WestJet Airlines, Canada’s largest low-cost carrier announced that it will launch a new ultra-low cost carrier (ULCC) in 2018. What is a ULCC? Think Allegiant or Spirit Airlines for Canada. Ouch! Poor Canadians!
In a statement, WestJet said, “The name Swoop denotes exactly what we plan to do,” said Bob Cummings WestJet Executive Vice-President, Strategy and the executive member responsible for the launch of Swoop. “It’s a powerful verb that demonstrates we plan to swoop in to the Canadian market with a new business model that will provide lower fares and greater opportunity for more Canadians to travel.”
Swoop will provide Canadians with a no-frills, lower-fare travel option backed by an airline with a proven track record of bringing lower fares to Canadians and an investment-grade credit rating.
In addition, Swoop has chosen Calgary as the location of its headquarters. An exact location will be announced at a later date.
“As we looked around for the home for Swoop’s operations, Calgary quickly rose to the top of the list,” said Cummings. “The city offers Swoop the opportunity to save costs through shared services with WestJet’s corporate head office, the availability of existing infrastructure, and talented, experienced WestJetters to draw from. We are confident that these qualities will support our ultra-low-cost operations and our guests well into the future.”
Swoop will fly a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, presumably refurbished jets from WestJet’s fleet. Like Allegiant and Spirit Airlines, Swoop will charge for carry-ons, luggage, snacks, in-flight entertainment, and seat assignments. Additionally, the seats onboard Swoop aircraft will have a standard configuration which might mean a standard seat pitch and a pre-reclined option utilized by other ULCCs.
The United States Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), also known as the 160th SOAR (A), Task Force Brown, and by their sobriquet the Night Stalkers, provides special operations helicopter aviation support for both general purpose forces and special operations forces from all US military branches. Night Stalkers attack, assault, and reconnaissance missions are most often flown at night, at high speeds, low altitudes, and on short notice. We have included a couple of videos to highlight the capabilities of the command. Thanks to YouTuber MHS Productions for uploading them.
The 160th SOAR (A) is headquartered at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. The Army’s best-qualified aviators, crew chiefs, and support soldiers are assigned to the unit. All officers volunteer for duty with the Night Stalkers and enlisted soldiers volunteer or are assigned by the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC). Upon joining the 160th, all soldiers are assigned to Green Platoon, in which they receive intensive first aid, land navigation, combat tactics, weapons, and teamwork training but with no guarantees of advancement. For enlisted soldiers the basic course lasts five weeks and for the officers the course lasts 20 to 28 weeks.
The 160th SOAR (A) operate three distinct and very different types of helicopters. The first is the MD Helicopters MH-6M/AH-6M Little Bird. Fairly early on it became obvious that a small helicopter that could operate from highly restrictive locations and be easily transported by Air Force airlifters would be a critical component of the force’s inventory. They chose the OH-6A scout helicopter, and it became known as the Little Bird compared to the other aircraft in the task force at the time, the UH-60A and the CH-47C. Today roughly 50 modernized and improved Little Birds are assigned to the Night Stalkers.
Official US Army Photograph
Not Your Grandfather’s Chinook
The second primary type of helicopter flown by the 160th is the Boeing MH-47G Chinook. The MH-47G is similar to the previous MH-47E but features more sophisticated avionics including the digital Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS). CAAS is a “glass” cockpit instrumentation system commonly used by different helicopters such as MH-60K/L and the CH-53E/K. The MH-47G also incorporates all of the new sections of the latest model CH-47F. A new modernization program improved the MH-47D and MH-47E Special Operations Chinooks to the MH-47G specification. The Night Stalkers operate more than 60 of these highly capable heavy assault helicopters.
Official US Air Force Photograph
Bad Black Hawks
The third primary helicopter type utilized by the unit is the Sikorsky MH-60M Black Hawk. Several models of special operation s Black Hawks have been flown by the 160th, beginning with the MH-60A. Since then, improved avionics, night vision compatibility customizations, Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), M134 six-barrel 7.62 millimeter Gatling guns, inflight refueling capability, CAAS cockpits, Raytheon AN/APQ-174B terrain-following radar, color weather map, defensive countermeasures systems, and uprated engines have been added to bring the current MH-60M model into service. More than 70 Black Hawks are operated by the 160th.
Official US Army Photograph
The Very Baddest Black Hawks
One particular version of the MH-60 deserves special mention. The MH-60L Direct Action Penetrator (DAP) is configured for use only as a gunship without troop-carrying capability. The DAP is equipped with either short or long-span stub wings, each capable of carrying configurations of the M230 Chain Gun 30 mm automatic cannon, 19-shot Hydra 70 millimeter rocket pod, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles, GAU-19 .50 caliber gun pods, and M134 six barrel 7.62 millimeter Gatling gun pods. The same type of M134D six-barrel 7.62 millimeter Gatling guns utilized as crew-operated door guns can be fixed forward for additional forward-firing effect. The Night Stalkers bring plenty of firepower to their parties!
