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Air Force Thunderbirds to Perform ‘Captain Marvel’ Premiere Flyover

Charles Atkeison
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Air Force Thunderbirds to Perform ‘Captain Marvel’ Premiere Flyover

The Air Force Thunderbirds will perform several fly overs of the Los Angeles area on Monday to help promote the new movie Captain Marvel and to honor the squadron’s own fallen hero.

America’s Ambassadors in Blue announced on Thursday their six aircraft delta formation will soar above the Los Angeles and Hollywood area “during periodic maneuvers from 12:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.” PST. The flights will occur during the hours preceding the high profile red carpet world premiere of Marvel Studio’s new action movie.

The much anticipated film stars actress Brie Larson as the title character, Captain Carol Danvers, who transforms from her role as an Air Force F-16 Viper pilot to that of Captain Marvel. The fictional Capt. Danvers is featured in the cockpit of the F-16 and walking the aircraft flight line in several scenes from the trailer.

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‘Captain Marvel’ Actress Brie Larson and Nellis AFB 57th Wing Commander Brig. General Jeannie Leavitt pause during aircraft training in January 2018. (USAF)

“This flyover is a unique moment to honor the men and women serving in the Armed Forces who are represented in Captain Marvel,” Thunderbirds Commander and lead pilot Lt. Col. John Caldwell stated on Thursday. “Being part of this event is a tremendous opportunity, and we look forward to demonstrating the pride, precision and professionalism of the 660,000 total force Airmen of the U.S. Air Force over the city of Los Angeles.”

During January 2018, Larson and her director, Anna Boden, visited the home of the Thunderbirds at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas to film scenes and prepare for the film. The Thunderbirds supported the production including Larsen’s high-G flight aboard a Viper.

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Brie Larson during a training session at Nellis AFB with Thunderbirds pilot Maj. Stephen Del Bagno in February 2018. (USAF/ Marvel Studios)

Thunderbirds slot pilot Maj. Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno and Lead Solo pilot Maj. Matt Kimmel were named to advise Larson and Boden during the opening months of 2018. They helped with the pilot’s narrative in how to preflight the aircraft and their daily traditions.

A short time after the film team wrapped production at Nellis, Maj. Del Bagno performed a morning training flight with his squadron north of their base. During a maneuver on April 4, “Cajun” Del Bagno experienced a negative 2-G (gravity) maneuver followed by a positive nearly 9-G maneuver causing the pilot to pass out. Seconds later, he regained consciousness too late and crashed into the desert floor.

“Executing this flyover is a fitting tribute to Cajun,” Maj. Kimmel said on Thursday. “He lived to share his passion for aviation with everyone he met and always left you with a smile. We carry his legacy each day and can’t wait to make him proud by showing off his U.S. Air Force and his team in his backyard.”

In addition to honoring Captain Marvel, the six pilots of the 2019 Thunderbirds will also fly over key locations including NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Santa Monica Pier, and both Pepperdine and Cal. Tech Universities. The squadron will also pay a special tribute with a formation flight above Maj. Del Bagno’s hometown of Valencia.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

BOAC Livery Returns On British Airways Queen Of The Skies

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BOAC Livery Returns On British Airways Queen Of The Skies

For the first time in 45 years, a BOAC liveried aircraft will be flying the skies over Britain. On Monday, British Airways revealed a very special throwback livery on one of its 34 Boeing 747-400s. The aircraft, registered G-BYGC, was painted in the colors of British Overseas Airways Corporation.

Painting the giant Boeing 747-400 was no small task. The took almost two weeks to remove the standard British Airways colors and replace it with the special livery.

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DUBLIN, IRELAND: British Airways Boeing 747 G-BYGC goes into a paint bay at Dublin Airport before being resprayed with a BOAC livery as part of the centenary celebrations. (Picture by Nick Morrish/British Airways)

Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “The enormous interest we’ve had in this project demonstrates the attachment many people have to British Airways’ history. It’s something we are incredibly proud of, so in our centenary year it’s a pleasure to be celebrating our past while also looking to the future. We look forward to many more exciting moments like this as our other aircraft with heritage designs enter service.”

