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Southwest Airlines Rolls Out FreedomOne 50th Anniversary Color Jet

Bill Walton
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Southwest Airlines Rolls Out FreedomOne 50th Anniversary Color Jet

FreedomOne is One Great Looking Jet Worthy of a 50th Anniversary Celebration

Southwest Airlines celebrated 50 years of operation on 18 June 2021. You know the story of Southwest. The airline is one of the largest domestic airlines and the largest “low-cost” carrier. They fly to some 115 destinations in the United States and ten international destinations. The airline was originally established by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King on 15 March 1967 as Air Southwest. In June of 1971 the name was changed to Southwest Airlines. At that time Southwest flew only between destinations within the state of Texas. It wasn’t until 1979 that Southwest began flying to destinations outside the state of Texas.

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Image via Southwest Airlines

Southwest Today

Today Southwest employs nearly 56,000 people and operates roughly 4,000 flights per day during the peak travel season. Southwest had turned a profit for 47 consecutive years until COVID pretty much wrecked everything having to do with travel. As of 2021 Southwest flies scheduled flights to 115 destinations in 40 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The airline exceeded 130 million passengers in 2019. Southwest does not use the hub and spoke system of other major airlines, preferring the point-to-point system, combined with a rolling hub model in its base cities. Here’s a look at the newest Southwest color jet, FreedomOne, uploaded to YouTube by Southwest Airlines.

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The Equipment Roster

From 1979 to 1980 and from 1983 to 1985 Southwest it leased and operated a few Boeing 727-200s. But from their beginning to the present they’ve always operated the Boeing 737 series of jetliners. Southwest is indeed the largest operator of the Boeing 737 worldwide. This has some advantages, chief among them that the use of the 737 enables Southwest pilots and flight attendants to crew any aircraft in the fleet without restrictions. Southwest flight attendants are justly famous for their humorous safety announcements. Here’s an example uploaded to YouTube by Tamara Overby.

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Here’s another example of Southwest flight attendants and their zany antics uploaded to YouTube by Andrew Keeth.

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An Enviable Safety Record

While Southwest has experienced a number of mishaps over their 50 years of operation, including some involving passenger deaths, the airline has never lost an entire aircraft to a mishap- an enviable record. The video below was shot from a passenger’s perspective during a flight from DEN to MDW aboard a 737-8 Max and was uploaded to YouTube by Skylite Productions.

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Southwest flight attendants also provide some comic relief upon landing. Here’s an example uploaded to YouTube by Marty Cobb Smile High Club.

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Ocean City Boardwalk to Host Thunderbirds, F-22A Raptor

Charles Atkeison
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Ocean City Boardwalk to Host Thunderbirds, F-22A Raptor

OCEAN CITY, MD — The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and F-22A Raptor will take to the skies over the Boardwalk this weekend providing high speed maneuvers and excitement during the Ocean City Airshow.

Good weather is forecast Saturday and Sunday on the Maryland coast as top military and civilian aircraft perform. Airshow organizers have confirmed guests in watercraft can view the show from a Coast Guard safety zone.

The program will begin at 11:30 a.m., and include a formation jump by the SOCOMM Para-commandos as they present the United States flag. The world famous GEICO Skytypers and aerobatic pilot Mike Wiskus are also scheduled to perform.

Air Force Jets to Demonstrate High Speed Maneuvers

The Thunderbirds six F-16C Fighting Falcon jets will highlight the family friendly show each day. Unlike last August when the team performed over Ocean City, this year they have an entirely different show from the ground up.

They have added new maneuvers and trimmed away several redundant maneuvers. The new show highlights many sequences beginning with high vertical maneuvers.

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The Thunderbirds two solo pilots will max-perform the F-16C aircraft during the O.C. Airshow. (USAF)

“The best is to be on the air show line, feeling the thunder in your chest, hearing the jets roar by,” Thunderbirds leader Col. John Caldwell told this reporter. “Seeing the speed and motion and seeing the heights that this demo team can fly 18-inches apart for the American public.”

The Air Force F-22A Raptor is scheduled to perform each day as the fifth-generation stealth fighter is flown at low altitudes. Maj. Josh ‘Cabo’ Gunderson will pilot the F-22 through gravity defying maneuvers and high-speed passes over the beachline.

Air Force demonstrations include the A-10C Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog. A C-17 Globemaster III and a C-5M Super Galaxy are also scheduled to perform each day.

The pilots of the GEICO Skytypers Airshow Team fly World War II-era Navy SNJ-2 aircraft. Their maneuvers are the same flown by the pilots of America’s Greatest Generation 80 years ago.

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The GEICO Skytypers air show team’s six SNJ-2 aircraft break formation during a recent flight. (USAF)

“Our pilots deliver crowd-pleasing performances at every event we attend,” GEICO Skytypers lead solo pilot and show designer Steve Salmirs explained. “During 2020, we were able to refine elements of our demonstration. We’ve created the best series of maneuvers and formations we’ve ever assembled.”

The team’s low-level flying showcases over 20 different tactical maneuvers. A patriotic narration and music will echo across the beaches as they showcase living history.

Ocean City Airshow Beach and Watercraft Viewing

The aerobatic performance box is 2.5 miles long and lies over the Atlantic waters parallel with 33rd Street south to Talbot Street. Airshow center is between 16th and 15th streets.

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Ocean City Boardwalk to Host Thunderbirds, F-22A Raptor 5

Boaters can view the air show from an area east of the beachline. The U.S. Coast Guard has established a safety zone where boaters cannot enter each day.

Tickets remain on sale and are sold online only and not at the event. Restrooms and food and drink stations will be located near the ticketed viewing areas.

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

Historic B-29 Superfortress ‘FiFi’, B-24 ‘Diamond Lil’ Touring U.S.

Charles Atkeison
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Historic B-29 Superfortress ‘FiFi’, B-24 ‘Diamond Lil’ Touring U.S.

ATLANTA — A rare B-29 Superfortress and an equally rare B-24 Liberator are currently traveling to select cities across the United States on display providing public tours and living history flights.

The Commemorative Air Force’s B-29A Superfortress known as FiFi and B-24 Liberator named Diamond Lil are currently touring public airports. These World War II-era aircraft are the last of their kind and have been cared for over the decades by the CAF.

The Boeing B-29 FiFi first flew in 1942, and today is one of only two B-29s still flying. The public can purchase breath taking flights aboard each aircraft during their visits.

