ROME, Ga. — The precision flying of the Air Force Thunderbirds plus the nation’s top aerobatic pilots are just a few scheduled to perform this weekend during the Wings Over North Georgia Airshow.
The Air Force’s F-16C Viper and A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Teams will provide the extra excitement. Rome’s Richard B. Russell Airfield is center stage for an incredible line-up on Saturday and Sunday.
In this era of Covid concerns, the two-day event will be formatted as a drive-in air show. It is the only accepted air show format by the Air Force.
Air Force A-10 Warthog, F-16 Viper, and P-51 Mustang will perform the Heritage Flight over Rome. (USAF)
“Our 2020 air show will feature more military demonstration teams than we’ve ever hosted during a single event,” JLC AirShow Management President John Cowman said. “To address current safety concerns and the need for social distancing, we’re using a drive-in format for this year’s air show.”
Thunderbirds Return to North Georgia
Rome marks the fifth of six planned air shows by the Thunderbirds this year. In May, they performed a flyover of metro Atlanta to honor healthcare workers on the frontlines of Covid 19.
Their six F-16C Fighting Falcons will perform a nearly 45-minute flight demonstration each day. Four diamond jets flying a tight formation, while two solo jets perform high speed passes.
The Rome air show will be a homecoming for Thunderbird 12 officer Capt. Remoshay Nelson. The first year public affairs officer is looking forward to visiting with family from her hometown of Douglasville.
“I am excited for Wings over North Georgia and look forward to returning home to perform for my friends, family, and the Rome community,” Capt. Nelson told AvGeekery.com on Monday. “It is my hope our aerial demonstration can bring some pride and inspiration for air show attendees.”
Capt. Nelson, call sign “Flare”, has flown in the backseat of the F-16D jet from time to time. So we asked her, “what is your favorite maneuver?”
“When I’m flying I enjoy the vertical rolls and when I’m on the ground I like the High Alpha,” Capt. Nelson explained. “Both of these maneuvers show the capabilities and diversity in maneuverability of the aircraft.”
The Military & Civilian Performers and Airshow Insight
A Dobbins ARB C-130J Hercules will also take to the skies over the autumn colors of north Georgia. A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from Tacoma, Wash. is also scheduled to perform.
Champion aerobatic pilot Michael Goulian returns to Wings Over North Georgia this weekend. (Goulian)
Civilian performers include Michael Goulian, Michael Wiskus, Matt Younkin, and Buck Roetman performing aerobatic maneuvers. A few warbirds, including Scott Yoak’s P-51D Mustang and the B-25J Mitchell bomber Panchito, are also scheduled to perform.
Cowman confirms tickets are sold online only for both days. A food court area and restrooms will be available each day.
“We ask that when you frequent either the restrooms or any of the vendors that you wear your mask and respect the six-foot rule of distance between fellow airshow attendees,” Cowman added.
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
FORT WORTH, Texas — North Texas’ first drive-in air show completed a successful two-day event on Sunday as the Air Force latest aircraft and popular aerobatic planes provided the weekend thrills.
The 30th Anniversary of the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show featured the Air Force Thunderbirds. The nation’s newest fighter jets, including the F-22A Raptor and F-35A Lightning II, also performed each day.
AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS PERFORMED WITH ONLY FIVE F-16 JETS DURING THE TWO-DAY ALLIANCE AIRSHOW. (USAF)
The drive-in air show experience did not include deep rows of spectators standing along the flight line as the aircraft flew close. Nor did it have the usual aircraft static displays or a kids’ inflatables bounce area.
Much like a drive-in theater, visitors watched from their parked vehicle due to Covid concerns. This has been the approved model the Air Force has selected since July.
The Alliance Airshow was a sellout, having sold over 3,007 parking spots each day. Each spot was large enough for guests to get out and sit in lawn chairs, provided they wore a mask.
The Aircraft Performances
The Thunderbirds six-jet formation highlighted the skies above Alliance Airport. Cloudy skies on Saturday gave way to sunny conditions on Sunday, providing a beautiful performance.
One highlight each day was the Air Force Heritage Flight. A historic P-51 Mustang was joined in the skies by a F-22A, F-35A, and an A-10C Thunderbolt II to form a diamond shape formation.
The Heritage Flight has been a staple at air shows for over 20 years, honoring Airmen from yesteryear through today. The four aircraft performed several slow passes before the crowds on Saturday and Sunday.
An Air Force F-22A, A-10C, and F-35A join a P-51 Mustang during the Heritage Flight on Saturday. (USAF)
Aerobatic pilots Michael Goulian and David Martin performed a dizzying array of spins, high climbs, and low passes. Goulian’s Extra 330SC aircraft can perform a roll rate up to 420 degrees per second and a top speed of 260 m.p.h.
“Preparation and focus,” Goulian said Saturday at the conclusion of his first flight. “So great to be back to flying airshows in 2020. The team at Fort Worth Alliance Air Show has done a magnificent job to make a great family event!”
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
VIRGINIA BEACH — A virtual air show featuring live performances by U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft will be broadcast across social media on Saturday from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The once cancelled 2020 Oceana Airshow will now take place from the coastal airbase without guests in attendance. Base organizers elected to fly with the new virtual format to provide local residents with a show “in a safe environment”.
This will be the only air show hosted by a U.S. naval base this season due to Covid concerns.
Air Force A-10C Demo Team commander Maj. Cody “ShIV” Wilton pilots the Warthog last week. (USAF)
“Moving the air show to a live-streamed event allows us to keep everyone healthy,” NAS Oceana commander Capt. John W. Hewitt said on Wednesday. “Showcasing what the Navy and Marine Corps team is capable of doing when we deploy around the world to defend America’s interests.”
The four-hour air show will begin at 12 p.m. EDT, and last four hours. The live performances will be shown via social media, including on YouTube, from Live Airshow TV.
The Navy’s F/A-18F Super Hornet, affectionately known as a Rhino, will perform a nearly 18-minute flight on Saturday. The Rhino Demonstration Team is excited to perform over their home base.
“We’re honored that even in a COVID environment, we are able to safely perform and showcase the incredible dedication by the men and women who maintain and operate aircraft from NAS Oceana every day,” Rhino Demo Team member LT. Matt “Syndrome” Lindeman said.
Oceana will be the Rhino’s first air show performance of the season due to Covid concerns. The pilots and maintainers have continued to practice each week to maintain their readiness.
“The demo profile is designed to highlight the mobility, versatility, and power of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, and enhance U.S. Navy recruiting in the area of Naval Aviation,” LT. Linderman added.
The Air Force F-22A Raptor and A-10C Thunderbolt II demonstration teams are also scheduled to perform. A Marine Corps. MV-22 Osprey is also poised to fly, performing vertical take-offs and hovering techniques over the air field.
Aerobatic pilots Michael Goulian, aboard his Extra 330SC, and Scott Francis, in the MXS aircraft, will provide a dizzying array of maneuvers.
Oceana base officials caution local residents from parking near the base to catch the event in person.