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BOAC 747Taken: 18th February 2019Picture by: Stuart Bailey

According to British Airways, “From the paint bay at Dublin Airport, the BOAC Boeing 747 flew directly to Heathrow on the aptly named BA100 touching down this morning. Its next flight will be tomorrow, Tuesday February 19, when it departs for New York JFK operating as flight BA117. This flight is particularly significant as it was the first route the B747 flew in BOAC colors.”

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BOAC 747Taken: 18th February 2019Picture by: Stuart Bailey

The livery is part of British Airways celebrating 100 years of airline service for British Airways and its predecessor airlines. British Airways will continue to fly this aircraft in the special livery until 2023 when the airline retires its 747-400 fleet. It will replace the Queen of the Skies with a combination of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350 XWB long-haul jets.

Historic GEICO Skytypers Aircraft to Highlight America’s Top Airshows

Charles Atkeison
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Historic GEICO Skytypers Aircraft to Highlight America’s Top Airshows

BEAUFORT, S.C. — The GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team, famous for their low level maneuvers and huge sky-typed messages, have released their new air show schedule as they prepare to take flight to begin their long awaited season opener.

The Skytypers’s six Navy SNJ-2 aircraft will demonstrate the dog-fight flying styles and maneuvers flown by the Greatest Generation nearly 80 years ago. The team will tell you they are not an aerobatic squadron, but a formation squadron who tell the story of the pilots who controlled the skies during World War II and Korea.

“Event attendees can expect a new, dynamic demonstration that displays the capabilities of the pilots showing what these “warbirds” are made of,” Squadron commander Larry Arken said. “Air show spectators and aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss our new routine at 15 air shows across the country.”

Each of these World War II aircraft have a rich history behind them. The squadron’s popularity has risen as they continue to co-headline many of the nation’s top air shows performing with both the Blue Angels and the Air Force Thunderbirds.

“It’s a very dynamic demo with a lot of things happening very quickly with some maneuvers a tribute to the era of the generation of these World War II airplanes,” Arken added. “Other things are done for the spectators view like a heart or a bomb burst, and other maneuvers are tactical maneuvers which the military still uses.”

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The GEICO Skytypers six aircraft formation demonstrate tight, precision flight. (Atkeison)

They Carry the Torch of the Greatest Generation

The six pilots who fly the vintage SNJ-2 single engine aircraft are lead by commanding officer Larry Arken in plane 1. Skytyper 2 through 6 pilots include Chris Thomas, Mike Brockey, Chris Orr, Steve Salmirs, Tom Daly, and Kevin Sinibaldi. Skytyper 7 pilot is Jim Record and he is the team’s advance pilot who arrives a day early to meet with the air show’s management. Skytypers 8 pilot is Steve Kapur.

The team’s 18-minute flight demo is not their only highlight during an air show. If the weather permits, the Skytypers will create a massive dot matrix sky-written message above the airfield.

Flying five aircraft in a tight, line-abreast formation, the planes coordinate in typing messages with environmentally friendly puffs of white smoke. Using an on board computer in Skytyper 1, a custom-programmed tablet sends commands to the other aircraft via radio signals. The messages can be seen from nearly five miles away.

On the ground, the Skytypers spend their time at each air show site visiting hospitals and education centers with their public outreach program. The team has also been know to host student groups at the air show for a group discussion plane side, and the chance to climb aboard their aircraft.

The GEICO Skytypers carry the torch forward for the Greatest Generation of pilots, and demonstrating their story high above the air show crowds during their 20 minute demonstration. The Skytypers’ dedication and skill inspires many to want to learn more about the history behind these aircraft and the aviators who piloted these silver doves through the smoke blackened skies of war.

