being launched from an aircraft carrier at night. He details the intense acceleration from zero to 150 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds, the sensory overload from the lights and sounds, and the momentary silence after the catapult launch. The narrative contrasts the pilot's experience with that of an observer on the ground, highlighting the delayed sound of the jet and the physical impact of the noise. The experience is both thrilling and disorienting, but ultimately, the pilot regains composure and continues the mission.

How does the sound of the airplane affect the experience of the observer?

What thoughts might go through a pilot's mind immediately after the launch?