Official US Navy Photograph
Born After a Failed Mission
The 160th SOAR (A) came into being after Operation Eagle Claw failed in 1980. When that ill-fated attempt to rescue the American hostages held in Tehran went very bad in the desert, former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James Holloway was ordered to come up with a way to make another attempt at rescue. Of course it was quickly determined that no United States military helicopter units with training in stealthy, long-range, short-notice missions existed at the time. But they soon would.
Official US Navy Photograph
Night Stalker Seeds
The US Army selected elements of the 158th Aviation Battalion, 101st Aviation Battalion, the 229th Aviation Battalion, and the 159th Aviation Battalion from the 101st Aviation Group of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). This provisional unit was named Task Force 158 and the chosen pilots immediately entered intensive training in night low-altitude flying. When the first group of pilots completed training in the fall of 1980 a second hostage rescue missions was planned for early 1981. Dubbed Operation Honey Badger, the mission was canceled when the hostages were released on the morning of President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration.
Official US Navy Photograph
A New Unit is Born
Task Force 158 was the Army’s only special operations aviation outfit and was already recognized as the Army’s premier helicopter aviation night fighters. Rather than lose the unit’s capabilities and experience, the pilots and their modified aircraft became a new unit rather than being returned to their original commands. The unit was officially established on October 16th 1981, when it was designated as the 160th Aviation Battalion. The 160th first saw combat during 1983’s Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada.
Official US Army Photograph
Increased Demand Creates a Larger Unit
In 1986 the 160th was renamed the 160th Aviation Group (Airborne). In May of 1990 the unit became the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). As demand for highly trained Special Operations Aviation assets has increased the regiment has activated three battalions, a new and separate detachment, and has incorporated one Army National Guard unit- the 1st Battalion, 245th Aviation of the Oklahoma Army National Guard.
Official US Army Photograph
Been There Done That Got the Patch
Since Urgent Fury the Night Stalkers have been involved in every American conflict and many foreign brushfires. Earnest Will. Mount Hope III. Just Cause. Mogadishu. Relentless Strike. During Red Dawn a Little Bird from the Night Stalkers extracted the newly captured Saddam Hussein from his hiding place. Tora Bora. Abu Sabaya. Gulf Wars I and II. Too many combat rescues to count. Red Wings and Lone Survivor.Vigilant Harvest. Abu Kamal. Celestial Balance. Operation Geronimo and Bin laden. Operation Jubilee. Inherent Resolve. Enduring Freedom. These badasses have been there, done that, and they have all the badass T shirts!
OAD Pilots & volunteers of load relief supplies for Hurricane Harvey victims
“Ready to go, have cleared my schedule for WED and beyond. Twin Cessna 414. Bringing 300 lbs of diapers with me.” Operation Airdrop Pilot
Imagine having 4 feet of flood waters receding from your home. Now that the storm is over you have to start assessing the damage and cleaning up, but you can’t go to Target or Wal Mart to get your supplies. They were hit by the floods too, just about every store was. And if you have a baby the Red Cross doesn’t have diapers to give to you. Enter Operation Airdrop Hurricane Harvey!
Operation Airdrop
Operation Airdrop (OAD) https://www.operation-airdrop.com started just in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey as an effort by two pilots, we’d like to call them fellow Avgeeks, John Clay Wolfe and Doug Jackson. Wolfe is a Dallas metro area iheart radio personality and Jackson are friends who both felt the need to do something to help these people.
Well, you’re a pilot and I’m a pilot, why don’t we fly some stuff down?’ I’ve got this radio network, we ought to use it for some good. What if we organized a bunch of pilots and mimic that Cajun Navy thing, but do it with airplanes?” Credit: Flying Magazine They promoted their efforts on the radio and facebook to the General Aviation community and the response has been overwhelming. Fans at the Thunder over Michigan Airshow were asked to help fill two C-47s with over 20,000 pounds of relief supplies.
Operation Airdrop pilots are bringing new meaning to the phrase “weekend warrior.” OAD pilots have volunteered their time, flying skills and aircraft to generate a massive relief effort. In the tradition of the cajun navy a group of over 200 civilian pilots have joined together forming a massive coordinated relief effort. To date Operation Airdrop has completed over 400 flights, delivering over 250,000 pounds of supplies in difficult to reach areas of hurricane stricken South Texas.