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The GEICO Skytypers’s Navy SNJ-2 aircraft are the original air frames built in 1940. (Atkeison)

GEICO Skytypers 2019 Air Show Schedule:

April 6-7……………… Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-in and Expo, Lakeland, FL
April 27-28………….. MCAS Beaufort Airshow, SC
May 4-5……………….. Fort Lauderdale Air Show, FL
May 11-12……………. Joint Base Andrews Air Show, Camp Springs, MD
May 25-26……………. Bethpage Air Show, Jones Beach, NY
June 8-9……………….. The Great Tennessee Air Show, Smyrna, TN
June 22-23…………… Vectron Dayton Air Show, Dayton, OH
August 20-21……….. Atlantic City Air Show-Thunder over the Boardwalk
August 24-25……….. New York Air Show, New Windsor, NY
Aug. 31-Sept. 2…….. Cleveland National Air Show
September 21-22…. NAS Oceana Air Show, Norfolk, VA
October 12-13……… Atlanta Air Show, Hampton, GA 
October 27-28……… NAS JAX Air Show, Jacksonville, FL
November 2-3……… Florida International Air Show, Punta Gorda, FL
November 8-9……… NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Red Arrows Announce North American Airshow Schedule

Charles Atkeison
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Red Arrows Announce North American Airshow Schedule

The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force Demonstration Team announced on Friday their return to North America this summer to promote trade and cooperation at select air show sites this summer.

Providing a dizzying array of red, white, and blue smoke trails, the squadron’s nine BAE Systems Hawk T1 and T1As jets will provide a nearly 30-minute aerial demonstration. The pilots of the red aircraft will showcase select maneuvers and demonstrate the handling flown in actual military operations.

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The Red Arrows Aerobatic Team demonstrate the capabilities of the BAe Hawk T1/T1As aircraft during the Royal International Air Tattoo show in July 2018. (U.S. Air Force)

Code named Western Hawk 19, the Red Arrows will perform at eight locations this August, September, and October, with several unannounced flyovers and events still in the works. This season will mark their first visit to North America in 11 years.

“Confirming this initial group of display locations where we will perform in North America is not just exciting for those people hoping to attend these events, but also for the whole Red Arrows team as well,” Team Leader and Red Arrow 1 Martin Pert said on Friday.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team has performed in 57 countries nearly 5,000 times since the squadron was founded in 1965. This season will mark Pert’s second season with the Red Arrows.

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The Red Arrows soar past the Statue of Liberty in 2008 during their last U.S. visit. (RAF)

“Air and ground crews are now hard at work, preparing the display which will be seen by audiences in the UK, U.S., and Canada this summer, while detailed planning is well underway to carefully, and safely, plot our overseas tour,” Pert added.

The Red Arrows will join the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as they perform at three show sites; while the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will perform at one show with the visiting squadron.

“I am delighted people all over the U.S. and Canada will be able to see our world-famous Red Arrows in action,” UK Defense Minister Mark Lancaster said on Friday from Nellis AFB, Nevada. “Previous tours have generated huge amounts of investment for the UK, and we hope the team lighting up the skies of two of our closest defence allies will bring more of the same.”

Updated Red Arrows North American Tour:

August 13………… Ottawa – Gatineau Executive Airport 
August 17/18……. Chicago – Air and Water Show
August 21…………. Atlantic City – Thunder Over The Boardwalk
August 24/25……. New York – New York Airshow, Stewart International
Aug. 31-Sept. 2…. Toronto – Canadian International Airshow
Sept. 7/8…………… St. Louis – Spirit of St. Louis Airshow & STEM Expo
Sept. 20-22……….. Portland-Hillsboro – The Oregon International Airshow
October 5/6………. Huntington Beach, Calif. – The Great Pacific Airshow

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Thunderbirds Pumped and Ready for Sunday’s Super Bowl LIII Flyover

Charles Atkeison
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Thunderbirds Pumped and Ready for Sunday’s Super Bowl LIII Flyover

ATLANTA — The Air Force Thunderbirds arrived into Dobbins Air Reserve Base late Friday pumped and prepared to perform a six-jet high-speed flyover of Super Bowl LIII.

Sunday will mark the Thunderbird’s third Super Bowl flyover in the past five years. Each flyover is precisely timed to the second so that the six jets are over the stadium on a specific letter of the national anthem.

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Thunderbirds new commander and lead pilot Lt. Col. John “Brick” Caldwell arrives at Dobbins ARB. He will lead his squadron for Sunday’s flyover of Super Bowl LIII. (Atkeison)

“We’ll take off from (Dobbins ARB) and we will go hold in a pattern, and a minute before the national anthem starts, we will begin the run-in,” Thunderbirds Flight Surgeon Maj. (Dr.) Glen Goncharow explained to this aerospace reporter. “We have committed at that point.”