“The best way to view the air show is on your phone, tablet or computer,” Capt. Hewitt said. “We need to make sure emergency services personnel can get wherever they may need to go and that nobody is spreading the virus outside of our gates trying to get a better view of the show.”
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
WASHINGTON — Historic warbirds and massive bombers will fill the skies over the nation’s capitol next week to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The Arsenal of Democracy flyover will see waves of aircraft formations fly across Washington, D.C. on September 25. Separated by two minutes, each wave of aircraft will honor historic battles of the European and Pacific theaters of war.
The 75-minute flyover will then conclude with a missing man formation.
The Arsenal of Democracy Flyover will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. (U.S. Army)
“Approximately 70 World War II aircraft will take to the sky in historically sequenced warbird formations,” Tony Vericella, Executive Director of the 75th WWII Commemoration Committee, said on Tuesday. “These formations will fly over the Washington Mall in two minute intervals.”
The aerial parade will fly south along the Potomac River before moving east over Independence Avenue and the National Mall. The first waves of airplanes will flyover the Lincoln Memorial beginning at 11:30 a.m. EDT.
Arsenal of Democracy Flyover to Honor the end of World War II 9
“The formations will represent the War’s major battles concluding with a missing man formation,” Vericella added.
During a radio broadcast in December 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called on America to become ‘the great arsenal of democracy’. Roosevelt asked the nation to furnish Great Britain with aircraft and supplies as war spread across Europe.
The Commemorative Air Force, museums, and private individuals have donated the warbirds for the aerial parade. Aircraft will represent major scenes of the War from the Civil Air Patrol to D-Day, and Iwo Jima.
“We’re proud to serve as a principle organizer of the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover to help ensure we recognize and remember the enormous sacrifices of our nation’s heroes,” CAF president Hank Coates said.
The B-29 Superfortress “FIFI” is scheduled to flyover Washington, D.C. on September 25. (Charles Atkeison)
Of the nearly 70 planes, these are just a few of those scheduled to fly:
Six B-25 Mitchell bombers, including “Panchito”, will fly in formation. Two B-29 Superfortress’s, *FIFI* and DOC, are also scheduled to fly.
Six C-47 Skytrain’s, the leaders of the Allies D-Day invasion to liberate France, are also due to fly. The C-47 That’s All Brother, who led the first wave of D-Day aircraft in 1944, is also schedule to fly.
Five Curtis P-40 Warhawks are scheduled to fly. The Army Air Force’s front line fighter was in the air during the attacks on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Four B-17 Flying Fortresses, including Aluminum Overcast, and nine P-51 Mustangs will also take part. The Army’s T-6 Texans, Navy’s SNJ-2s, and the British Harvard aircraft will be included in the warbird formations.
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, the Arsenal of Democracy, in conjunction with the WWII 75th Commemoration Committee, produced a video tribute.
Ever since flying began, the need for enhanced range of aircraft existed. In 1923, the first air refueling took place. The video above depicts a KC-135R refueling a NATO E-3 AWACs for training. The dangers of two aircraft flying in close proximity can not be understated. At 38 seconds into the video – within the next 2 – the aircraft were within inches of each other.
While nearly every air refueling occurs without incident, the danger exists nonetheless each time two aircraft fly so closely to each other.
Here is a short video with the history of Air Refueling.
My Experience With Air Refueling as a KC-135 Pilot
kc135e: The 2nd model with improved tf-33 engines producing 18,000 lbs thrust per engine and thrust reversers. (source: 190arw)KC135R: The third engine refit with cfm-56 engines capable of 22,000 lbs of thrust per engine. (source: 190ARW)
With over 20 years flying the KC-135 D/E/R, many questions arose whenever I gave orientation rides for civilians. These were my most frequent questions I was asked:
Q: How much fuel do y’all carry? A: About 32,000 gallons or about 1 gallon of milk per day for 87 years!
Q: How much does this big airplane weigh and how does it take off? A: About 320,000 lbs at full gross weight and honestly, we really have no clue how it takes off! (kidding)
Q: How far do y’all fly on a tank of gas? A: About half way around the world, if we fly farther than that, we went the wrong way!
Q: How do you find each other (receiver and tanker)? A: We plan to meet each other at a specific time, altitude, and location, based on an established and approved Air Refueling Track (line) or Military Operations Area (anchor area). The pix below shows the US air refueling tracks and anchors. Each one has properties that identify altitudes and coordinates for entry and exit.
From dod publication AP/1b military training routes
The U.S. Air Force, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force reserve have flown many models of air refueling tankers with the latest being the KC-46 Pegasus. Each aircraft has had a role in keeping the mission moving.
Air refueling takes training, practice, and proficiency to execute safely. The challenge is worth it though. We kept important missions moving. With thousands of hours in the air refueling business – the office views were amazing too! Here are a couple of my favorite pics that I took while flying the mighty KC-135…
just a standard day over kansas refueling the thunderbirds: source chris turnerbetter not leave out the blue angels! source chris turner
Call it one of the more unique aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just as drive in movies are growing in popularity, drive in airshows are actually starting to become a thing.
The Alliance Air Show in particular will be different but will still feature some of your favorite flying acts . “The circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic provided the unique opportunity to be innovative in how to move forward with hosting the air show for the North Texas community,” said Christina Carey, director of special projects for Alliance Air Productions, producer of the event and a nonprofit organization created by Hillwood. “Our newly reformatted event will be a memorable, fun and socially distanced drive-in experience as we celebrate 30 years of soaring excellence.”
Drive In Air Shows Are Starting To Take Off In COVID era 16
Much like a drive in movie, drive in airshows are exactly what you would think they would be. Instead of congregating around a flight line, guests remain in their car (or nearby their car) and watch the show. In order to comply with social distancing, these new drive in shows will lack the static displays, bouncy castles, and assortment of food. What they lack in terms of flight line entertainment, they will make up with thrills in the skies. The performances will remain the same. And in a season where so many airshows have been cancelled, that is a good thing.
Is this the new normal? Hopefully not. But until COVID-19 is in our rear view mirror, it is better than nothing.
Alliance Air Show in Fort Worth, Texas
Held October 17-18, 2020. The current plan is to offer a limited number of parking tickets available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis in mid-September at AllianceAirShow.com. There will be no parking tickets sold onsite.
Wings Over North Georgia Air Show
Held October 24-25, 2020. Wings Over North Georgia officials explain there will be portable restroom accommodations and food vending sites. Cowman encourages guests to also bring their own food and drinks to Georgia’s largest tailgate party. Tickets are $130 per car. You can learn more at Wings Over Georgia’s website.
Airlines love efficiency to save both time and money. Back in the ’80s American Airlines famously removed one olive per salad to save $40,000 of dollars a year. American and all other airlines then removed coach meals all together to save even more money. The holy grail of savings though isn’t just saving money with less foods and lighter planes. The ultimate efficiency is squeezing one more profitable flight into the schedule than your competitors. Multiple Jet Bridges were seen as one potential solution.