Operation Airdrop started by using aircraft to bring immediate short-term relief to hardest hit areas after Harvey in Texas by targeting isolated areas with small airports along the Texas Gulf Coast. Since that time OAD has expanded its mission to deliver assistance to Florida and Puerto Rico in the wake of hurricanes Irma & Maria. To accomplish this critical feat OAD is actively developing strategic relationships with the military, government leaders, and other relief organizations such as the Texas Baptist Men, Salvation Army, Texas Navy & Cajun Air Force. The FAA has also been very cooperative in this effort. OAD pilots even have their own sqawk code.
Operation Airdrop is making a tremendous difference in the lives of families one aircraft load at a time. One of the real strengths of this organization has been the ability to get relief into the hands of people that need it quickly. OAD has established a supply chain and places for donations to dropped, distributed & received. Supplies are reaching folks in need within 30 minutes after landing. Here is a listing some of the items being delivered:
Diapers
Baby Formula
Cleaning Supplies
N95 dust masks
Maxi pads
Frigdes
Fans
Bottled Water
Dog food, Cat Food
Paper Towels & TP
Sleeping Bags
LED Lanterns
Canned Foods
Athletic apparel and shirts from the Dallas Cowboys
Papa Johns Pizza to relief workers and first responders.
Fleet of aircraft at KCXO
One account from KCXO, Conroe, TX stated, “ Dozens of pilots landed their planes in the airport and personnel from The Salvation Army helped unload pounds of diapers and baby materials, toiletries and sleeping bags to distribute to storm victims.” OAD also had help from some extra muscle on the ramp at KBMT, Beaumont Municipal Airport from the Army and Air Force troops working there.
Air Force & Army troops support OAD on the ramp at KBMT
Pilots Wanted
This effort is being sustained by volunteer pilots. The organization’s facebook page and website have a link https://www.operation-airdrop.com/pilot-intake for pilots and or aircraft owners to fill out a form and a member of the operations team will make immediate contact. OAD pilots have been flying in supplies from all over the U.S. and Mexico. And they have been flying in a myriad of aircraft including everything from Cessna 152s, Pilatus PC-12’s to Beechjets and the venerable DC-3. The group’s heavy lifter is a WWII era DC-3 cargo aircraft painted with invasion stripes and still serving in a critical role.
The team Operation Airdrop assembled has put a lot of work into building a seamless operation. Pilots fly into coordinated donation centers/depots to load up. There they get a weather briefing and coordinated instructions for flying into the Houston TFR. The aircraft are fueled and sent on their way. Upon landing at the relief field the aircraft is downloaded by the waiting volunteers. Supplies are distributed. Then the aircraft is re-fueled for its next run.
Relief Airfields served by OAD:
KCXO – Conroe, TX – Lone Star Executive
KPKV – Port Lavaca, TX – Calhoun Air Center
KIWS – Houston, TX – West Houston Airport
KI95 – Kenton, TX – Hardin County Airport/Hawthorne Field
KBMT – Beaumont, TX – Beaumont Municipal Airport
KILE – Houston, TX – Ellington Airport
KBYY – Bay City, TX – Bay City Regional Airport
KRKP – Rockport, TX – Aransas County Airport
KCRP – Corpus Christi, TX – Corpus Christi International Airport
KRAS – Port Aransas, TX – Mustang Beach
KILE – Kileen, TX – Skylark Field – Supply Depot
KDTO – Denton, TX – Operations Center
Operations Center
Conducting a relief operation to austere airfields in a storm devastated environment is a complex problem. Supplies need to be coordinated, pilots need to be taksed and briefed and most importantly the aerial armada needs fuel to conduct its runs. The OAD operations center has conducted over 400 flights now. Wolfe describes it as follows:
“OAD has a war-room style operations center located in KDTO (Denton, TX) manned by a software pro, full time controller, airline logistics expert and other pilots as mission control. These vols are scheduling freight, assessing needs, updating FAA clearance codes, managing aircraft weight loading specs, fuel burn, fuel replenishment locations and of course constant weather updates to our air-force of volunteers. An enormous part of the OAD’s sudden success is the streamline logistics, and feedback to our pilots in real time. When pilots land they know where to drop, where to fuel, and no one goes home until every flight is accounted for safe and sound, tracking each plan online much like government controlled operations.”
Impact Beyond Texas
The impact Operation Airdrop has been able to deliver has already been recognized at the highest levels of government as an, “untapped strategic national resource.” It’s hard to believe what this group of volunteer aviators and support personnel have accomplished in a matter of days.