As the jets are beginning the flyover, Thunderbirds logistics officers Lt. Col. Eric Gorney, Maj. Jason Markzon, and Maj. Ray Geoffroy will be inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium on walkie talkies communicating with the Thunderbirds jets. It is up to these three to relay word which will allow the squaron to hit their time-on-target to the second.

“When we talk about precision, we’re not just shooting for the end of the national anthem, we are shooting for the “r” in “brave” and that is when we want to be over the stadium,” Maj. Goncharow added. “That’s about as precise as you can get.”

The Thunderbirds delta formation will soar at a speed of 450 m.p.h. only 500 feet above the stadium. The flyover will occur at about 6:25 p.m. as Atlanta-born R and B legend Gladys Knight sings the last note of the national anthem. The game will be televised on CBS-TV.

Lt. Col. John “Brick” Caldwell is the new commander of the squadron and lead pilot. Thunderbird pilots 2 through 6 are Capt. Will “Boar” Graeff (left wing), Capt. Michael “Thorny” Brewer (right wing), Major Whit “Skate” Collins (slot), Major Matt Kimmel (lead solo); and Capt. Michelle “Mace” Curran (opposing solo).

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The Thunderbirds were smoke-on as they arrived over Dobbins ARB on Friday. (Atkeison)

America’s Ambassadors in Blue’s six demonstration jets were smoke-on as they arrived over the Dobbins airfield on Friday in their popular delta formation. Each red, white, and blue F-16 then separated from the delta, arced away and touched down individually at 5:16 p.m. EST.

As the setting sun offered a golden hue to the newly parked aircraft, the pilots were all smiles as they left the jets and were greeted by the maintenance teams. The ground crew quickly went to work to secure the aircraft and prepare them for the night.

“It is always a phenomenal opportunity when we get to have the Thunderbirds here at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, and for the flyover, it’s just another opportunity to show what the Air Force has to offer,” Brig. Gen. Richard Kemble, 94th Airlift Wing and Dobbins commander said on Friday. “We are all excited to have the Thunderbirds here.”

Gen. Kemble added that Dobbins is also supporting the security flights around the stadium by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. “The men and women of the 94th this weekend are also supporting other federal agencies across the ramp as they ensure the safety and security of everyone participating in the (Super Bowl).”

The Thunderbirds will return to their home at Nellis AFB, Nevada, on Monday to continue winter training in preparation for their first air show on March 23 and 24 at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

F-16 Viper Demo Team Selects First Female Pilot for 2019

Charles Atkeison
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F-16 Viper Demo Team Selects First Female Pilot for 2019

SHAW, AFB — The U.S. Air Force announced on Tuesday the selection of the first female to command and pilot the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team during the 2019 air show season.

Capt. Zoe Kotnik becomes the Air Force’s first female single-ship aerial demonstration pilot. She will also lead the demo team during their 20 show site visits between March and November.

“I am humbled and proud to officially announce my new role as the first female single seat tactical demonstration pilot and commander for the USAF F-16 Viper Demonstration Team,” Kotnik announced via social media. “We are ready to bring [all the speed], [all the Gs], and [all the freedom] to an airshow near you!”

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Capt. “SiS” Kotnik, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team’s new commander and pilot, performs an aerial demonstration near Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., in December. (USAF)

Capt. Kotnik, who flies under the call sign “SiS”, was certified by Air Combat Command for the new position early Tuesday after completing six months of training and over 30 practice missions before the certification. “SiS” has flown over 1,000 hours piloting jet aircraft.

“What I’m looking forward to most is the potential to have an influence on younger generations,” Capt. Kotnik said. “I know firsthand how impactful airshows can be and what a difference it makes to young people to see just one example of what they too can do and who they can become.”

Smiling under a Langley AFB sunrise, she added, “I hope to be a source of inspiration and motivation they can draw from to apply in their own lives.”

The F-16C jet is a single-engine fighter capable of tight turns and high speeds during each show. The F-16 will provide 27,000 pounds of thrust as “SiS” executes a nearly 25-minute demonstration.