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The B-24 ‘Diamond Lil’ prepares to taxi out on a public living history flight recently. (Charles A Atkeison)

Of the 18,482 B-24 Liberators built, Diamond Lil is the world’s oldest airworthy four-engine bomber. The aircraft is currently one of only two flying B-24s left in the world.

These flying museums allow the public an up close view of the historic aircraft and even visit inside. For the families of fallen World War II veterans, this tour has provided them a since of closure for those who never made it back home.

“We had a woman who’s dad was the B-29 pilot for Straight Flush, which was the lead weather B-29 for the dropping of the atomic bomb,” Boccaccio said. “So she flew in FiFi with us, she was very emotional, crying as she sat in the navigator’s seat.”

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‘FiFi’ is one of only two B-29 SuperFortresses still flying passengers today. (Charles A Atkeison)

The flight fee covers the great fuel consumption associated with the multi-engine, 77 year-old hulking B-29 aircraft. The 99-foot long heavy bomber is powered by four radial engines providing 2,200 hp each.

“FiFi costs us over 10 thousand dollars an hour to run”, CAF spokesperson Don Boccaccio noted. “It uses 400 gallons of gasoline an hour and 1.5 gallons of oil per engine an hour.” In other words, that’s six milk jugs of oil each hour.

In the movie The Right Stuff, FiFi served as the mothership for Chuck Yeager’s Bell X-1 aircraft. The Superfortress also appeared in 1980’s Enola Gay: The Men, The Mission, and the Atomic Bomb and an episode of the TV series Better Call Saul.

CAF B-29 and B-24 Squadron 2021 Tour Dates

June 10-13 ………. Trenton, NJ

June 16-20 ………. Westfield, MA

June 23-27 ………. Nashua, NH

Jun 30 – Jul 5 …… Niagara Falls, NY

July 8-11 …………. Pontiac, MI

July 14-18 ………. Chicago/Romeoville, IL

July 23-25 ………. Janesville, WI

Jul 28 – Aug 1 …. Rochester, MN

August 4-8 ……… Sioux Falls, SD

August 11-15 ….. Lincoln, NE

August 17 ……….. North Platte, NE

August 20-22 ….. Scottsbluff, NE

August 25-29 ….. Denver, CO

September 1-6 … Colorado Springs, CO

September 9-12 . Duncan, OK

October 1-3 …….. San Marcos, TX

October 16 …….. Fort Worth, TX

October 23 …….. Waco, TX

October 29-31 .. Wings Over Dallas Airshow

November 5-7 .. Blytheville, AR

November 13 … Dallas, TX

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

Air Force F-35A Demo Pilot Motivates Civil Air Patrol Cadets

Charles Atkeison
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Air Force F-35A Demo Pilot Motivates Civil Air Patrol Cadets

ATLANTA — The only female commander of a U.S. Air Force demonstration squadron reached out to the cadets of the Civil Air Patrol on Thursday to inspire and motivate the future of America’s military.

Maj. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, commander and pilot of the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, spoke to the teenagers via video conference. The CAP cadets of Forsyth County hope to follow in the footsteps of officers such as Wolfe with a career in the military.

The Civil Air Patrol is an extension of the Air Force, providing communities with volunteer services including search and rescue. CAP also offers support during natural disasters and provides humanitarian services.

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Civil Air Patrol cadet Eliza Vega poses a question for Maj. BEO Wolfe on Thursday. (Charles A Atkeison)

“Major Wolfe is kind and down to Earth,” Eliza Vega, CAP Cadet Senior Airman, said following the conference. “She has inspired me to achieve my goals no matter what obstacles I might face.”

Maj. Wolfe opened with an informative slideshow presentation, providing a wealth of information for the teens. Several of the cadets had watched her perform at the Atlanta Airshow in May and were in awe of her flying capabilities.

“The tactical pitch is one of my favorite maneuvers,” Maj. Wolfe told a group of 25 cadets. “It’s pretty impressive to see an airplane sliding away from the crowd, plus the inverted passes are a favorite, too.”

Vega and her family attended the Atlanta Airshow featuring the F-35A Demo Team. Eliza and her sister Juli – herself a cadet – were excited to learn that a female was piloting the stealth fighter during the air show.

As the military’s first female single-ship aerial demonstration pilot, Maj. Wolfe discussed how she has worked to earn her position. Beo offered advice for college and the leap into the military’s Officer Training School.

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Maj. Wolfe details the $400K F-35A pilot’s helmet during her video conference. (Charles A Atkeison)

“Do your best in everything you are doing – that’s for anybody out there,” Maj. Wolfe added. “Try to be a well-rounded individual doing things you are interested in whether it’s volunteering or sports, and maintain a good GPA.”

Wolfe graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. A few weeks later, she began training as a pilot in the Air Force, earning her silver wings in 2012.

She served as pilot of the F-22A Raptor, and three years later, transitioned to the F-35A. Maj. Wolfe has has logged nearly 1,000 total fighter jet hours in the two fifth-generation aircraft.

When she’s not flying, Wolfe enjoys water skiing and hiking in the mountains of the mid west.

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Maj. Kristin Wolfe pilots the F-35A Lightning II at Hill Air Force Base, Utah in May. (USAF/Capt. Kip Sumner)

“I was impressed with the design of the F-35 helmet,” Cadet Ian Bowen said. “I enjoyed hearing about the maneuvers that set the three different F-35s apart.”

The F-35A Demo Team is made up of its pilot and several support personnel, including aircraft maintainers and logistics. Based at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, the squadron travels to select air show sites each year.

Air shows and public outreach allow the team to recruit, engage, and inspire the next generation of Airmen. In addition, they showcase the professionalism and excellence of the Air Force.

“I want to spread the word that any minority out there can be a pilot,” Maj. Wolfe explained. “The airplane does not know who’s flying it, it responds to inputs.”

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

Air Force Thunderbirds to Headline Great Tennessee Airshow

Charles Atkeison
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Air Force Thunderbirds to Headline Great Tennessee Airshow

SMYRNA, Tenn. — The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy’s F-35C Lightning II will join top civilian aerobatic aircraft this weekend performing at The Great Tennessee Airshow.

The Thunderbirds return to middle Tennessee for the first time in ten years on June 5 and 6. The squadron’s six F-16C Fighting Falcon jets demonstrate high speed passes and dynamic maneuvers each afternoon.

Lead by commander Col. John Caldwell, the Thunderbirds new season is highlighted by an entirely different performance from previous years. Air show guests will witness their new ground show and aerial maneuvers over Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport.

“We are very excited about the changes we have made to our show and ground performance,” Col. Caldwell explained on Monday. “One of our main goals was to take a look at our show sequence and enhance the design with the crowd experience in mind.”