Operation Airdrop has now turned its resources toward Florida and Puerto Rico and is coordinating a continuing volunteer pilot relief effort. Radio host John Clay & founder of Operation Airdrop shared that Saturday morning OAD hosted an on air relief pitch with Pudge Rodriguez. Pudge is Puerto Rican and a retired major league baseball catcher who played for the Texas Rangers and the Florida Marlins winning the World Series in 2003. Clay said, “We had Pudge on the show,” asking for donations, “and man they came in!” The donated supplies included 16, 600kW generators for Puerto Rico.
Recently the United States Air Force flew Rockwell B-1B Lancer bombers escorted by Boeing F-15C Eagle fighters and Marine Corps Lockheed-Martin F-35B Lightning II aircraft alongside the North Korean coast. The jets flew further north of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) then they have at any other time during this century. It was a show of force intended to send a message that the US is ready and willing to strike at anytime if US territory or US allies’ territory is attacked.
Watch Kim Jung Un’s reply:
The North Koreans, in partial response to the flights sent a very interesting message. Being the ever the technologically and intellectually challenged fanatics that they are, produced this decidedly low-tech animation showing just how they would shoot down the aircraft and sink the aircraft carrier USS “Air Force” (their words, not ours) Carl Vinson (CVN-70). The ominous video shows B-1s and F-35s being destroyed and ends with a burning US flag. Brilliant footage…it were 1992. It’s Super Nintendo quality at best. YouTube wasn’t impressed. A quick glance of the comments section is hilarious. Here’s a sample:
“Still using Windows 95 I see. Nice.”
“You start to really appreciate PlayStation 1 era CGI after seeing this sh*t. North Korea should dissolves itself. It’s officially the most pathetic country in existence.”
“Literally looks like power rangers”
The rhetoric between the two nations has heated up in recent months. The North Korea story dominates the airwaves. President Trump and dictator Kim Jung Un continue to trade barbs through social media, the UN and televised speeches.
More about the most recent show of force:
VMFA-121 Green Knights F-35B in Flight. Official US Marine Corps Photograph
When the most recent show of force sorties were flown the Bones flew out of Andersen Air Force Base (AFB) on Guam. The escorting F-15C Eagle fighters flew from Japan. Previous show of force sorties were also flown by F-35Bs assigned to VMFA-121 Green Knights of Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12)- the first Marine Corps squadron equipped with F-35Bs to deploy overseas. According to the Pentagon, no foreign aircraft (in particular no Japanese or South Korean aircraft) participated in the most recent sorties.
F-15 Eagle Fighters. Official US Air Force Photograph
The U.S. Air Force A-10 demonstration team finally returned to the air show scene this year, following a 5 year long inactivation period.
They scheduled 10 appearances around the country, but currently can only participate with a static display aircraft, or fly exclusively with the Air Force Heritage Flight program, which brings the past and present of USAF aviation together in symbolic formation.
The A-10 Heritage Demo in action with the F-16 Viper Demo and two P-51 Mustangs, Sun N’ Fun 2017 (Florida). Photo Credit: Mike Killian
And while that is quite popular to many, there will be a long-awaited added change coming next year, as the USAF and International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) has confirmed the A-10 will return to full flight demos in 2018.
“It’s great to have the A-10 back on the air show circuit as a part of the Heritage Flight,” said Maj. Daniel Levy, 357th Fighter Squadron and A-10 demo pilot. “The Warthog has flown close air support for American and allied forces almost every day for the past 15 years. It’s the perfect mix of old and new.”
The team is currently scheduling appearances at 14 shows to display the capabilities of the Warthog Thunderbolt II next year, but the plans are still in works, so no specific shows are known just yet.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Daniel Levy, A-10 West Heritage Flight Team and 357th Fighter Squadron pilot, ready to fly a Heritage demo. Photo: USAF
Based out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., the A-10 West Heritage Flight Team, assigned to the 354th Fighter Squadron, is currently made up of two A-10C Thunderbolt IIs, three pilots, two crew chiefs, an avionics technician, engines technician, and an aircraft electrical and environmental specialist.
Captain Cody Wilton will fly the team’s 2018 demos, according to USAF Air Combat Command (ACC).
The current remaining 2017 A-10 Heritage schedule:
29 Sept-1 Oct – Salinas, California 7-8 Oct – San Francisco, California 14-15 Oct – Boise, Idaho 21-22 Oct – Houston, Texas 11-12 Nov – Nellis AFB, Nevada
“The A-10 belongs right there with the war birds, as it is legendary itself,” said Master Sgt. Mark Aube, A-10 demo team maintenance superintendent. “While talking with the air show guests, I found that everyone was eager to see the tank buster in action.”