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The F-16 Viper Demo Team’s updated 2019 air show schedule. (Graphic: USAF)

“The F-16 Viper Demo Team gives individuals a firsthand look at the world’s premiere multi-role fighter aircraft through precision aerial maneuvers while working toward their mission of inspiring the next generation of Airmen while helping the public identify with the military,” Spokesperson Sr Airman Kathryn Reaves said.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Air Force Thunderbirds to Perform Super Bowl LIII Flyover

Charles Atkeison
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Air Force Thunderbirds to Perform Super Bowl LIII Flyover

ATLANTA — Kick-off of Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams will begin in high fashion next Sunday with an Air Force Thunderbirds flyover.

The Air Combat Command made the official announcement on Wednesday following several meetings with both NFL officials and the Super Bowl host committee. The 53rd Super Bowl will take center stage across the globe on February 3, from Atlanta.

With smoke-on, the six jets of the Thunderbirds will soar over Mercedes-Benz Stadium to kick-off sports biggest game as Atlanta-born R and B legend Gladys Knight concludes the singing of the national anthem. Inside the stadium, an all-service U.S. Special Operations Command color guard will present the nation’s colors for the game’s national anthem.

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The Thunderbirds will make their first public flight of 2019 over Super Bowl 53. (Atkeison)

The team’s red, white, and blue F-16 Fighting Falcons will fly in their signature Delta formation 500 feet above the stadium at a speed of about 450 m.p.h. The Thunderbirds flyover will occur at about 6:25 p.m.

“Supporting this event is a tremendous honor for the team and the U.S. Air Force,” Thunderbird Commander Lt. Col. John Caldwell said on Wednesday. “We look forward to showcasing the pride, precision, and professionalism of our nation’s 660,000 total force Airmen to football fans around the world.”

While in Atlanta, the Thunderbirds will be supported by nearby Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. The 94th Airlift Wing will headquarter the pilots and crew, and provide fuel for the jets.

As for the retractable roof of Mercedes-Benz, the NFL states it will be a game day decision to have it open based on weather. NFL senior director of event operations Eric Finkelstein added on Wednesday that they may elect to leave it open just for the national anthem and fly over.

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The Thunderbirds February 3 appearence will mark the squadron’s third Super Bowl flyover in five years. (USAF)

The Air Force has a budget to perform several flights above sporting events each year. In recent years, the Thunderbirds have flown over several Super Bowls, including in 2017 and 2015.

America’s Ambassadors in Blue are led by new team commander Lt. Col. John “Brick” Caldwell. Thunderbirds 2 through 8 are pilots Capt. Will “Boar” Graeff (left wing), Capt. Michael “Thorny” Brewer (right wing), Major Whit “Skate” Collins (slot), Major Matt Kimmel (lead solo); Capt. Michelle “Mace” Curran (opposing solo), Major Eric “Miami” Gorney (operations officer), and Major Jason “Flack” Markzon (advance pilot and narrator).

“The F-16 is a wonderful airplane to fly,” Major Collins noted. “There’s a lot of flight control computers in there that help you help the aircraft to fly. So you’re going from one G(ravity) to 9 G, it’s gonna be a smooth ride all the way there.”

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Air Force Thunderbirds Preparing for an ‘Amazing’ International Airshow Season

Charles Atkeison
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Air Force Thunderbirds Preparing for an ‘Amazing’ International Airshow Season

High performance flight demonstrations by the Air Force Thunderbirds will return to the skies in a few weeks as the elite pilots and service personnel prepare for the squadron’s historic international air show season.

Winter training is underway with the Air Force’s flight demonstration team practicing and studying formations aboard their F-16 jets, and in the classroom in preparation for the new season. The team of six pilots are scheduled to perform their traditional first public flight over the Daytona 500 race in February.

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Capt. Michael Brewer stands before an F-15E Strike Eagle last July at Seymour Johnson AFB. Capt. Brewer is currently training as a Thunderbird pilot. (Image: USAF TSgt. D. Carbajal)

Capt. Michael Brewer has taken the reigns as the Thunderbirds new right wing pilot. Capt. Brewer, who flies under the call sign “Thorny”, is excited to begin training and to perform with his new squadron.

“It’s going to be amazing,” Brewer said in a recent Air Force release. “Being a Thunderbird allows you to inspire tens of thousands of people at an air show. And we get to do that several times a year.”