The Thunderbirds added two new maneuvers to their thirty-minute demonstration. Every show will see the Low Bomb Burst with Hit; and during the six-ship low and flat shows is the Stinger Cross Break.

“The crowd will feel the thunder in their chest by hearing the jets roar, seeing the speed, seeing the motion, and seeing the precision of our team while flying 18-inches apart,” Col. Caldwell added.

U.S. Navy’s Newest Fighter Jets to Perform

Two of the Navy’s flight demonstration teams are also slated to perform, the EA-18G Growler and the F-35C Lightning II. A flyover of Nashville by the two teams is planned for Thursday.

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Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers perform over Melbourne, Florida in April 2021. (Charles A Atkeison)

The Navy’s EA-18G Growler jets, a newer variant of the F/A-18 Hornet, are scheduled to perform each day. Expect two Growlers to perform together on Saturday and Sunday.

Two of the Navy’s F-35Cs will take to the skies to perform a 15 minute demonstration. The fifth-generation stealth fighters will also fly in formation with an F4U-4 Corsair for the Navy’s Legacy Flight.

“Our squadron is an F-35C training squadron at NAS Lemoore and our mission is to train warfighters to go out to the fleet,” Navy Lt. Dave “Strokes” Hinkle explained to AvGeekery.com. “We find holes in our training schedule to attend air shows like The Great Tennessee Airshow.”

Air show guests can get up close with several of today’s aircraft on display. The Knoxville Guard’s KC-135, a Memphis Guard C-17, a V-22 Osprey, and a T-38 are just a few of the static aircraft.

Flight line and box seat ticket packages are sold online only and will not be sold at the gate. The air show will is a reduced-capacity event due to COVID, and no general admission tickets will be sold.

“While many other major events in the region have either canceled or postponed due to COVID, we are thrilled with our decision to move forward and present such a top-rate air show that aviation fans have come to expect here,” John Black, executive director of the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority said.

Gates will open at 8 a.m. and the opening ceremonies are expected to begin at 11:30 a.m.

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

B-17 ‘Texas Raiders’, Vintage Aircraft Touring Southern Airports

Charles Atkeison
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B-17 ‘Texas Raiders’, Vintage Aircraft Touring Southern Airports

ATLANTA — The iconic sound of a B-17 Flying Fortress will echo across airports in the southeast as she joins several vintage aircraft during a current public tour by the Commemorative Air Force.

A historic B-17G known as Texas Raiders and fellow World War II-era aircraft are visiting airports to allow the pubic an up close view. Several aircraft are even available for the public to take a living history flight of their own.

Upcoming airport visits include Rome, Georgia; Mobile, Alabama; Houston and Tyler, Texas. The squadron of aircraft have recently completed visits in Florida and Atlanta.

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The B-17 Texas Raiders soars during take-off from Atlanta’s Cobb County Airport in May 2021. (Atkeison)

“The public is welcome to drive in for our Warbird Expo with three of our vintage World War II aircraft from the CAF on the ground,” Nancy Kwiecien, executive officer of the Commemorative Air Force’s Gulf Coast Wing, said. “We will be doing cockpit tours of the B-17, ground tours of the other aircraft, and public flights.”

‘Texas Raiders’ One of Only Four B-17s Still Flying

The Boeing-built B-17 Texas Raiders is one of only four flight worthy aircraft today. Construction was completed on the aircraft in July 1945, as one of the last built at the Long Beach, California plant.

During World War II, a B-17 was flown with a crew of ten. Powered by four Wright Cyclone nine-cylinder radial engines, the long range heavy bomber was used during every theater of combat.

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tours inside the B-17 and flights aboard the historic warbird are available to the Public. (Atkeison)

For Nancy, touring and promotion of the B-17 Flying Fortress is a heartfelt tribute to those who had served aboard them. Her Uncle Ken served aboard a B-17 during a monumental time for the Allies in the European theater.

“I was inspired to join CAF as I have an uncle who was a tail gunner on a B-17 in World War II,” she explained. “He flew across the English Channel on D-Day. I am very interested in the history and in the veteran’s stories.”

Beginning in June 1943, Allied Command used every surviving B-17 to bomb Hitler’s Europe. These aircraft helped bring a speedy end to the Axis domination across Europe.

“Eight years with the B-17 and I’m still inspired by the sight of her in the air,” Nancy added with a proud smile. “The Texas Raiders is gorgeous in the air and just a beautiful piece of art when she flies.”

A Beech JRB-6 nicknamed Little Raider was constructed in 1947 at the Beechcraft Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas. Two Pratt & Whitney radial engines provide a combined 900 hp.

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A Beech 18 known as Little Raider prepares for a public passenger flight on May 27, 2021. (Atkeison)

The aircraft served in the U.S. Army Air Force and the Navy during the Second World War. The Beech model 18 was designated as a C-45 Expeditor and a AT-7 Navigator by the Army Air Force. The Navy gave it several names, including the UC-45J Navigator.

Another aircraft touring with the B-17 is the North American SNJ-5. The tandem-seat trainer was known as The Pilot Maker, and prepared new aviators for air combat in the skies over Europe and the Pacific.

The SNJ is the Navy variant of the Army’s T-6 Texan or Europe’s Harvard. The aircraft is also a popular face at air shows around the globe.

CAF Gulf Coast Wing 2021 Tour:

Rome, GA: Richard Russell Regional Airport – May 28-31

Mobile, AL: Mobile Downtown Airport – June 1-3

Conroe, TX: Conroe North Houston Regional Airport – June 12 only

Houston, TX: Lone Star Flight Museum Ellington Field – June 19-20

Tyler, TX: Thunder Over Cedar Creek Airshow – July 1-4

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

Atlanta Airshow to Host Air Force and Navy Jets this Weekend

Charles Atkeison
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Atlanta Airshow to Host Air Force and Navy Jets this Weekend

ATLANTA — The first air show of the year in the middle south is this weekend as military jets and civilian aerobatics highlight the Atlanta Airshow in Peachtree City.

The U.S. Air Force F-35A and the Navy’s F-35C Lightning II jets will provide the thrust and high speed maneuvers on May 22 and 23. Civilian aerobatics include the Full-Throttle Formation Team and pilot Buck Roetman over Falcon Field.

Air show officials confirmed this week the addition of the Alabama Air National Guard’s F-16C Fighting Falcon to the line up. The F-16C Airfield Assault Demo is based at the 187th Fighter Wing near Montgomery.