The A-10 is quite popular with many people, for good reason. The whole aircraft is actually built around the 30mm Gatling-type cannon, which is capable of firing 70 rounds of a lightweight aluminum body projectile per second, cast around a smaller caliber depleted uranium penetrating core, making it absolutely lethal against tanks and all other armored vehicles.
Two A-10Cs assigned to the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, crashed recently on a training mission over the NTTR on Sep 6. Both pilots ejected safely.
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– Follow Mike Killian on Instagram and Facebook, @MikeKillianPhotography
On September 23rd 2017, two North American P-51D Mustang warbirds made contact while participating in a Battle of Britain Air Show demonstration flight at Duxford in the UK. Both pilots made Mayday calls and were able to safely recover their damaged aircraft. Neither pilot was injured. The cause of the mishap is under investigation by British authorities. Thanks to YouTuber Aviation Videos & Wildlife FULL HD for uploading this video of the incident. The two Mustangs make contact at the 10:51 mark.
The two aircraft involved were P-51D-20NA Mustang 44-72216 (G-BIXL Miss Helen) and P-51D-25NA Mustang 44-73877 (G-SHWN The Shark). 44-72216 started its service with the 487th Fighter Squadron (FS) of the 352nd Fighter Group (FG) Blue Nosed Bastards of Blodney of the 8th Air Force in 1945. After the war the aircraft was flown by the Swedish and Israeli Air Forces. It was recovered from Israel in 1976 and subsequently restored to private ownership.
Photograph Courtesy Flying Legends / Matt Jones
44-73877 was completed late in the war and served first with the Royal Canadian Air Force post-war. The airplane was sold into private ownership in 1957 and was owned by several entities before restoration was completed by the noted Mustang specialist Darrell Skurich of Vintage Aircraft in Fort Collins Colorado during 1985. First wearing the paint scheme of Old Crow, the airplane was repainted as Cisco and used in the filming of the 1990 Warner Brothers movie Memphis Belle, after which the aircraft was painted to represent Old Crow again and remained in Europe with ownership changing several times. In 2015 the Mustang received its current shark-mouth paint job.
From our friends at AirshowStuff comes this compilation of their best military aviation clips shot during August of 2017. There is something for everyone in this one! Live ordnance drops (read “show of force”) captured in a northern South Korean valley. Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB)- based B-1B Lancers operating from Andersen AFB on Guam, Raptors, Eagles, Vipers, Hornets, Hawkeyes, Warthogs, BUFFs, and much more. Thanks once again to AirshowStuffVideos for uploading another HD video of some of the finest footage of military aircraft in action around the world.
The video features Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN (CVW-17) operating from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) as well as Marine Corps Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallions operating from assault carrier decks and sling-loading Leatherneck vehicles. Aerial refueling of F-15C Eagles, F-15E Strike Eagles, F-22 Raptors, B-52H Stratofortresses, A-10C Warthogs, even Italian Air Force AMX and German Panavia Tornado GR 6 aircraft shot from KC-135R and KC-10A tankers. Listen to the thunder as two B-1Bs take off simultaneously from the parallel runways at Andersen AFB.
130212-N-TZ605-172
PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 12, 2013) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 makes the first arrested landing aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) since the completion of a six-month planned incremental availability (PIA). Carl Vinson is underway conducting Precision Approach Landing System (PALS) and flight deck certifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy A. Hazel/Released)
Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs of VMFA-121 Green Knights are captured as they participate in the live ordnance drops in South Korea. VMFA(AW)-224 Bengals FA-18D Hornets refuel while they are recorded from the tanker. There is even a mass taxi (elephant walk) minimum interval takeoff (MITO) of C-103J Hercules airlifters from Ramstein AFB in Germany. A Boeing E-8C JSTARS surveillance aircraft refuels from a 132nd Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) KC-135R of the Maine Air National Guard (ANG). The Illinois ANG gets screen time for their 182nd Airlift Wing C-130H3 Hercules airlifters as well. C-17 Globemaster IIIs are liberally mixed in with the rest of the cast.
Marines with 1st Transportation Support Battalion (TSB) and Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 26 provide a Helicopter Support Team (HST) to attach a Humvee to a CH-53E Super Stallion for external lift training in support of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron (MAWTS) 1 during the semiannual Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 2-17, at Auxiliary Airfield II, Yuma, Arizona, April 7. Lasting seven weeks, WTI is a training evolution hosted by MAWTS-1 which provides standardized advanced and tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Harley Robinson/Released)
On Sunday September 24th 2017, 36 year-old Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI- Italian Air Force) Captain and test pilot Gabriele Orlandi was flying a demonstration routine in a Eurofighter F-2000A Typhoon fighter while participating in the Terracina Airshow located about 30 miles southeast of Rome on the Italian west coast. The pilot was reportedly flying F-2000A serial number MM7278 / AMI code RS-23 and assigned to the AMI’s Reparto Sperimentale Volo (RSV or Test Wing).