Brewer was based at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. where he served as an F-15 Strike Eagle pilot for nearly two years prior to joining the Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform at Seymour Johnson in April.

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The Thunderbirds are a force of over 120 enlisted airmen and 11 officers, men and women working together to showcase the role of the United States Air Force. The team recently welcomed four new pilots and a medical doctor for the new season.

The squadron will highlight the season with their return to Dayton, Ohio. The Thunderbirds were forced to cancel their June 2017 appearance when one of their jets crashed on landing at Dayton International Airport during inclement weather. The two crew members survived, however the $29 million F-16D was totaled.

America’s Ambassadors in Blue are led by new team commander Lt. Col. John “Brick” Caldwell. Thunderbirds 2 through 8 are pilots Capt. Will “Boar” Graeff (left wing), Capt. Michael “Thorny” Brewer (right wing), Major Whit “Skate” Collins (slot), Major Blaine “Spider” Jones (solo); Capt. Michelle “Mace” Curran (opposing solo), Major Eric “Miami” Gorney (operations officer), and Major Jason “Flack” Markzon (advance pilot and narrator).

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F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot “Mace” Curran is in training as only the second female solo in the Thunderbirds history. She will serve as the opposing solo. (Image: USAF)

Curran becomes only the fourth female pilot in Thunderbirds history and only their second female solo pilot in 66 years. Mace arrived at Nellis, AFB in November having spent one year as an F-16 instructor pilot at the 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth.

“There are so many strong women who have paved the way for me to be able to do what I do today,” Capt. Curran said in an Air Force interview. “From the WASPs in WWII, to the first female fighter pilot in the Air Force, Jeannie Leavitt. They have broken barriers and done great things.”


Updated 2019 Thunderbirds Schedule:

February 3: Atlanta, Super Bowl LIII Flyover (6:25 p.m.)

February 17: Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, FL Flyover (2:24 p.m.)

March 3: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nevada (Flyover)

March 23/24: Davis-Monthan AFB, Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona

March 30/31: Travis AFB, California, Thunder Over the Bay

April 6/7: Waco, Texas – Heart of Texas Air Show

April 13/14: Open Date

April 27/28: Seymour Johnson AFB, NC Wings over Wayne Open House

May 4/5: Keesler, AFB, Mississippi Thunder Over the Sound

May 11/12: JB Andrews, Maryland JB Andrews Air Show

May 18: Kirtland AFB, New Mexico Air and Space Fiesta

May 25/26: Wantagh, New York Jones Beach Air Show

May 30: USAF Academy, Colorado

June 1/2: Offutt AFB, Nebraska Defenders of Freedom Air Show

June 8/9: Fort Wayne (IN) Air Show

June 15/16: Mankato, Minnesota Air Spectacular

June 22/23: Dayton (OH) Air Show

June 29/30: North Kingstown, Rhode Island

July 13/14: Rionegro (Medellin), Colombia, SA

July 20-21: Fargo (ND) Air Show

July 24: Cheyenne (WY) Frontier Days

July 27/28: Milwaukee (WI) Air and Water Show

August 10/11: Abbotsford (BC) International Air Show

August 17/18: Sioux Falls (SD) Air Show

August 21: Atlantic City (NJ) Air Show

August 24/25: Rochester (NY) International Air Show

August 31-Sept. 2: Cleveland (OH) National Air Show

September 7/8: Grissom Air Reserve Base (IN) Air Show

September 14/15: Reno, Nevada National Championship Air Races

September 21/22: Naval Air Station Oceana (VA) Air Show

September 28/29: Robins AFB (GA) Air Show

October 5/6: San Juan, Puerto Rico International Air Show

October 12/13: Hampton, Georgia Atlanta Air Show

October 19/20: Wings Over Houston (TX) Air Show

October 26/27: Sheppard AFB (TX) Air Show

November 2/3: Punta Gorda, Florida International Air Show

November 15-17: Nellis AFB, Nevada Aviation Nation

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Flying Cars to be Debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show 2019

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Flying Cars to be Debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show 2019

Flying Cars to be Debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show 2019

“Mark my words: a combination airplane and motorcar is coming. You may smile, but it will come,” Henry Ford reportedly predicted in 1940. At the beginning of the 20th century both aircraft and automobile were invented and since then we’ve dreamt of bringing both worlds together to create a flying car! With decades of experience and ever-improving technology that dream is becoming a reality.