That’s why for years airlines have thought of creative ways to board planes and deplane planes faster. When jets like the 707 and DC-8 first came out, a few airlines experimented with dual jet bridges by parking the jet parallel to the terminal. It worked in that boarding times were faster. The challenge was that each aircraft that parallel parked to the terminal took up so much real estate. The idea quickly faded as additional traffic required more efficient use of aircraft parking around terminals. Pulling into a gate became the common way to park a jet at a gate.
More Modern attempts at expediting boarding
The concept of rapid loading and unloading never truly went away. Over the years airlines have experimented with boarding via groups that would lead to faster boarding times. They tried from back to front, then window to aisle. Southwest Airlines famously doesn’t assign seats. Some boarding ideas work better than others but there is always one choke point. That is from the door to the aisle to your seat. The narrow passageway is a blocker.
TWA Tried the Triple Jet Bridge for their 747 at LAX
In the early days of the Boeing 747, LAX introduced a set of boarding bridges for the 747. It included a bridge for the first class section another one for coach and a third telescoping bridge that went over the left wing. The TWA Museum recently posted a photo of this wild setup along with a story about the design. Although boarding was more efficient, the aft boarding door that went over the wing was mechanically complex and risky. We posted the link to their story below for you to check it out in more detail.
Challenge: Quickly moving 350 passengers onto and off from a 747. A solution: The “Skydock” at TWA’s Los Angeles…
Southwest Airlines, the airline that once made famous their 10 minute turns, has also dabbled in dual jet bridges (officially known as Mobile Telescoping Dual Bridges) at Dallas Love Field, Austin, and most recently Albany, New York. Each time one was installed, the local news posted a story about the ‘innovation’ to great fanfare.
After a testing period, the bridges were quietly removed with little to no information about why. For a while dual jet bridges were locate at Albany and used on a fairly regular basis. A 2019 news story in the Times Union described the bridges as being retired. According to the article, the bridges outlived their designed lifespan. The article does acknowledge that they have had mechanical challenges for years and were often out of service. Southwest hasn’t given up on dual boarding though. They have a number of airports (mainly in California) where they continue to allow passengers to descend a flight of stairs to the tarmac to then board their flight from air stairs placed at the back of the jet.
Dual boarding via stairs is in use at 4 California airports. ImageL Southwest Airlines
The A380 Made Dual Jet Bridges Cool Again
The massive size of the A380 made boarding a real challenge. To account for the high volume of passengers boarding and deplaning, many airports have constructed gates that are specifically built for the A380. These gates have two (and sometimes three) jet bridges that allow for the downstairs and upstairs of the jet to be loaded simultaneously. Brussels airport even shared a campaign about the new gates in a YouTube clip that can be seen below.
What makes this approach unique is that due to the layout of the A380, all bridges can link to the jet without the need to telescope over the wing. The idea works. However with the A380 rapidly leaving the fleets of many airlines, the need for such a unique gate setup may be short lived.
Other airports have successfully installed dual jet bridges but very few telescoping bridges over the wings. The most notable was KLM’s telescoping bridge for their 747 fleet in Amsterdam. With the 747 now retired, it is unknown if the bridges will still stay in service for their other wide bodies in the fleet.
United also tried telescoping jet bridges over the wing at Denver on a few gates. However, one telescoping bridge damaged a 757 wing. The attempt at efficiency was discontinued and the dual jet bridges were removed from service.
Multiple Jet Bridges are utilized in a limited way for widebodies but telescoping bridges just don’t seem to work
At major airports, some gates have multiple jet bridges for wide bodies that connect to the jet ahead of the wings today. It’s fair to say that dual telescoping jet bridges never really took off though. The reasons are pretty obvious. They are complex to operate and maintain a jet bridge that telescopes over a wing then descends back down to be level with a rear boarding door.
Even though its technically feasible, such a set up is always complex, risky, and expensive. And there is a real risk of damaging the wing. A jet out of service is much less efficient than saving a few minutes in a turn. File this idea in one of those good efficiency ideas that’s never really been efficiently executed.
It’s been a pretty sad time for commercial aviation lately. Planes have been retired left and right. Almost all the Mad Dogs have disappeared along with a host of A340s, 747s, 757s and 767s. So when we see an airline operating a new type of jet we get just a wee bit excited.
National Airlines is a small Florida-based airline that provides cargo and military charter services. They also have occasionally operated odd route combinations for scheduled service. In the past, they’ve flown from Long Island Islip airport to Puerto Rico. Their most recently scheduled service was supposed to be centered around infrequent service between Puerto Rico, Orlando, and Windsor International Airport. However these routes were delayed, presumably due to the combination of COVID-19 and charter demand for their aircraft.
MSP Aviation 4K recently filmed the airline’s first A330 departure from Minneapolis International Airport. His gorgeous 4k footage captures the silver and blue A330 in all its glory.
After These First Kills, F-15 Eagle Drivers Racked Up a 104-0 Score
The 1960s were a decade of innovation, marked by the introduction of the first video game console, the computer mouse, and iconic cars like the Datsun 240Z. However, the year 1967 gave birth to the concept of a new American fighter, one that would compete against the Fairchild Hiller and North American Rockwell.
The Vietnam War provided a platform for the F-4 Phantom to prove itself, but lessons had been learned, and advancements were required to enter the next phase of air-to-air combat.
Christmas came early on 23 December 1969 as McDonnell Douglas earned the Air Force’s blessing for a new fighter contract, officially starting the legacy of the “Eagle.”
1st TFW F-15 Eagle. Image via USAF
The Specs of the F-15
Two Pratt & Whitney F100 (or) two General Electric F110 turbofan engines offer 29,000 pounds of thrust class (with afterburning) into an airframe that’s only 63.8 feet long and 42.8 feet wide. The maximum gross takeoff weight of 81,000 pounds includes an armament of cannons, precision-guided munitions, and medium- to short-range missiles, which vary based on specific fighter categories.
For the F-15A/B/C/D air-to-air category, the plane is fitted with a 20mm cannon, AIM-120 (AMRAAM) missiles, AIM-9 (Sidewinder) missiles, and AIM-7 (Sparrow) missiles. With a top speed of 1,875 miles per hour, a 2,400-mile range, and a maximum service ceiling of 65,000 feet, the F-15 is designed for use in a variety of missions.
A right side view of two F-15 Eagle aircraft, from the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, in flight over Eiffel Province.
Proving Ground for the F-15
The year is 1979. The Cold War is running rampant, and the Soviets are doing their best to arm the Syrians and Egyptians with the best air defense available. During this period, the answer was the proven Soviet-built MiG-21. The Israeli government turned to the West, and the United States delivered 25 F-15s on 27 June 1979. With virtually no prior combat experience, the F-15s had yet to make a name for themselves. Little did they know, the opportunity would come only minutes later.
F-15 Eagle in flight | Image via US Air Force
That same afternoon, four Syrian MiG-21s were detected rapidly approaching Israeli airspace. Quickly scrambling to meet the challenge were four Israeli Air Force F-15s. Brigadier General Moshe Melnik was one of the four Eagle drivers who took to the skies that afternoon. Utilizing the Python 3 missile (which was specifically designed for the Israeli F-15s), Moshe and his fellow airmen were able to successfully defeat the enemy in a matter of 30 seconds.