Photograph From Wikipedia (Public Domain)
Orlandi’s demonstration flight appeared to spectators to be entirely routine until the jet reached the bottom of an elongated loop maneuver and was unable to recover from its dive at the bottom of the maneuver. As a result, the Typhoon crashed into the sea and disintegrated approximately 400 yards offshore at 1700 local time. The pilot was killed on impact, failing to even attempt to eject from the aircraft prior to making catastrophic contact with the water. The pilot’s body was recovered at sea 90 minutes after the mishap.
Photograph Courtesy Eurofighter
The show’s next and final scheduled performance, by Italy’s Frecce Tricolore precision flight demonstration team, was canceled. No cause has yet been determined for the crash, which now is under investigation. AMI officials have scores of video clips shot by spectators at the event to review. Out of respect for Orlandi and his family Avgeekery.com did not include links to any of the crash video clips, but they’re easy enough to find.
We’re focusing on United States Air Force (USAF), Air Force Reserve (AFRES or AFRC) and Air National Guard (ANG)-owned F-16 Vipers wearing schemes that encompass most or all of their surface area in this piece. Another piece coming soon will feature distinctive tail feathers.
Official US Air Force Photograph
93rd Fighter Squadron (FS) Makos 482nd Fighter Wing (FW) Air Force Reserve Command (AFRES or AFRC) F-16C Block 30 Viper 87-0247 painted in a commemorative scheme for the 25th anniversary of the Wing in 2014. This Viper had previously flown with squadrons based at Torrejon in Spain, Ramstein in Germany, and Hill AFB in Utah before serving with the Makos.
Official US Air Force Photograph
302nd FS Sun Devils 477th FW AFRES F-16C Block 32D Viper 86-0291 shown painted during 1997 in a special scheme commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Tuskeegee Airmen. The 302nd was an original Tuskeegee Airmen unit. Named By ReQuest, this jet served with the 64th Aggressor Squadron after 2006.
Official US Air Force Photograph
111th FS Ace In The Hole 147th FW Texas Air National Guard (ANG) F-16C Block 25F Viper 84-0393 wore this memorable paint scheme during 2007 for the 90th anniversary of the 111th FS. Elements from every aircraft flown by the 111th were incorporated into the scheme. They fly drones now. 84-0393 had previously served at Haan Air Base in Germany and with the 113th FS Racers 181st FW Indiana ANG. The jet is now preserved at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas wearing (unfortunately) its original 111th FS air defense gray scheme.
Official US Air Force Photograph
120th FS Mile High Militia 140th FW Colorado ANG F-16C Block 30E Viper 86-0368 depicted during 2006 wearing a paint scheme commemorating the 50th anniversary of the only ANG flight demonstration team- The North American F-86 Sabre-flying Minutemen of the Colorado ANG.
Official US Air Force Photograph
162nd FS Sabers 178th FW Ohio ANG F-16C Block 30 Viper 86-0364 was painted in a special scheme incorporating elements from Old Crow, the famous North American P-51D Mustang from World War II to commemorate the 162nd FS prior to their shift to drone operations in 2010. This jet was subsequently flown by the 120th FS Mile High Militia 140th FW Colorado ANG.
Official US Air Force Photograph
163rd FS Blacksnakes 122nd FW Indiana ANG F-16C Block 25 Viper 84-1264 painted in a striking scheme during 2008 to commemorate the 358th FG Orangetails and their service flying Republic P-47 Thunderbolts during World War II. This aircraft is now owned by the National Museum of the USAF and is on loan preserved at the Air National Guard Base (ANGB) at Fort Wayne in Indiana.
Official US Air Force Photograph
182nd FS Lone Star Gunfighters 149th FW Texas ANG F-16C Block 30 Viper 87-0255 depicted during taxying at Kelly Field Annex in Texas during 2011 wearing special Texas State flag colors for their 65th anniversary scheme.
Official US Air Force Photograph
182nd FS Lone Star Gunfighters 149th FW Texas ANG F-16C Block 30E Viper 86-0321 photographed in 2017 wearing a beautiful 70th anniversary commemorative scheme honoring the 396th FS Thunder Bums Republic P-47D Thunderbolt paint scheme from 1944.This jet had previously flown with the 186th FS Vigilantes 120th FW Montana ANG and the 134th FS Green Mountain Boys 158th FW Vermont ANG.