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An Air Force F-35A Lightning II arrives at Dobbins ARB, Atlanta FRiday afternoon PILOTED BY MAJ. KRISTIN “Beo” WOLFE. (Charles A Atkeison)

The public can also get an up close view of several warbirds located on static display. A P-51 Mustang and a B-17 Flying Fortress are just a few of the World War II-era aircraft on hand.

First Airshow Featuring Two Flying F-35 Variants

The two F-35 demonstration teams arrived into Dobbins Air Reserve Base near Atlanta a day before the show. The Atlanta Airshow will mark the first time the public will see full demonstrations of the F-35A and the F-35C during one air show.

“I always liked the inverted pass just because it’s weird as a pilot to be 300-feet off the ground and inverted looking at the tree tops,” F-35A Demo pilot Maj. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe told AvGeekery.com from the Dobbins ARB flight line. “I always liked the crowd pleasers like the tactical pitch at the end of the demo.”

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The 2021 F-35A Demo Team featuring commander and pilot Maj. Krisitn Wolfe (center). (Charles A Atkeison)

Maj. Wolfe commands the F-35A Demonstration Team based at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Her father is a retired Air Force F-15C Eagle pilot and attended Stone Mountain High near Atlanta. Her family resides in the Georgia area.

For the pilots of the Navy’s F-35, their air show season will occur on days when they are not teaching future pilots. LT Dave Hinkle and LT Joe Calvi are each F-35C instructional pilots based at NAS Lemoore in California.

“Our squadron at Lemoore is an F-35C training squadron and we fill holes in our schedule to attend air shows,” LT Hinkle of Lemoore’s VFA-125 told AvGeekery on Friday. “Our mission is to train warfighters to get out to the fleet.”

Each jet team will also perform a patriotic tribute to the historic past of their branch of service.

The Air Force Heritage Flight will see the F-35A fly alongside an P-51D Mustang aircraft. The F-35C will fly with a historic F4U-4 Corsair during the Navy’s Legacy Flight.

Each jet aircraft demo team are being housed at Dobbins ARB this week. Located northwest of Atlanta, the air base has a strong history in supporting the military’s visiting aircraft.

“We are really proud to host these aircraft,” Dobbins ARB spokesperson 1st Lt. Alan Abernathy said. “The metro-Atlanta community is a strong supporter of Dobbins ARB; and we are happy to bring these aircraft here for an air show showcasing aviation and military aircraft.”

One of only ten flight worthy B-17 Flying Fortresses is scheduled to perform during the show. Air show guests can reserve a flight aboard the B-17 Texas Raiders for Saturday and Sunday for a truly historic ride.

Gates open at 9 a.m. each day with the opening ceremonies at 11:30 a.m. Single tickets and ticket packages remain available online and will not be sold at the gate.

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

WATCH: Just a Car Guy Calling “Car Talk” for Some Advice

Bill Walton
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WATCH: Just a Car Guy Calling “Car Talk” for Some Advice

Only This Car Guy is Driving a Rockwell “Van” Doing About 17K Miles Per Hour

Astronaut John Mace Grunsfeld crewed on five Space Shuttle missions. He became NASA’s Chief Scientist. After he retired from NASA (the first time) he became an accomplished mountaineer and served as deputy director of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. He later returned to NASA serving as associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD). Grunsfeld is also a tinkerer- he’s a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). He even has a passion for classic cars. Listen as Grunsfeld calls a couple of “Car Guys” from a very remote location to get their help with his current ride- a “Government van.” The video was uploaded to YouTube by 0do0m.

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NASA Career Begins and the Call is Made

Grunsfeld’s career with NASA began in 1992 when he was selected as an astronaut candidate. His first Shuttle flight was as a Mission Specialist for STS-67/Astro-2 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour (2 March – 18 March 1995). March 2–18, 1995). This was one of the few Shuttle missions to recover at Edwards AFB in California. His next Shuttle flight was as Flight Engineer for STS-81 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis (12 January – 22 January 1997). This mission was the fifth to dock with the Russian Mir space station. It was during this mission that Grunsfeld made his call to Car Talk via a relay from Mir to a TDRS satellite.

Hubble 2009 close up
Image via NASA

Servicing Hubble

Grunsfeld’s next mission was as a Mission Specialist for STS-103 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery (19 December – 27 December 1999). This mission was essentially a Hubble Space Telescope (HST) servicing flight which resulted in upgraded systems aboard the HST. Grunsfeld next returned to space as Payload Commander for STS-109 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia (1 March – 12 March 2002). This was another HST servicing mission undertaken to install new cameras, solar arrays, and power systems. Here’s a video with Grunsfeld talking about his Hubble experiences uploaded to YouTube by Spaceflightnow.

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image via nasa

Space Mechanics

Grunsfeld’s final space shot was as payload commander for STS-125 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis (11 May  – 24 May 2009). This was the fifth and final servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope. The HST received replacement components and new sensors. This was another instance of a Space Shuttle mission recovering at Edwards- and resulted in another call to Car Talk. John Grunsfeld logged more than 58 total days in space during his five Space Shuttle missions, 58 hours and 30 minutes of which was spent performing eight “space walks.” Here’s a video of John speaking about the HST uploaded to YouTube by PSW Science.

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image via nasa

Blue Angels Super Hornets Arrive on Florida’s Space Coast

Charles Atkeison
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Blue Angels Super Hornets Arrive on Florida’s Space Coast

MELBOURNE, Fla. — The Super Hornets of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels arrived on Florida’s Space Coast on Thursday ready to perform this weekend during The Great Florida Airshow.

The Blue Angels will headline a very busy air show which will include an Air Force F-16C Viper and a Navy EA-18G Growler. Several of America’s top aerobatic pilots are also scheduled to perform over Orlando-Melbourne International Airport on May 15 and 16.

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The Blue Angels arrive into Melbourne on Thursday for the Great Florida Airshow. (Charles A Atkeison)

Six blue and gold F/A-18E Super Hornets touched down at Orlando-Melbourne at 10 a.m. EDT. Prior to landing, the jets performed a smoke-on flyover aligned in their popular delta formation.

There to greet the jets was the Blue Angels equipment and personnel transport known as Fat Albert. The four-prop hulking aircraft is a C-130J Super Hercules piloted and maintained by an all-Marine crew.

“We are looking forward to celebrating with the city of Melbourne an air show over an awesome city,” Blue Angels left wing pilot Maj. Frank Zastoupil told AvGeekery.com on Thursday. “We are excited to have the chance to be back to support the community.”