F-15 Eagle taking off | Image via US Air FOrce
To the Video
Check out this short video from the Smithsonian with actual footage from Brig. Gen. Moshe Melnik’s F-15!
Today, there are approximately 975 F-15s protecting the skies globally, including those of militaries from Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore, Qatar, and, of course, the United States Air Force (with about 410 in service as of 2025). The “Eagle” remains a key component of air superiority. Heck, it even shot down a satellite!
We look forward to seeing it continue to live out its incredible legacy as the F-15 continues in production with the F-15EX Eagle II. In fact, at least 90 F-15EXs are in production at Boeing’s St. Louis facility.
Stealthy aircraft startup Celera stepped into the light with their new ‘bullet plane’. For the past few years, we’ve heard rumors of a super efficient aircraft that had an unusual blimp-like appearance with a pusher engine. On the surface, it looks a bit like a Burt Rutan inspired design, a bit like a fat Beechcraft Starship. Its reported efficiency might lead to a revolution.
For generations, the private flight market has been segmented into two groups. Private jet travel is the domain of oligarchs, celebrities and the rich. Small private planes were more a mix of hobbyists and small business owners who needed to travel to places on schedules and locations where airlines couldn’t accommodate. You either flew an airline at an affordable price or you ponied up large sums of cash for a private flight. There wasn’t much of a middle ground.
Enter Otto Aviation With a Potentially Revolutionary Solution
Photo: Otto Aviation
Otto Aviation’s ‘Bullet’ plane could be a game changer. By designing an aircraft that maximizes laminar flow (not just on the wings but the entire aircraft), the plane is able to achieve efficiencies that most engineers would only dream about.
According to Otto Aviation, their Celera 500L demonstration aircraft is able to fly at near commercial speeds with 8x lower fuel consumption, and a 5-7x lower operating cost than a comparably sized jet. The aircraft can fly up to 4,500 nm at a time. That range would put it in the same ballpark as a Boeing 737 MAX or A321NEO.
Otto Aviation lists on its website that the hourly operational cost is around $328. These efficiencies mean that a person could afford to rent a 500L with up to 6 passengers for about the same cost as a commercial ticket. This could be a game changer.
What is laminar flow and why is this a breakthrough?
No aircraft engineer designs a high drag aircraft. Drag leads to inefficiencies and additional cost. The ideal behind Otto Aviation’s Celera 500L aircraft is to minimize drag by keeping the airflow laminar or smooth across the body of the aircraft to the max extent possible. This is why the engine is at the rear of the aircraft and partially why there are less windows. The smooth body results in what the manufacturer is claiming as a 59% more efficient aircraft than a similar sized aircraft. The glide ratio is 22:1! That is closer in range to an inefficient glider than a business jet.
If Otto’s claims are true, they are saying that the Celera 500L can travel at speeds of up to 460mph on the equivalent of a V12 Red A03 550 horsepower engine that sips fuel at around 18-25 miles per gallon at cruise with seating for 6 and a 6 foot tall cabin. That is revolutionary.
The Celera 500L Cabin mockup. Image: Otto Aviation
The trend towards direct and smaller planes has been ongoing for the past 50 years
The shift to smaller, more nimble aircraft has been going on for a while. Otto Aviation might just be the next step. Back in the 1970s, the trend was towards large, intercontinental aircraft like the Boeing 747, DC-10 and L1011. The thought was that the skies and airports would become so crowded that larger airplanes would be required to shuttle passengers to large hubs where they could then connect to smaller destinations.
For the next 40 years, that theory largely held true. Even newer, more efficient jets like the Airbus A330, Boeing 777, and Boeing 747-400 became successful by serving large hubs. In the early 2000s, some cracks in this theory started to emerge. The Boeing 757 offered transatlantic service to connect smaller markets. The success of this offering and the growing range of the A321 and Boeing 737NG families opened up the door to more point to point service. These single aisle jets could now fly transcontinental and from the West Coast of the US to Hawaii with little problem. Then came the Boeing 787 (and the A350) which unlocked intercontinental travel between midsized markets.
Large aircraft like the A380 (pictured) and the 747 are already being retired in large numbers. The Celera 500L could disrupt the airline industry further. Photo Simon_sees from Australia (CC BY 2.0)
With the Corona virus pandemic and focused development of the Airbus A321XLR and 737 MAX, the expectation is that the market will continue to move towards smaller aircraft that could fly point to point, bypassing major hubs. Jetblue’s founder, David Neeleman, is even building a new airline around the mid-sized A220 jet that can fly infrequently between small cities. The shift to smaller wide-body and single aisle jets is already happening. Jumbo jets like the venerable Boeing 747 and A380 are already being retired en masse.
The Bullet Plane Could Bring About The Next Shift To Small
Image: Otto Aviation
Otto Aviation’s 500L (and larger 1000L) could be the next big shift in aviation. If you could fly privately between small airports affordably, an airplane could become more like an Uber than an all day ordeal. The ‘bullet’ plane could open up new markets. Imagine flying direct from Springfield, Illinois to Monterey, California for the weekend. Such a trip might not be challenging today without taking a day off of work. You’d likely have at least one connection. In the future, that trip could be just a four hour direct flight. Or consider the option to live in a small town like Tulsa and travel to Cleveland for a meeting. What would have been a two day business trip is now a single day out and back.
Can the ‘Bullet Plane’ deliver?
If Otto Aviation’s plane delivers on its promise of affordable private travel, it might also leads to a dramatic and almost unprecedented shift in air travel trends and society. Today, many business travelers and companies are located in large cities like Denver and Chicago and Dallas partly due to the transportation options. COVID-19 has already shown that a workforce can largely work distributed and at home. Still, one major advantage of living near a large city is the ability to travel, even if for pleasure.
Could the Celera 500L "Bullet Plane" Really Revolutionize How We Fly? 27
We plan to stay close to this story. It’s an exciting development for aviation, one that could be as disruptive as the jumbo jet.
NEWBURGH, NY — The Air Force Thunderbirds and F-35 Demonstration Team are just a few of the military aircraft scheduled to perform this weekend during the New York Airshow.
To keep the few remaining air shows alive, air show organizers and the Air Force have adopted the “drive-in airshow” format. Surrounded by forests and the Hudson River, Orange County Airport will host the two-day air show.
The F-22A Raptor, GEICO Skytypers, and civilian aerobatic planes are also scheduled to perform.
The F-35A Lightning II, a fifth generation stealth attack jet, will demonstrate high speed passes and loops over the air field. This show will mark their fourth drive-in show this summer.
The F-35A Demonstration will perform high speed aerial maneuvers over the New York airshow. (USAF)
“We’re excited to see air shows adopt this (drive-in) presentation style,” F-35A Demo Team spokesperson Capt. Kip Sumner told AvGeekery. “It’s been great to get on the road and share our love of aviation, engineering, and photography with the public and we know it’s going to be an amazing show.”