Official US Air Force Photograph
There are several more F-16s that have been painted in special schemes but there are no available high-quality public domain photographs of them. Even when properly attributed we know how touchy photographers can be about their property so we’re not going to post any privately owned pics of these jets on our site…but you can certainly enjoy the links to several more colorful commemorative F-16s below.
93rd FS Makos 482nd FW AFRES F-16C Block 30K Viper 88-0404 painted as a striking full color mako shark in 2016. Jet previously served with the famous 35th FS Pantons of the 8th FW Wolf Pack. http://sandrermakoff.livejournal.com/1053650.html
174th FS Bats 185th FW Iowa ANG F-16C Block 30B Viper 85-1565 Painted in all gold as the Pride of Siouxland for the 50th anniversary of the Iowa ANG in 1996. This jet subsequently served with the 138th FS Cobras 174th FW New York ANG before going into storage at AMARG in 2010. http://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album38/album68/85-1565
149th FS Eagles 192nd FW Virginia ANG F-16C Block 30 Viper 86-0244 painted in special markings for summer 2000 as North American P-51D Mustang 44-14906, Major George Preddy’s famous Cripes A Mighty. This aircraft subsequently flew with 457th FS Spads 301st Operations Group (OG) AFRES in Texas. The 149th FS now flies the Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor. http://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album38/album68/axm
16th Weapons Squadron Tomahawks / Fighter Weapons School (FWS) F-16C Block 52 Viper 91-0362 wears the yellow and black checked “taxi cab” paint scheme to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the USAF Fighter Weapons School in 1993. The jet remained in service with the FWS but lost the colorful scheme. http://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album38/album64/91-0362_003
134th FS Green Mountain Boys 158th FW Vermont ANG F-16A Block 10 Viper 79-0357 wearing a highly patriotic scheme composed of computer-designed stickers while used by the 158th Wing for traveling display purposes during 2000. The jet previously served with the 148th FS Kicking Ass 162nd FW Arizona ANG. Jet is now preserved at Camp Johnson State Guard Base in Vermont wearing an air defense grey scheme. http://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album38/album68/aca
Two very hairy landings shot from the famous Spottersplek Polderbaan adjacent to runway 18R / 36L at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam are featured. In the first video, a China Southern Air Cargo Boeing 777-F1B (reg B-2027) experiences a HAIRY crosswind landing on runway 18R at AMS. China Southern began operating the 777-200ER in 1997. They have operated a total of 18 777-200s, 777-200ERs and 777-300ERs and operate a dozen 777F freighters today. Watch those big wings flexing on approach! Thanks to YouTuber and friend Jerry Taha Productions for uploading these eye-catching clips.
In the second clip a China Airlines Airbus A350-941 (reg B-18905) puts down on 18R at AMS with a heavy crosswind component in the mix. Look at that crosswind offset and crabbing correction the pilot holds to keep the airliner moving parallel to the runway! Those wind turbines in the background don’t seem to be spinning very fast. China Airlines operates eight A350s with another six on order.
The Swiss have been operating the McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet since 1996. Photographs of their pilots spiritedly maneuvering the jets with mountainous terrain for backdrops are striking. When a full demonstration flight is captured in high-definition video with the sound of freedom echoing around the valley between the mountains it is definitely worth a look and a listen- preferably with the volume turned up to 11! This particular video was uploaded by YouTuber Elwyn R and captures the solo display of Swiss Air Force pilot Captain Nicolas Rossier flown during the Breitling Sion Airshow. Nice vapes!
Delivery of 26 single-seat F/A-18Cs and eight dual-seat F/A-18Ds to the Swiss Air Force began in 1996. The deliveries were complete by the end of 1999. Switzerland requested to be included in F/A-18C and F/A-18D Upgrade 25 Program to extend the useful life of their Hornets in 2007. The Upgrade 25 Program consists primarily of significant upgrades to the avionics and the primary mission computer, Raytheon Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) targeting and surveillance pods, and AN/ALR-67v3 ECM equipment. The Swiss Hornet fleet reached the 50,000 flight hour milestone in October of 2008.
Colorado Springs Airport has a long and colorful history. Originally opened in 1927 with only two gravel runways, the first scheduled airline flight went from El Paso through Pueblo to Denver, and back. COS has been through trials and tribulations throughout the years with bankrupt airlines and countless broken promises. But to the delight of Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities, the regional airport has begun a remarkable recovery.
Remember the Simpsons Jet? The Glory Days of Western Pacific Airlines and COS
FOX paid Western Pacific $1M a year to display this special themed jet. Photo by AeroIcarus (CC 2.0).
Western Pacific Airlines started operations at COS in the spring of 1995 with eight 737-300s providing service to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Oklahoma City. The airline is infamous for its LogoJet program, which made the exterior of the airliner a flying billboard.