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The U.S. Navy Blue Angels jets arrive over Orlando-Melbourne Airport on Thursday. (Charles A Atkeison)

The Blue Angels jets returned to the air at noon to perform a few practice flights and familiarize themselves with the area. This is the squadron’s first visit to Melbourne in six years.

Each pilot typically appreciates a certain flight maneuver during their show. Their 45-minute flight demonstration provides thrilling low passes and high speed turns.

“I really like the low-break cross,” Maj. Zastoupil explained. “That is a maneuver when the diamond comes from behind the crowd. We then break out in four separate directions, cross in front of the crowd and then comeback and meet at center point, and then do two max afterburner turns right in front.”

AO1 Joseph Noffsinger serves as the crew chief of Maj. Zastoupil’s number 3 jet. He is responsible for the preflight care and final checks of the aircraft prior to its flight.

“It’s a big responsibility. I’m responsible for Maj. Zastoupil’s well being in the seat and the overall integrity of the aircraft,” Noffsinger said. “Almost everyday is a fun time as I enjoy working on the aircraft.”

Individual tickets and ticket packages are available online only and are not sold at the gate. Gates open at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and air show officials asks the public to arrive early as general parking near the airport for free and limited.

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

WATCH: A Festival of A-10 Warthogs Delivering the BRRRRT

Bill Walton
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WATCH: A Festival of A-10 Warthogs Delivering the BRRRRT

This Group of Warthog Videos Will Warm the Hearts of A-10 Fans Everywhere

It’s no secret we love Warthogs here at Avgeekery. This group of A-10 Thunderbolt II videos contains all kinds of footage. Some was shot on ranges Warthogs were beating up. Some was shot in combat by troops in contact- some of whom were saved by those same Warthogs. But there’s one common denominator: BRRRRRT! So enjoy the action!

Video 1

This video was uploaded to YouTube by Rndm Compilation.

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Video 2

This video was uploaded to YouTube by LoveWarthogs.

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Video 3

This video was uploaded to YouTube by Military Machine.

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Video 4

This video was uploaded to YouTube by WarLeaks.

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Video 5

This video was uploaded to YouTube by The Real Deal.

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Great Florida Airshow to Host Blue Angels, F-16 Viper Demo

Charles Atkeison
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Great Florida Airshow to Host Blue Angels, F-16 Viper Demo

MELBOURNE, Fla. — The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force F-16C Viper are scheduled to headline the return of the Great Florida Airshow this weekend.

The family-fun event will feature top military and civilian performers over the Orlando-Melbourne International Airport. The public can also get up close with several static aircraft displays including a C-130 Hurricane Hunter.

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The Blue Angels C-130J Super Hercules Fat Albert during an air show visit in April 2021. (Charles A Atkeison)

Gates will open at 8 a.m. on May 15 and 16, and nearby parking is free. All single tickets and ticket packages are available only online and are not sold at the gate.

Blue Angels: ‘This is Gonna be a Gigantic Year’

Celebrating their 75th anniversary season, the Blue Angels six jets are scheduled to arrive on Thursday to prepare for the two-day show. The team’s new C-130J Super Hercules known as Fat Albert will arrive loaded with equipment and personnel to support the flight demonstrations.

“This is gonna be a gigantic year with the brand new Super Hornets and the C-130J,” Blue Angels executive officer and Navy commander Todd Royles told AvGeekery.com. “What a major milestone of 75 years of this historic, and just a national treasure of an organization.”

The Great Florida Airshow is the Blue Angels fourth scheduled show site of the year. Their Super Hornet jets are 30% larger than their previous legacy Hornet jets.

“With the Super Hornet, it’s a bigger jet so we have a little more power and little more thrust,” Blue Angels opposing solo pilot Lt. Cary Rickoff explained to AvGeekery.com. “Guests can expect the same Blue Angels maneuvers and precision that they are use to.

Rickoff added, “The delta (formation) will be bigger and so it will block out the Sun a little more.”

High speed passes and dizzying cork screw turns will highlight the maneuvers of the F-16C Viper each day. Led by pilot Maj. Garret “Toro” Schmitz, the Viper Demonstration Team

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Air Force Maj. Garret Schmitz will pilot the F-16C Viper over Melbourne Airport on May 15 & 16. (USAF)

“Support the air show community,” Maj. Schmitz told this reporter. “People putting on crazy shows, and performers doing crazy aerobatics — crazier than I do!”

In addition to the military’s current aircraft, the nation’s top civilian aerobatic pilots will showcase their flying skills. Pilots Rob Holland, Scott “Scooter” Yoak, and Mike Goulian are just a few scheduled to perform over the airfield.

Guests of all ages can learn more about the U.S. military with select virtual reality displays. The Air Force Experience and the Navy SEAL’s Nimitz mission simulation are scheduled to attend the show.

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

Atlanta Airshow to Host Two F-35 Demonstration Teams

Charles Atkeison
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Atlanta Airshow to Host Two F-35 Demonstration Teams

ATLANTA — Both the U.S. Air Force and Navy’s F-35 Lightning II jets are headed to the Peach State in two weeks for a rare opportunity to witness each performing during the Atlanta Airshow.

The two F-35s from separate branches of service are not scheduled to fly together. The Air Force F-35A was made for conventional runway take-off and landings, while the Navy’s F-35C is made to launch and land aboard an aircraft carrier.

Air Force pilot Maj. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe commands the F-35A Demonstration Team based at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The squadron is excited to begin their long awaited air show season on May 22 and 23 in Peachtree City.

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F-35A Demonstration Team commander and pilot MAJ. KRISTIN “BEO” WOLFE prepares for flight prior to stepping to the jet for a demonstration rehearsal at Hill AFB. on April 28. (USAF/ Capt. Kip. Sumner)

“The Demo Team has been looking forward to the Atlanta Airshow for months, especially considering it’s our first airshow of the season,” Maj. Beo Wolfe told AvGeekery.com from the flight line on Friday. “We didn’t get to perform in Georgia last year, so we’re super excited to be flying for the Atlanta area.”

Maj. Wolfe will pilot the F-35A during a 15-minute flight demonstration above the show crowd. Atlanta is the only scheduled performance site this year in the southeastern United States.

“The F-35A has an advanced flight control system, which allows the pilot to easily command maximum performance from the airplane,” Wolfe added. “During the show you’ll also see a variety of maneuvers in which the jet is displaying the unique capability of 50 degrees angle of attack.”

The F-35As performance highlights only a few of its precision maneuvers. Several other capabilities by the F-35 are classified, including a basic surface attack and dropping weapons.