The F-35 Demo Team is based at Hill AFB, Utah, and will perform on Saturday and Sunday. The team’s commander and pilot enjoys two things when she flies, vapor and the crowd’s excitement.
“We’re really excited to be back on the East Coast to perform for the people of New York,” Air Force pilot Capt. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe told AvGeekery on Wednesday. “It’s awesome to be able to bring some aviation excitement to a state that’s been heavily impacted by this pandemic.”
The F-35A will perform a special flyover of Orange County Airport. The patriotic Heritage Flight, flown by historic and new Air Force aircraft, is scheduled each day.
“We are planning on performing our full demonstration routine along with a Heritage Flight with the F-22 and a warbird,” Capt. Wolfe added.
The Thunderbirds six F-16 Fighting Falcon jets will display both slow and high speed precision maneuvers.
The Thunderbirds diamond soar over the airfield of Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on Aug. 6th. (USAF)
“We are honored and excited to perform our second show of the year,” Thunderbird 12 Capt. Remoshay Nelson told AvGeekery.com on Wednesday. She expressed that the entire squadron is ready to begin their second air show of the year.
“We look forward to putting on two great shows for New York residents who are able to enjoy the drive-in show,” Capt. Nelson added from the flightline. “New York has been hit hard by COVID-19 so we hope this can bring a bit of hope, inspiration, and entertainment as we continue to battle this virus.”
The Thunderbirds’ red, white, and blue jets will close out each afternoon. The pilots and logistic crews have worked long hours this summer to sharpen their 42-minute demonstration.
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
PENSACOLA, Fla. — The U.S. Navy Blue Angels announced on Monday the departure of one popular jet pilot and the return of a former pilot for the 2021 air show season.
The squadron had announced in July all six jet pilots would remain for their 75th anniversary season. Their special year will arrive with a fleet of new jets.
The Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron will see the return of Navy Cmdr. Benjamin “Baxter” Walborn to the squadron. Walborn, who served as the narrator, opposing and lead solo between 2009-11, will become the new lead solo.
Commander Benjamin Walborn of Strike Fighter Squadron 37 at NAS Oceana, provides some remarks during a commissioning ceremony aboard the Battleship USS Wisconsin in July 2019. (US Navy).
Cmdr. Walborn will replace current Blue Angels lead solo pilot Lcdr. Brandon Hempler. Pilot Lt. Cary Rickoff will continue for a second season as the opposing solo.
The Blue Angels are in the middle of transitioning from their classic F/A-18 C/D Hornets to the faster F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets. Since departing the Blue Angels, Walborn has been busy piloting the Super Hornet at NAS Oceana in Virginia.
“The flying is very challenging in order to get to the Blue Angels’ standard that we want in order to accurately represent all the other aviators out there,” Cmdr. Walborn said during an interview with the U.S. Navy.
Walborn, who earned his wings of gold in April 2004, first joined the Blue Angels in September 2008. He has served the last three years as a commanding officer and Super Hornet pilot with the “Ragin’ Bulls” of VFA-37 at NAS Oceana.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels provide cockpit video over Jacksonville, Fla. during a May 2020 flight.
He carries fond memories to this day of his time around air shows. For Walborn, it was not the flying as much as it was the community surrounding each air show.
“The most memorable is going to the crowd lines, visiting the schools, and meeting all the people around the United States,” Walborn said. “It is pretty amazing when you go up to the crowd line and see children looking up to you with big smiles on their faces, because I remember … when I was that kid.”
The Blue Angels’ 2021 season is scheduled to begin at NAS Jacksonville air show the weekend of April 10-11. Later, that September, the Blue Angels will perform at NAS Oceana, and Cmdr. Walborn will perform for his former squadron.
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
Pierre Sprey, A-10 Close Air Support Aircraft Developer
Articles dedicated to Colonel John Boyd, Thomas P. Christie, Pierre M. Sprey, Chuck Myers, Colonel Everest Riccioni, Harry Hillaker, Dr. Raymond Leopold, James Burton, Colonel Mike Wyly, and Franklin “Chuck” Spinney – the Fighter Mafia and Acolyte core; an independent, free-thinking group of pentagon analysts, pilots, and engineers that demonstrably changed the culture, theory, and production of air combat assets.
As the second installment in the Fighter Mafia series, (please read the first article in series Colonel John Boyd– if you haven’t yet), we explore a true game-changer, legend, and visionary – Pierre Sprey (pronounced “Spray”). As a result of talking with Pierre Sprey, we made some changes to the first article to accurately reflect historical events and capture even more about John Boyd.
Author’s personal note: As a relatively poor youth reared in Kansas, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world. Many of us in the aviation world probably grew up the same and desired more out of life and truly wanted to become better people and change lives around us. After talking with Pierre, I remain humbled that due largely to his (and others) passions, desires, and commitments, he changed history for the better and made a difference. Few ever get that chance and we should celebrate those that selflessly took stands that made greatly impacted history!
courtesy of pierre sprey
Background
At the age of three Pierre Sprey emigrated to the United States in 1941. Under threat of German occupation of France moving south, Pierre’s family escaped France at Nice and traveled on one of the last steamers from Casablanca to New York. Growing up in Queens, Pierre attended Forest Hills High School. After graduating in 1953, Pierre sought a Mechanical Engineering degree from Yale and spent summers interning with Grumman, bucking rivets on the F11F Tiger and working in the experimental machine shop building wind tunnel prototypes.
F11F-1 Tiger. image via us navy
A Numbers Guy
Originally desiring an Aeronautical Engineering degree to design aircraft (not available at Yale), Pierre understood after his third summer internship working in Stability and Control at Grumman, that the likelihood of designing his own airplane would be 20 years away at the earliest. Pierre, a numbers guy, found a niche the fourth summer working in the Research Department with mathematicians and statisticians and decided on a new path diverging from aircraft design. Pierre graduated Yale in 1958 with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in French Literature.
image via us navy
The Ultimate Numbers Guy
With a new purpose, Pierre attended Cornell for a M.S. in Operations Research and Mathematical Statistics and set upon a blazing path using numbers and data to encapsulate and solidify national defense decisions. Grumman wanted and needed a numbers guy and Pierre became a one-man number-crunching consultant within the company during graduate school. Since few engineers could apply statistics to practical problems, Pierre’s work blossomed thanks to peer demand throughout Grumman’s departments, thereby aiding Pierre in understanding the true complexities hidden within aircraft design. Pierre graduated Cornell in 1961 and converted from consultant to full-time employee at Grumman.
image via us navy
Whiz Kids
One benefit for single-handedly operating a practical applications statistics shop was in 1965 Pierre became the natural selection from Grumman to attend the relatively new, prestigious Hudson Institute’s seminar, attended by major airplane manufacturers and hosted by founder Dr. Herman Kahn. At the seminar, Pierre became acquainted with Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Robert Valtz, who hired Pierre into the Pentagon for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) for Systems Analysis (known internally as the “Whiz Kids”). The Whiz Kids had been established in 1961 by then-new Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. The group consisted of smart young economists, MBAs, and mathematicians who addressed major defense budget questions posed by McNamara. When he joined in 1966, Pierre was the Whiz Kids’ first aviation-experienced engineer.