Of particular note, FOX Television paid WesPac $1 million a year for a LogoJet featuring the Simpsons animated series during ratings sweeps. The Simpsons jet, as it was called, was a bit of a phenomenon. Encouraged by early success, WesPac expanded its fleet and had eighteen 737-300s in operation with advertisers expanding to resorts, casinos and even the City of Colorado Springs. An updated terminal facility was built in 1994 because of the marked increase in passenger numbers.
In 1996, however, impatient investors hungry for profit got rid of the WesPac management team, including the original founder Ed Beauvais who was replaced by Robert Peiser. Peiser served as Chief Financial Officer of Trans World Airlines from 1994 to 1996, following TWA’s emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This fact foreshadows what was forthcoming for WesPac and COS, as Peiser moved toward reorganization.
It became clear that WesPac was operating in the red. Peiser attempted to attract more business travelers to augment revenue and scrapped the LogoJet program. He also moved the airline to Denver International, supposedly to attract more passengers even though some would later say the move was to secure more attractive financing terms for the pending bankruptcy. After a proposed merger with Frontier Airlines was tabled, WesPac was liquidated and ceased operations in February 1998, a milestone date in demise of COS.
Airline Consolidation Cripples Non-Hubs Like Colorado Springs Airport, While Denver International Flourishes
After WesPac was dissolved, a wave of consolidation hit the airlines. As of 2015, the nine major U.S. airlines were reduced to only four: American, United, Delta and Southwest. The largest airports, including Denver International, were effectively controlled by one or two airlines creating what some refer to as airline monopolies. Changing industry conditions severely affected non-hub airports like COS. The result of carriers’ consolidation left it a mere shadow of what it once was, while Denver International continued to grow.
The airlines had to reevaluate routes in order to maximize profits and eliminate what was called unprofitable flying. This led to increased passenger load per flight. Load factors now averaged 80% for some of the majors flying out of Denver.
Fuel costs, when calculated on a per-passenger basis, also led to a decline in profitability. There was increased emphasis on fuel-efficient aircraft as airlines changed their fleet mix, decreasing the use of smaller, regional jets in favor of large new aircraft. The cost squeezing and consolidation had detrimental effects on the smaller facility in Colorado Springs, shifting an even larger percentage of traffic to Denver International.
Fast forward to 2012, when Frontier Airlines added nonstop service at COS to several destinations, in addition to the already existing daily flights to their hub in Denver. Service to Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle-Tacoma, Portland, OR, Phoenix-Sky Harbor and Orlando was discontinued, however, in 2013, after Frontier announced the new service routes were not meeting financial expectations. After the back and forth with Frontier, at this point the future of COS looked bleak. But nobody foresaw what the future held for the beleaguered airport.
COS Begins to Rally Once Again
A Frontier A321. Frontier began receiving the larger jets in 2014. Photo by: By Griz13 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0] via Wikipedia Commons.After more than a decade of negative projections, Colorado Springs Airport has begun a positive trajectory and is capping off a year of positive growth. The off-again, on-again Frontier Airlines has played a major role in fueling the COS recovery.
Beginning in 2016, the airport began to rally once again as Frontier reinstated nonstop service to Las Vegas, Orlando and Phoenix-Sky Harbor. Then, starting in March 2017, Frontier added seven new cities with seasonal service from COS including major hubs such as Chicago O’Hare, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington bringing the total number of cities with nonstop service to 17. Frontier’s continued expansion includes some current additions, including service to Ft. Myers Florida beginning October 5 and service to Tampa slated to start October 6. Rounding out the airlines operating out of the recovering regional airport are American, Delta, Allegiant, and United.
COS airport non-stop options are expanding. Source: VisitCOS.com
The news is not all rosy, however, as Horizon, the regional carrier for Alaska Airlines, is being forced to discontinue service to Colorado Springs effective November 4 due to a pilot shortage. Horizon is also pulling out of other airports because of the aviator shortfall. In spite of this recently announced setback, the overall growth of the Colorado Springs market as a whole is buoying COS growth.
A 2017 forecast from the University of Colorado Springs Economic Forum predicts the strong economic indicators of the past two years will continue well into next year, fueled by the robust job market. Consumers are expected to continue making major purchases on things like furniture and appliances, and the travel and airline industry are also benefactors in the economic boon, with both leisure and business travel showing an upsurge.
This is great news for a beloved regional airport that has seen its ups and downs over the years. From its fledgling start early in the century as a local airport with two gravel runways, to the roaring ’90s heyday featuring the WesPac FOX TV Simpsons jet, to the present-day recovery based on a strong local economy, COS is poised to rise into the next decade as a major player in the airline industry.