Wolfe’s performance also includes a formation flight with an Air Force warbird. The Air Force Heritage Flight will see the F-35A fly alongside an P-51D Mustang aircraft.

“We’re extremely excited to be kicking of our 2021 show season at the Atlanta Air Show,” F-35A demonstration spokesperson Capt. Kip Sumner added. “We recommend checking us out and tagging us on social media @F35DemoTeam or #F35DemoTeam. And, if you see any of us at the show, feel free to come over and say hi.”

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

GEICO Skytypers Discuss Maintaining their WW II Aircraft

Charles Atkeison
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GEICO Skytypers Discuss Maintaining their WW II Aircraft

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team has begun their new season primed with a historic flight demonstration display loaded with aerial maneuvers flown during the second world war.

The GEICO Skytypers showcase low level maneuvers and create huge sky typed messages over the air show. The civilian squadron’s history dates back to the 1970s, and 15 years as the GEICO Skytypers.

Their flight demonstration at air shows highlights their Navy SNJ-2 aircraft as the pilots tell the story of an age before the jet engine. A flight trainer in the early-1940’s, the SNJ was known among the U.S. Army’s aviators as the pilot maker.

“There’s not a point in time when I get into this airplane that I’m not fully aware I’m flying a piece of history,” GEICO Skytypers right wing pilot Chris “CT” Thomas told AvGeekery.com during an exclusive interview on Monday. “It’s a 1941 SNJ-2 so it’s an ex-Navy airplane.”

GEICO Skytyper Pilot, Maintainer Focused on the Squadron

The Skytypers have become an air show favorite as they showcase the aerial assault of a World War II dogfight. As the warbirds soar across the sky, they also generate massive sky typed messages for the air show crowds.

“These machines are amazing, if you look at the engines with the case off, they look like a swiss clock,” GEICO Skytypers Director of Maintenance Frank Atria said. “Here it is 80-years later and they’re still airworthy, they’re still doing their job, and they make for great performances.”

The squadron includes lead pilot Larry Arken in the Skytyper one aircraft. Arken and pilots Chris Thomas, Mark Gannucci, and Chris Orr are the diamond formation. Steven Salmirs and Tom Daly perform as the more aggressive solo pilots who challenge the diamond during several maneuvers.

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GEICO Skytypers lead maintainer Frank Atria inspects the engine of a Navy SNJ-2. (Charles A Atkeison)

GEICO Skytypers back-up pilot Jim Record provides a stirring narration during each maneuver. Timed to patriotic music selections, their display is an exciting moment of living history.

The living history of these historic warbirds continue to ‘wow’ audiences at air show sites. The squadron is scheduled to perform at 12 show sites across the eastern United States in 2021. 

GEICO Skytypers 2021 Air Show Schedule
Apr 17-18…… Cocoa Beach Air Show, Fla.
May 8-9………. Ford Lauderdale Air Show, Fort Lauderdale, Fla
May 29-30….. Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park, NY
Jun 19-20……. Ocean City Air Show, Ocean City, MD
Jul 3-4………….. Kansas City Air Show, Kansas
Jul 17-18……… Greater Binghamton Air Show, New York
Jul 26-Aug 1… EAA Air Venture Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI
Aug 18………….. Atlantic City Airshow, Atlantic City, NJ
Aug 28-29……. New York Air Show, New Windsor, NY
Sep 18-19…….. NAS Oceana Air Show, NAS Oceana, VA
Oct 16-17…….. Lockheed Martin Air and Space Show, Sanford, FL
Nov 6-7………… Warbirds over Monroe Air Show, Monroe, NC

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

Navy’s Blue Angels, F-35C Demo Arrive for South Texas Airshow

Charles Atkeison
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Navy’s Blue Angels, F-35C Demo Arrive for South Texas Airshow

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and F-35C Demonstration Team arrived in the Lone Star state Thursday for their performances this weekend at the Wings over South Texas Airshow.

The six blue and gold Super Hornet jets of the Blue Angels arrived Thursday morning into Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. Two Navy F-35C Lightning IIs also touched down and are scheduled to perform on Saturday and Sunday.

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A NAVY F-35C LIGHTNING II WILL PERFORM high speed precision flight OVER THE BAYFRONT May 1-2. (US NAVY)

Unlike past years, the air base is not hosting the air show and instead going with the openness of a beach show. Air show center is located between Spoil Island and North Shoreline Blvd. overlooking Corpus Christie Bay.

“Although NAS CC will only be in a supporting role, the new format will allow greater public access for members of our South Texas community and the visitors that the show will attract,” NAS CC commander Capt. Chris Jason said. “This new show format also underscores the strength of the relationship between the military and the local community.”

Blue Angels to Showcase Faster Super Hornets

This year marks the Blue Angels 75th anniversary season and their first with the faster Super Hornet jets. The squadron said they are “excited to be on the road” to display their new aircraft.

“We will be traveling with a 100% fully immunized personnel on our team in order for the safest outcome for our community and personnel,” Blue Angels flight surgeon Lt. Monica Borza explained to AvGeekery.com. “We do have certain measures in place off-duty and we will be abiding by CDC and DOD guidelines.”

Air shows are a favorite past time for Lt. Borza, who grew up attending shows in Virginia Beach. Her father’s military life inspired her to join the U.S. Navy and become a fully licensed physician.

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Blue Angels first year Doc, Lt. Monica Borza, grew up attending summer air shows. (Charles A Atkeison)

“I grew up going to the air show every summer,” Borza said from the flight line. “My father is a former naval flight officer, so I grew up inundated amongst the aviation community and I am honored and proud to be here to represent the fleet.”

The Blue Angels new C-130J Super Hercules known as Fat Albert also arrived into south Texas. The hulking aircraft delivered equipment and key personnel needed to keep the jets flying.

Tickets remain available for VIP sections at air show center. The flying will begin at 1 p.m. CDT, with the Blue Angels performing the final demonstration beginning at 3:05 p.m.

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

WATCH: Former F-14 Tomcat RIO Analyzes TOP GUN

Bill Walton
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WATCH: Former F-14 Tomcat RIO Analyzes TOP GUN

Ward Carroll Knows Tomcats and He Shares His Insight With TOP GUN Movie Fans

Ward Carroll is a former Fighter Squadron THREE TWO (VF-32) Swordsmen F-14 Tomcat RIO and author of the well-received Punk series of novels (Punk’s War, Punk’s Wing, Punk’s Fight) along with two other books. Over his career Carroll flew with three more Tomcat squadrons and served as the Carrier Air Wing ONE (CVW-1) Operations Officer. Carroll applies his technical knowledge of the Tomcat to these videos about the 1986 Paramount movie Top Gun. In the first video Carroll discusses the reality of the flat spin scene and Goose’s fatal ejection along with his career in Naval Aviation. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Ward Carroll.