The main goal with flying cars is to have a vehicle that gives you real door to-door access by road and air. Guy Kaplinksy, co-founder of NFT, a developmental firm working on a flying car, says, “We believe we have a winning design that will enable us to make the “Model T” of flying cars – a low-cost production model.”

This week we will see prototypes of flying cars at the Consumer Electronics Show 2019 (CES).
Many agree with Kaplinsky that we are closer than ever to seeing flying cars out on the road and in the air!

What will we see at CES 2019?
Cartivator: In Japan the Cartivator group, a volunteer organization, are looking to build a “Skydrive” flying car. They hope to present it during the Tokyo Olympic Opening Ceremonies in 2020 using it to fly over and light the flame. Perhaps their biggest news recently has been the backing of the Japanese auto giant Toyota. A scaled-down version of the “skydrive” will be
shown this year at CES.

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Skydrive by Cartivator Group. Photo: Cartivator

UBER/GOOGLE: Flying taxis, like the Ehang 184, could be a closer reality than we think too. Several companies, including Uber and start-ups backed by Google, are working on people-carrying drones. We can expect to see some prototypes this week as well.

NFT: Here’s where things get a little interesting and a bit stressful when you consider all the regulation and planning that needs to go into our airborne future. The NFT vehicle, and other competing vehicles, will be able to take off and land vertically and fly on auto-pilot. With a projected price tag of $50,000 the NFT vehicle is not out of reach for the general public.

Obstacles for flying cars
While the future of flying transports is bright and opportunities abound, there are two major obstacles in the way: regulation and cost. While many flying car prototypes have already reached the sky their price points are only for the extremely rich. You’re looking at a price tag of $1.3 to $1.7 million for Aeromobil’s 5.0 VTOL.

Before these flying cars can be sold to the public there are a lot of regulations to consider and be put into place. For example, where will these vehicles actually be allowed to fly and at what altitudes? Will they require flight training to be operated or piloted by a drone operator. What happens in an airborne emergency? Does ATC take on the extra air traffic? There are hundreds of questions and concerns, and opportunities, to be reviewed and the conversation is happening this week at CES 2019 and around the world as we progress forward to a future in the air!
The Consumer Electronic Show 2019 is happening this week, January 8th-11th, in Las Vegas. If you happen to be able to make some last minute arrangements to be there, you’ll want to be sure to sign up for the transportation track of the show. You’ll hear from the experts on the future of transportation, and discuss the many hurdles that flying cars face and pose to our society.

Remember When American Used To Powerback Their Mad Dogs

Alexander Sakovich
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Remember When American Used To Powerback Their Mad Dogs

With the mad dog now retired, we remember the good ol’ days of MD-80 and DC-9 powerback from the gate. Watch this AA Maddog skillfully back up and then swing around on his way with ease.
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Back in the day aircraft with tail mounted engines and bucket style thrust reversers (727, DC-9, MD-80, Fokker 100)  regularly powered themselves up and deployed those reversers to back out of the gate and simply turn around with no pushback tugs. The procedure saved time, ground personnel, and tugs. The powerback continued all the way up until the mid-2000s. As jet fuel prices climbed, airlines ceased the practice, with American and Northwest being some of the last US carriers to do so. While time efficient, powerbacks proved fuel inefficient. Additionally, many airports banned the practice due to the extra noise and jet exhaust, but as we #Avgeeks know, there’s no sweeter sound than jet engine noise!

If you want to see a powerback today, one aircraft still does them regularly. In particular, Boeing C-17 crews in the U.S. Air Force regularly practice aircraft backing with thrust reversers as a part of their tool kit for use at confined or unimproved airstrips. So if you ever get the chance to go to an airshow with a C-17 performing, you’ll see some backing!

BREAKING: Southwest Airlines Founder Herb Kelleher Dead at 87

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BREAKING: Southwest Airlines Founder Herb Kelleher Dead at 87

Southwest Airlines founder and larger-than-life CEO-emeratus passed away today. He was 87 years old. The announcement of his passing came via Twitter.