Robert Mcnamara. image via getty
For More of the Pierre Sprey Story Bang NEXT PAGE Below
ROME, Ga. — One of the largest air shows in the southeast will host the Air Force Thunderbirds and top aerobatic aircraft during the Wings Over North Georgia air show.
The Thunderbirds and A-10C Thunderbolt II will return to north Georgia on October 24 and 25. The Army’s Golden Knights parachute team is scheduled to take to the skies above the autumn-colored landscape.
Air Force Maj. Cody “ShIV” Wilton of the A-10 Demonstration Team performs during a recent show. (USAF)
For one Thunderbird, the Rome air show will be a home-coming. Capt. Remoshay Nelson has invited family and friends from nearby Douglasville, Georgia to the event.
“I am excited for Wings over North Georgia and look forward to returning home to perform for my friends, family, and the Rome community,” Public Affairs Officer Capt. Nelson told AvGeekery.com on Friday.
“2020 has been a challenging year for the country; and it is my hope our aerial demonstration can bring some pride and inspiration for air show attendees,” she added.
Thunderbird 12 Capt. Remoshay Nelson and her squadron visit schools and community centers at air show locations to educate and inspire today’s youth. (USAF)
North Georgia is on a short list of shows featuring the Thunderbirds and A-10 Warthog. The few remaining air shows are working together to develop a safer format.
Following the cancellation of hundreds of U.S. air shows due to Covid, a new air show format has become a positive alternative. The ‘drive-in airshow’ has been successfully proven at previous military air shows to promote social distancing.
“We transitioned to a drive-in air show model that fully satisfies the wide range of safety concerns while allowing us to bring exciting entertainment at a family-style venue,” John Cowman, Airshow organizer and president of JLC AirShow Management, said on Thursday. “We believe this is the ‘shot in the arm’ our community needs right now, especially during the fall, one of the most beautiful times of the year in our area.”
Richard Russell Airport will become a drive-in parking lot around the main runway. Cowman explains ticket purchases are per vehicle and available online only.
“Many events and most air shows have been forced to cancel during the pandemic,” Cowman added from the Rome flightline. “My team and I have worked diligently with local and regional officials and authorities to find creative and safe ways to host this year’s air show and avoid cancellation.”
Wings Over North Georgia officials explain there will be portable restroom accommodations and food vending sites. Cowman encourages guests to also bring their own food and drinks to Georgia’s largest tailgate party.
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
OCEAN CITY, MD — The U.S. Air Force F-35A Demonstration Team is poised to perform this weekend across the beaches of Ocean City during the east coast’s first air show of the year.
The fifth-generation military jet is led by it’s pilot Capt. Kristin “BEO” Wolfe. This is her first season with the F-35A Demo Team and only her third public air show of the Covid-shortened year.
The Air Force F-35 Demo Team performed a Live flight in May 2020 from Hill AFB, Utah. (USAF)
Beo was all smiles following her team’s arrival. She is hoping for some “awesome vape” to envelope her aircraft during several of the maneuvers this weekend.
“Our team is really excited to perform for our first East Coast show this year,” Capt. Wolfe said Thursday following her arrival into nearby Wallops Flight Facility. “It’s going to be an amazing experience to see everyone lined up on the Boardwalk and beaches!”
Ocean City and show officials are providing stronger safety measures to support the air show. Mandatory face coverings and social distancing on the Boardwalk are required.
“Since we’re performing along Ocean City’s massive beachfront, there will be plenty of opportunities to see the show while practicing safe social distancing,” F-35A Demo Team spokesperson Capt. Kip Sumner said. “If you can’t attend the show, there will be a live-stream of the event that you can tune into.”
The A-10C, F-22A, and F-35A Demo Teams perform the heritage flight in July 2020. (USAF SrA Kristine Legate)
The aerobatic box has been extended to 10 miles long along the coastline to support social distancing. The exact air show center is where 16th street runs east to the Boardwalk and beach line.
Wolfe is also the commander of the demo team which is based at Hill AFB in Utah. Ocean City is there first east of the Mississippi River this season.
“We’re planning on performing the full F-35A High Show routine, as long as weather cooperates,” Capt. Wolfe acknowledged from the Wallops flightline. “We’re also going to do a four-ship heritage flight with the F-22, A-10, and a P-51 Mustang.”
Capt. Kristin Wolfe is one of only two female jet pilots with a Air Force demo team. (USAF Capt. Sumner)
The heritage flight has been a crowd favorite for a decade. Typically a recent Air Force jet will fly a slow pass along side a historic warbird. This weekend’s will be extra special as four aircraft will fly wing tip to wing tip over the Atlantic waters.
The Air Force Thunderbirds six-jet formation will also perform each afternoon. Ocean City will mark the first air show in which the F-35A Demo and Thunderbirds attend together.
“Performing alongside the other demonstration teams as well as the Thunderbirds is an awesome opportunity,” Capt. Wolfe added. “And we can’t wait to put on a great show for everyone.”
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
OCEAN CITY, MD — The top jets of the U.S. Air Force will push the air show envelope this weekend as the beaches of Ocean City host a ‘stay safe and separate’ event amid the continuing Covid-19 restrictions.
The Air Force Thunderbirds, F-35A Lightning II, A-10C Thunderbolt II, and F-22A Raptor will provide the thrust and precision maneuvers. This show will mark the Thunderbirds first public full demonstration of 2020.
“We are looking forward to putting on a safe and successful aerial demonstration for Ocean City,” Thunderbird 12 officer Capt. Remoshay Nelson told AvGeekery.com on Monday. “2020 has been a challenging year for our nation; and we hope the show can bring hope, inspiration, and a bit of normalcy to onlookers during this difficult time.”
The Air Force Thunderbirds depart NAS Pensacola in May bound for their next stop. (USAF)
The coastal community surrounding Ocean City has stepped up to provide stronger safety measures to support the air show. Social distancing and face coverings on the Boardwalk are required, and the aerobatic box has been extended.
“We have worked with the Town of Ocean City to implement a series of ‘Stay Safe and Separate Initiatives’ which will help ensure the safety of spectators,” O.C. Airshow spokesperson Chris Dirato explained on Tuesday. “The stage for the air show is 10 miles wide and 1,000 feet high so spectators can watch from their backyard, balcony, boat, or the beach, making it the ideal event for the Ocean City community to host in the era of social distancing.”
Capt. Kristin Wolfe will pilot the F-35A Lightning II during the Ocean City Airshow. (USAF/Capt. Sumner)
Civilian aerobatic aircraft will also join the fun this weekend. The east coast’s first air show of the year will include an L-39 Albatros jet, aerobatic pilots Mike Wiskus and Scott Francis, and the historic B-29 Mitchell bomber Panchito.