The Truth About the F-14 and Goose’s Death

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Carroll was also editor of Approach magazine and a contributing editor for Naval Aviation News. In the second video Carroll takes a broader look at Top Gun and calls out 21 “cringeworthy” technical errors made in the movie.  There are those who probably know about some of these technical errors, and there are some who know about all of them and even more. Carroll takes the movie to task- which from a technical accuracy perspective the movie deserves. See how many of these technical errors you knew about before Carroll’s dissertation and how many you know about that Carroll didn’t mention in the video. Comments please. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Ward Carroll.

21 Cringeworthy Errors in the Movie TOP GUN

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Ward’s first video didn’t include some of the most cringeworthy errors. He saved them for this follow-up. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Ward Carroll.

13 More Cringeworthy Errors in the Movie TOP GUN

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Image via IMDB

Air Force Thunderbirds Inspire Civil Air Patrol Cadets

Charles Atkeison
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Air Force Thunderbirds Inspire Civil Air Patrol Cadets

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The cadets of a Civil Air Patrol in metro Atlanta were greeted by members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds on Thursday during an exclusive online video conference.

Three members of America’s Ambassadors in Blue spoke with local teens involved with the civilian branch of the Air Force. For one high ranking cadet, the live discussion increased her motivation for a career in the military.

“It was exciting to meet with members of the Thunderbirds, and be able to ask them questions,” Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Juli Vega of the Forsyth County CAP said afterwards.

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The Thunderbirds Delta Formation flies over Cocoa Beach, Fla. in April 2021. (Image: Charles A Atkeison)

Civil Air Patrol cadets are made up of teens working hard to learn the disciplines of the Air Force. They each earn rank as they learn about all aspects of an aerospace career in the military.

Thunderbirds Inspire America’s Future Airmen

The Civil Air Patrol is an extension of the Air Force, and has provided local communities with volunteer services dating back to before World War II. They offer aide to search and rescue aircrews, disaster relief, and also volunteer with humanitarian services.

The Thunderbirds began their 2021 air show season last weekend in central Florida. Their six F-16 Fighting Falcon jets perform precision maneuvers and high speed passes before show guests.

Thunderbirds’ flight surgeon Lt. Col. (Dr.) Noel Colls lead the 45 minute discussion from their air base near Las Vegas, Nevada. He described for the cadets his career with the military and with the team.

“I get to work with a great group of people and really learn a lot,” Lt. Col. Colls stated to the cadets. “In the military you will get to do things that you will never ever get to do in the civilian world.”

The medical doctor is also a prior military pilot having logged over 540 flight hours in 20 different aircraft. He has even logged over 310 combat hours during several tours of duty.

“There is a huge spectrum of jobs available in the Air Force,” Colls added. “Sure, being a pilot is fun to get up in a jet and fly, but, it’s all about your own personality and your own desires of what you want to do.”

Many of the young cadets are interested in advancing to the Air Force Academy in Colorado following high school. Careers as a pilot, medical, and logistics were just a few of the jobs discussed during the event.

“As an aspiring pilot and hopefully a future member of the Air Force, the biggest takeaway from this conversation was that in even this group of elite aviators, success comes down to attitude, integrity, and perseverance,” Cadet MSgt. Vega, 15, added with a nod. “Without these three qualities, it is difficult to achieve your full potential either as an individual or within a team.”

Vega will soon join a few cadets from across Georgia for an uplifting military experience. They will soon get to ride aboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft during an observation flight with the 165th Airlift Wing near Savannah.

For Vega, these are two great leaps towards her future with the military.

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

SpaceX ‘Endeavour’ Launches with Four Astronauts to Space Station

Charles Atkeison
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SpaceX ‘Endeavour’ Launches with Four Astronauts to Space Station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Four astronauts launched aboard a reusable SpaceX Crew Dragon early Friday from America’s Space Coast to begin a nearly six month stay aboard the International Space Station.

This SpaceX Crew-2 mission is the second operational commercial crewed space launch. It also marks the third time Americans have launched into space from the U.S. in last 11 months.

Riding a top a Falcon 9 rocket, the Crew Dragon Endeavour lifted off at 5:49:02 a.m. EDT, from the Kennedy Space Center. The Falcon 9’s instantaneous launch time occurred as the space station flew 258 miles above the Indian Ocean.

The candle stick rocket soared up the east coast of the United States. Nearly three minutes after launch, Falcon’s spent first stage separated and the second stage immediately took over.

“I’m just so proud of the team, and what this team was able to accomplish,” Acting NASA administrator Steve Jurczyk said from the space center.

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astronauts Thomas Pesquet, Megan McArthur, Shane Kimbrough, and Akihiko Hoshide depart for Launch Complex 39A to board the SpaceX Crew Dragon ‘Endeavour’ early Friday. (NASA)

Endeavour’s crew includes NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur who will serve as Dragon’s commander and pilot. Japan’s Akihiko Hoshide and European astronaut Thomas Pesquet will round out the four person crew.

Nine minutes following launch, Endeavour successfully reached orbit. At the same time, the Falcon’s first stage made a pin point landing on a recovery platform off the coast of South Carolina.

The booster was last flown in November, placing four of the current seven station crew members into orbit. This mission also marks Endeavour’s second journey into space.

Commander Kimbrough and pilot McArthur will steer Endeavour during a one day flight to the orbiting laboratory. Based on an on time launch, Endeavour’s crew is scheduled to dock to the station on Saturday at about 5:10 a.m.

Crew 2 Launch Photo
Two Americans, a European, and a Japanese astronaut depart for the space station on April 23, 2021. (NASA)

Following docking, the crew will take two hours to prepare the hatches between Crew Dragon and the station for opening. The crew is scheduled to live and work aboard the orbiting laboratory.

This will mark the first time that two commercial crew spacecraft are docked to the space station. The Crew Dragon Resilience has been docked with the outpost for nearly six months.

One week following Endeavour’s docking, Resilience will undock from the Harmony node to bring her crew home. Meanwhile, Endeavour and her crew will stay aboard the space station until around November 1.

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

Mars Helicopter ‘Ingenuity’ Flies Higher on Second Flight

Charles Atkeison
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Mars Helicopter ‘Ingenuity’ Flies Higher on Second Flight

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA flew a powered aircraft on Mars for a second time on Thursday demonstrating that humans can control an aircraft in the planet’s ultra thin atmosphere.