In an accompanying press release, Southwest Airlines morned their leader with the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened to share that Southwest Airlines Founder and Chairman Emeritus Herbert D. Kelleher passed away today at the age of 87.

Herb was a pioneer, a maverick, and an innovator. His vision revolutionized commercial aviation and democratized the skies. Herb’s passion, zest for life, and insatiable investment in relationships made lasting and immeasurable impressions on all who knew him and will forever be the bedrock and esprit de corps of Southwest Airlines.

The entire Southwest Family extends our deepest sympathies to Herb’s wife, Joan, and his entire family.”

– Southwest Airlines Press Statement

Herb Kelleher was born in New Jersey in 1931. He was serving as a lawyer in San Antonio in the late 1960s when one of his clients, Rollin King, requested help to liquidate his small airline known as Wild Goose Flying Service. Herb Kelleher struck up a relationship with King. Over whiskey and robust discussion, they mapped out a plan for intra-Texas air service in 1967. Thus Air Southwest (which later became Southwest Airlines) was formed.

It wasn’t until four years later that Southwest started service out of Dallas Love Field with service to Houston and San Antonio with just three jets. The little airline overcame a myriad of challenges. From lawsuits, to predatory pricing, to market downturns, Southwest Airlines prevailed through every storm. Over the next 37 years, Kelleher would command his ‘red-bellied warriors’ as they brought low cost service to destinations across the country. He grew Southwest into a major industry player and the most consistently profitable airline ever before stepping aside in 2008 as his final role as Chairman. While serving as CEO, Kelleher said,”

It is my practice to try to understand how valuable something is by trying to imagine myself without it.

His original legal secretary (from when Southwest Airlines was formed), Colleen Barrett, succeeded him as CEO. When she retired, Gary Kelly took the helm. He continues as a CEO today, leading the company that Kelleher built.

Today, Southwest Airlines is the nation’s largest airline in terms of domestic passengers flown. It employs over 58,000 employees and flies to 99 destinations and is frequently a leader in the least amount of passenger complaints amongst all US airlines.

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Source: Southwest Airlines

More so than just creating an airline, Herb Kelleher was a legendary leader. He had a very serious focus on taking care of his people and leading his airline. But he never took himself too serious. In his 1994 book ‘Nuts’, Herb wrote of the importance of taking care of your people and putting employees first. It was through this principle that employees would then take care of customers and thus the company as a whole would succeed. Herb Kelleher never furloughed an employee during his tenure.

Kelleher is survived by his wife Joan and three children.

The Future Is Here: JetPack Racing Can’t Be Far Away

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The Future Is Here: JetPack Racing Can’t Be Far Away

Jetpacks were once thought to be science fiction. How could a man fly without a vehicle? Then the 1984 Olympics came along. Rafer Johnson flew into the Los Angeles Coliseum on a jet pack. With Rhapsody in Blue playing and President Reagan in attendance, the a flying man soared into the arena. It was a triumph of the free world over evil communism at the height of the cold war. As seen in this YouTube clip, by the official Olympics channel, the theatrics were pretty impressive, even by modern day standards. But after the games concluded, the allure of a jet pack largely faded away. The technology that powered man’s flight was primitive, dangerous, and had limited use.

Jet packs emerge again (and better than ever)

The good news for all freedom loving people is that jet packs are back. A company appropriately called JetPack Aviation is set on making jet packs more mainstream. Jet pack aviation prides itself on designing and deploying the first personal VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) craft that has received FAA approval to operate. According to their site, they have flown flights for sporting and publicity events and even worked with the military.

In the video below, Jet Pack Aviation released a video showing two jet packs flying in close proximity for the first time together. The goal is to eventually host jet pack racing with electrically-powered jet packs. According to New Atlas, the racing will be similar to Red Bull racing focusing on skill, speed, and agility. New Atlas added in an interview with the owner that head-to-head racing is the goal but they will initially start off with a timed course as they pursue approvals for head to head flying.

What are your thoughts? Is this just another fad? Or will jet pack racing and flying finally take off? Leave a comment below.

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