The GEICO Skytypers Airshow Team’s six World War II-era SNJ-2s are scheduled each day. Their stunning flying maneuvers demonstrate those performed by the Greatest Generation 75 years ago.
“This weekend we’re dedicating our performance to those who served in World War II,” GEICO Skytypers flight leader Larry Arken explained. “Airshow spectators and aviation enthusiasts will witness our warbirds perform a dynamic demonstration designed by team members who served in the U.S. military.”
The GEICO Skytypers will perform precision maneuvers this weekend over Ocean City. (Charles Atkeison)
The squadron has redesigned one maneuver for Ocean City — the “pop up strafe.” Flying near show center, a new tactical strafe will offer a third element of aircraft to more closely match the military’s tactics of today.
Following their demo, two Skytypers will break away from the formation for a special event. The aircraft plan to race the Miss GEICO speed boat down the beach line for first place.
The air show is free to the public. Arrive early as traffic is expected to slow along Ocean Gateway and Highway 528.
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
This video is like a dagger into the hearts of Tweet fans everywhere. For 52 years, the jet served as the primary trainer for Air Force pilots who attended pilot training. This isn’t how you want to see it all end! But like a train wreck, you can’t turn away. This post is unfortunately a video of scrapping a retired T-37.
T-37 Tweet was a pilot favorite
In addition to being one hell of a fun jet to fly, the T-37 also made a ton of noise. The two J-69-T-25 turbojets produced 1,025 lbs of thrust each along with one of the most ear piercing noises known to man.
Many pilots affectionally referred to it as the ‘6,000 pound dog whistle’. So much so that we’re assuming most instructors who flew her for any extended length of time are now eligible for disability due to hearing loss.
Gut-wrenchingly Sad Video Of Scrapping A Retired T-37 Tweet 43
Not all hope is lost. There are still a couple of private T-37s flying. The T-37 Tweet also continues to fly in Pakistan, Ecuador, and Columbia.
As loud as the Tweet was, the jet was loved by most pilots who flew the jet. It was a quirky, fun, and forgiving jet. That’s why this video showing the destruction of a Tweet is so painful to watch.
The jet in this particular video was based at Sheppard AFB, tail number 58-1891. It was a static trainer. When the jet was no longer needed for training, it was destroyed back in 2011. What a waste.
PENSACOLA, Fla. — The U.S. Navy Blue Angels announced Friday they will keep this season’s pilots for next year as the team prepares to transition to the Super Hornets in November.
The Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron elected to retain the entire jet team for next season also due to the shortened season. Three pilots were scheduled to return to the fleet in November.
This season will be the last for the Blue Angels pilots flying the classic F/A-18 C/D legacy Hornets. The squadron will begin practicing with the upgraded Super Hornets this autumn. (Charles A Atkeison)
The cancellation of air shows due of Covid-19 have kept the Blues grounded nearly all season. Only three air shows remain on their schedule from September to October.
The six delta formation pilots and the advance pilot will remain in their same positions. They will begin training in November with the new Super Hornet aircraft.
Navy Cmdr. Brian Kesselring will begin his second season as Boss of the squadron. LCDR James Haley will stay on for his third season as right wing pilot.
Blue Angels Lead solo pilot LCDR Brandon Hempler explains the importance of the squadron to him.
Slot pilot Maj. Frank Zastoupil, LCDR James Cox, Lead Solo LCDR Brandon Hempler, and LCDR Cary Rickoff will remain for 2021. Next season will Hempler’s fourth year with the Blue Angels.
LT. Julius Bratton will remain as the advance pilot and narrator for next season.
“This year offered an exemplary group of applicants from around the fleet, making our selection process very difficult,” Cmdr. Kesselring said from the Blues’ home base at NAS Pensacola. “With these fantastic new additions to the Blue Angels team for 2021, we are all well equipped to head into our historic 75th show season.”
The Blue Angels did select a new pilot for their C-130J Super Hercules known as Fat Albert. Marine C-130 pilot Capt. Jackson Streiff will join the squadron this autumn.
The Blue Angels selected new officers for the squadron’s 2021-2022 season on Friday. (USN)
New officers were also selected for next season to support logistics and aircraft maintenance. The Blue Angels will celebrate their 75th anniversary season in April.
Navy Lt. Katlin Forster was selected as the new events coordinator. She currently serves as a naval flight officer instructor at NAS Pensacola, next door to the Blue Angels home.
A new flight surgeon will join the Blue Angels. Navy Lt. Monica Borza has served recently with the Black Knights of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 at Miramar, Calif.
Navy Lt. Henry Cedeño will become the Blues new maintenance officer for 2021. He served recently with Strike Fighter Squadron 211 at Naval Air Station Oceana where he maintained the Super Hornets.
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
Irritating the Wasp: The Legacy of a South African T-6 Harvard
It could be the laziest of days at the airport, but when the distinctive sound of a T-6- or a flight of them- rolls across the horizon, an excitement crackles like heat lightning. After all, a North American T-6 knows how to make an entrance- she’s been perfecting it for nearly eighty years.
Now, imagine that the arriving T-6 is decked in a tangerine-colored paint scheme and some unfamiliar insignia- you will find yourself wondering: What’s the story?
Photo: DR. Angelici
Did you know that the North American T-6 aircraft was the workhorse of the South African Air Force (SAAF) until the late 1990’s? In their program, they were of course primary trainers, but also acro, night, IFR, gunnery, ordnance delivery… and any other task that could be made to suit. After they were retired, they were sold to private individuals worldwide.
N7693Z, a C-model, was brought home to the United States. After the long journey west, she was reassembled and began a new, much different chapter: It was time to have some fun.
Here's What It's Like to Own an Original T-6 aircraft 52
The T-6 Texan served many roles in the Army Air Force and Navy; It was known then, as it is today, as the “Pilot Maker”. This particular aircraft, N7693Z, was manufactured by North American Aviation in Dallas as an AT-6C-NT (CN 88-11637) and received by the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) on 25 January 1943. She was assigned USAAF serial number 42-3933 and served in the USAAF from January 1943 until May 1950. 3933 was sold to the SAAF sometime in 1953 and after service in South Africa returned to the United States in 1995. It’s interesting to note that South Africa was a member of the Commonwealth and the air forces of the Commonwealth referred to the T-6 as a Harvard, regardless of what the data plate said.
PHOTO: DR. ANGELICI in front of his T-6 Harvard
The airplane now belongs to a passionate aviator, Dr. Arnold Angelici. Dr. Angelici has loved aviation since childhood. He became a private pilot in 1994, continuing with his instrument rating the following year. He spent his early flying hours in Cessna 172/182s, an airplane he still regards with fondness. In fact, when queried about his favorite planes, he lists the Cessna 182RG among older, more nostalgic breeds, like the Fairchild PT-19.