The tissue box-size Mars helicopter Ingenuity transmitted several images during its flight to its host, the Perseverance rover. Located 215 feet away, Perseverance transmitted the final commands from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory one hour before the flight.

At an exact moment, the copter’s twin rotor blades were spun up to 2,537 rpm. A final system’s check was performed as the blades cut through Mars’ ultra thin atmosphere.

Likened to the Wright Brothers first powered flight, Ingenuity took off from the Martian surface at 5:33 a.m. EDT, and stayed aloft for 51.9 seconds. The controlled flight flew up to an altitude of 16 feet and then traveled seven feet.

“The helicopter came to a stop, hovered in place, and made turns to point its camera in different directions,” Ingenuity’s chief pilot Håvard Grip said on Thursday. “Then it headed back to the center of the airfield to land.”

JPL received the first data from the rover four hours later. Images and data points were relayed from the copter to the rover, and to NASA’s JPL in California.

In honor of the the first controlled, powered flight on Earth, NASA has named Ingenuity’s air field. The small flight region located near Jezero Crater is now called Wright Brothers Field.

“While Ingenuity carries no science instruments, the little helicopter is already making its presence felt across the world,” NASA’s associate administrator for science Thomas Zurbuchen said. “Just as Ingenuity was inspired by the Wright brothers, future explorers will take off using both the data and inspiration from this mission.”

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NASA’s Mars helicopter photographs the Martian surface, including its shadow, on Thursday.

This second flight is the next in a series of five planned test flights during April. Each flight is expected to take Ingenuity higher and farther.

JPL has less than two weeks to perform Ingenuity’s next three flights as below zero temperatures weaken the craft. An official date for the copter’s third test flight will be announced in a few days.

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

WATCH: A Lockheed C-141 Starlifter Triple Feature

Bill Walton
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WATCH: A Lockheed C-141 Starlifter Triple Feature

These Versatile Airlifters Became the Backbone of Military Air Transport Serving for 40 Years

The Lockheed C-141 Starlifter served with the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), then the Military Airlift Command (MAC), and finally the Air Mobility Command (AMC) of the United States Air Force (USAF). The aircraft also served with airlift and air mobility wings of the Air Force Reserve (AFRES), later renamed Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), the Air National Guard (ANG) and, later, one air mobility wing of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) dedicated to C-141, C-5, C-17 and KC-135 training. This tribute was compiled as part of the dedication ceremony for the YC-141B (60186) held on November 14, 2020 in Marietta, GA, the birthplace of the StarLifter. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Aviation History & Technology Center.

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The first delivery of a Starlifter to an operational unit took place on 23 April 1965 when C-141A AF Serial 63-8088 was delivered to the 44th Air Transport Squadron, 1501st Air Transport Wing, at Travis Air Force Base (AFB) in California. The C-141 eventually replaced the propeller-driven Douglas C-124 Globemaster II and the Douglas C-133 Cargomaster. Production deliveries 285 aircraft began in 1965. 284 of the airlifters went to the USAF, with a single example (the company demonstrator) going to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for use as an airborne observatory. The aircraft remained in service for over 40 years until the USAF withdrew the last C-141s from service in 2006. This video was uploaded to YouTube by Skyships Eng.

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Lonnie Linton was one of the crew chiefs for C-141A AF Serial 63-8088 (the Golden Bear) at Travis AFB back in 1971. The Vietnam vet recounts his experience by visiting a similar plane at the National Museum of the US Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB. This video was uploaded to YouTube by Lon Linton.

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C-141B in flight. image via us air force

Unsolved Mysteries: The Strange Case of the Wayward Warthog

Michael Young
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Unsolved Mysteries: The Strange Case of the Wayward Warthog

USAF Captain Craig Button Broke Formation and Flew Off Alone- into Oblivion. But Why?

Craig David Button was born on 24 November 1964. Like a lot of want-to-be fighter pilots, he had lived his life as part of a military family growing up with a few moves, lots of change, and a wealth of worldly experience under his belt. Button graduated from high school in Long Island, New York and had started working toward earning his private pilot certification at the age of 17 before heading off to college. He was described as “polite”, “quiet”, and a “perfectionist”. His father was a retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and his mother was a devout Jehovah’s Witness who was known to be strongly opposed to Craig’s decision to serve in the military.

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craig button during pilot training at laughlin afb, tx (source: summit daily)

Fighter Pilot In the Making

Button graduated from the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, New York with a degree in aerospace engineering and was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) in 1990. After college, he was immediately shipped off to Laughlin Air Force Base (AFB) in Texas to complete Air Force pilot training. Upon graduation Button earned an assignment as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP) in the Cessna T-37 Tweet trainer. After four years as a T-37 FAIP, Button was reassigned to the 355th Fighter Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona to begin initial A-10 flight training and finally realize his dream of becoming a fighter pilot.

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Cessna T-37 trainer. image via US Air Force

What It (Really) Takes to Become a Hog Pilot

It takes 40 training sorties over the span of five months to complete the initial A-10 training course which consists of several training phases. Transition, or TR as it’s traditionally called focuses on basic flying, systems knowledge, and instruments. Surface Attack, or the SA phase, introduces weapons employment and gives the student his or her first taste of shooting the mighty GAU-8 Avenger 30mm Gatling gun. Nights, well…is nights…and hones night flying skills – crosschecks, deconfliction, and night weapons employment.

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A-10 Warthog. image via DVIDS

Mixing It Up With the Fighter Jocks

ACBT, Air Combat Basic Training, introduces Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) in the Hog and also provides an opportunity for the student pilot to fight dissimilar assets like F-16 Vipers or F-15 Eagles. The Air Strike Control phase was usually near the end of the syllabus and taught the A-10 student pilot basic Forward Air Control (FAC-A) tactics, techniques, and procedures. But, the longest and most difficult training phase intertwined with all of the other five phases as it encompassed teaching Close Air Support, the Warthog’s bread-and-butter mission.

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A-10 Warthog. image via DVIDS

What Hog Pilots Live For

This phase was called SAT, or Surface Attack Tactics. It was ten sorties long, started off with basic two-ship medium altitude tactics, and culminated with low altitude high threat four-ship tactics. There are two sorties during A-10 initial training every student froth at the mouth over. The first is SA-1, the surface attack mission to the range where a fangs-out Hog driver-in-training gets to pull the trigger for the first time and unleash the power of the mighty Avenger 30 millimeter rotary cannon.

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A-10 firing the avenger cannon. image via DVIDS

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