In the late 1990’s, Angelici decided to take a sabbatical from internal medicine, shifting his focus toward aviation. He spent two years at Wright State University in Ohio in the Aerospace Preventative Medicine program, graduating into a contracting aviation market that was reeling from the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Undaunted, he went to work with the FAA in 2003 and has remained, currently serving as the Deputy Regional Flight Surgeon for the Southern Region. His love of aviation makes him a compassionate leader in his field – he genuinely wishes to help people in the aviation med spectrum.
Angelici relocated to Oklahoma in 2003. Amid the move and obtaining currency in the local rental aircraft, he crossed paths with the local Commemorative Air Force wing. He sponsored a PT-19 and began flying the relic in formation clinics. The T-6 was the common platform used for the formation groups, which sparked a new interest for Angelici. He claims that he “didn’t know much but was awestruck” at the fresh challenge of precision formation flying. It was only a matter of time before he found himself purchasing his own T-6- an orange-adorned beauty that had spent her career training eager young SAAF pilots.
PHOTO: DR. ANGELICI and a closeup of his T-6 Harvard.
Angelici had enjoyed his time at the controls of the PT-19 as he found it to be an honest and forgiving platform. However, the T-6 put him through the paces, challenging him. A difficult plane, it stretched his abilities in that maddeningly satisfying way that only authentic stick-and-rudder flying can. Angelici points out that the T-6 “doesn’t look elegant on the ground. But once airborne, it’s one of the best flying airplanes.”
It was not long before he was entirely charmed with his new, old airplane. While not an A&P, he befriended a group of mechanics and pilots and devoted himself to all matters of caring for a complicated piece of machinery. He describes some of the costly but necessary maintenance required to keep a design from 1938 airworthy to modern standards. An overhauled engine was a substantial expense, as was updating the avionics. However, Angelici views his experience as an owner with great love and patience, stating, “this airplane is special, like a family member. You learn the pedigree, the history, and you care for all of that.”
Here's What It's Like to Own an Original T-6 aircraft 53
Which brings us to the bright orange markings and the foreign insignias (bearing the national emblem of the castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, SA), something he would never change. “She has a history, she’s been in those colors for 50+ years, and I don’t want to erase the memory.” In his reverence for her history, he has collected some unique memorabilia. In addition to complete logs, he has a number of special photographs. The photos include one taken on the day she was retired from service back on November 17, 1995. Amassed on the ramp at the SAAF air base in Langebaanweg, SA., a group of approximately 55 Harvards shut down simultaneously – imagine the lovely, stunning cacophony of sound produced by those Pratt & Whitney R1340 AN-1, nine cylinder radials???
Another truly special moment in the legacy of this airplane came when he met, through a complex circuit on social media, a South African pilot named Tony Shapiro that had soloed in N7693Z in 1984. The gentleman, now a 777 captain, traveled with his wife from South Africa to meet Angelici in Georgia – and to be reunited with the airplane that had made him a pilot. Angelici arranged for two friends, Max Hodges and John Skipper Hyle, both CFI’s, to take Mr. Shapiro for several flights, an epic occasion for all.
Angelici loves flying the T-6, especially in formation. He attends shows and clinics throughout the season and plans to race at Reno in 2021. He is a truly passionate aviator that views himself as a caretaker for a significant piece of history- one he hopes to help keep alive. Not that it isn’t an enjoyable task- irritating the wasp, slang for the special sequence that is starting the big ole radial hanging on the nose of these head-turning planes.
This “Miniature” Version of the Classic 1969 Battle of Britain Movie Features the Original Dialog and Music
At Avgeekery we’re huge aviation movie fans. We’re sure most of you would agree that one of the best of the genre is the 1969 United Artists release “Battle of Britain.” The Battle of Britain movie represents one of the high water marks for warbird fans. Very few models were used in the making of the 1969 film.
Most of the aerial combat sequences were made with actual flying warbird fighters- Supermarine Spitfires, Hawker Hurricanes, Messerschmitt Bf 109s (well, not really, but close enough) and Heinkel He 111 bombers (ditto). The Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bombers were models. There was some special effects trickery utilized for some mass formation shots and damage effects, but very little of either. Here is the trailer for the 1969 film uploaded to YouTube by historycomestolife.
Miniaturizing a Classic Aviation Film
When we came across the film “The Battle of Britain in 1.72” there were some very visceral reactions. First, every scene (set to the original movie’s score and using original movie sound no less) was created using 1/72 scale models.
Vehicles. Aircraft. Personnel. Ground Equipment. Scenery. Literally everything. And it’s absolutely fascinating! Those of you who have not seen the original 1969 movie may not appreciate this version of the story quite as much as those who have loved the original film for years but it’s still worth a look. So take a look! Here is the “miniature” version of uploaded to YouTube by The Battle of Britain 1.72 honoring the Battle of Britain Movie.
Battle of Britain Movie For the Modelers Out There
The scale modelers in the audience (we know there are many!) will likely be able to tell that the models are all accurate to the period (unlike the 1969 film).
That’s not a criticism of the original film- the producers sourced flyable aircraft as close to the actual examples that fought the Battle of Britain as possible. But in the “miniature” version early-Mark Spitfires, Hurricanes, and Bf-109 “Emils”- even the Junkers Ju-52 transport from the 1969 opening title sequence, were used along with Boulton-Paul Defiants, Messerschmitt Bf-110s, and Junker Ju-88s that never appeared in the original film but certainly participated in the battle.
Of course not every scene in the original film gets the 1/72 scale treatment in the “miniature” version but it’s still awesome!
The 1/72 scale model aircraft built for the production included three Airfix Spitfires, three Airfix Hurricanes, one Airfix Defiant, three Airfix and one Academy Bf 109s, one Airfix Bf 110, One Airfix and one Hasegawa He 111, two Airfix Ju 87 Stukas, one Hasegawa Ju-88, and one Italerai Junkers JU 52. 1/72 scale Airfix refueling trucks, Academy Kübelwagens and BMW R75/5 motorcycles with sidecars, and a Hasegawa Mercedes Benz G4/W31 also appear in the film.
Revell, Hasegawa, and Airfix figures and other details rounded out the plastic and Humbrol paints were used throughout.
The making of the stop motion movie “The Battle of Britain 1.72” comparing it with similar sequences for the film “Battle of Britain” uploaded to YouTube by The Battle of Britain 1.72.
The Details Make the Film Come Alive
The houses, huts and interiors of the houses were all scratchbuilt using primarily cardboard and paper. Propellers were made to appear in motion using clear plastic discs and the aircraft were mounted on clear plastic stalks to facilitate motion- or more accurately, stop motion.
The explosions, tracers, smoke effects, and a few other digital enhancements were all created in post production, frame by frame, similar to cartoon effects. The producer utilized a Canon 70D camera to capture the images and edited the piece using Apple Final Cut Pro. On a personal note, as a childhood scale modeler myself, I thought Jerónimo Martínez Molina did a great job with the models. I was also surprised the production dates back some seven years ago.
The trailer for the stop motion film “The Battle of Britain 1.72” using 1/72 scale models built by the author Jerónimo Martínez Molina, based of the original film “Battle of Britain” uploaded to YouTube by The Battle of Britain 1.72.
