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This Video Takes Us Back To An Era When Plane Spotting Wasn’t So Boring

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This Video Takes Us Back To An Era When Plane Spotting Wasn’t So Boring

If you’ve been plane spotting lately, it is still super fun. But I have to admit that it can be a little boring to see 737s and A320s all day. Unless you live near JFK or ORD, most airliners look the same with way less variety in type than before. From a business perspective, we get it. You have to pick aircraft that are efficient and will make you money.

But back in the ’80s, it seemed like it was more about market share than money making. Airlines would fly giant L1011s on trunk routes. The theory was that if they funneled enough people through their hubs, they could disperse them to other cities to cash in and make billions (insert Dr. Evil laugh here).

Unfortunately, that was hardly the case. Great airlines like PanAm, Eastern, TWA, AirCal, Western, PeoplExpress, Midway and others all fell. While we can’t blame their failures just on overcapacity (some had terrible management, others fell due to some tough economic times), the era of overcapacity slowly came to end.

That’s why this video from Salt Lake City is so fascinating. SLC has always been a Delta stronghold. It’s a great city with a large airport. And Delta has always shown the mountainous city love by placing a sizable hub. But Delta wasn’t always the strongest airline on the block. Before their turnaround over the past decade (and their successful merger with Northwest), they actually struggled with an older fleet and mediocre service. They also used to focus service on ultra-competitive cities like DFW and Chicago.

In the awesome video by Youtuber Dan Uscian, you’ll see a mix of L1011s, smoky 727s, and a few 767, 737-200s and 757s sprinkled in. It’s a reminder of how Delta sought to dominate with capacity back in the day. Now with just four mega-airlines and a few small fries left, the Delta of today looks much different. They now host a large fleet of modern jets with a smattering of paid-for McDonnell Douglas MD-88s, MD-90s and 717s that round out their domestic fleet. They are arguably the most profitable US airline with modern amenities, improving customer service, and right-sized service to cities to maximize profits.

The One Airport Where Delta and TWA 747s Still Coexist Today

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The One Airport Where Delta and TWA 747s Still Coexist Today

The queen of the skies is rapidly approaching retirement with most airlines. In fact, all major US passenger operators retired their fleets over the past few years. Today, the only way to dependably see a passenger carrying Boeing 747 is to look for foreign flagged carriers like British Airways, Korean Air, or Lufthansa.

As you probably remember, Delta retired their 747 fleet back in early 2018. TWA retired their fleet of 747 classics back in 1998. But there is one airport where both Delta 747-400s and even a classic TWA 747 still sit nearby each other. Unfortunately, they aren’t parked at a gate waiting for their next flight from JFK to Paris. Instead, they are retired in the desert and far from airworthy. The Marana Pinal Boneyard located just outside Tucson, Arizona is the perfect resting place for retired airliners. The climate is dry with plenty of space to park fleets of jets who are aged and superseded by more efficient technology.

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You would think by now that a TWA 747-100 that has been retired for over 20 years would be fully broken up by now. But the value of the contents of the jet is so minimal that it has been rotting in the desert for quite a while. It’s only residual value is scrap.

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On the other hand, the Delta Boeing 747-400s have a little more value (but not much). The engines and avionics still have value. Certain parts like the landing gear and other systems will be picked apart as spares before the aircraft is eventually crushed for scraps.

A flyby of the Airpark by Youtube user Crowd1011 shows the massive scale of the stripping and storing effort that takes place.

Other aircraft at the Marana Pinal Airpark include former Northwest 757s as well as an Air China 747-400 and an assortment of 737s both classics and NG. In the video below taken by Youtuber FlyFrontier259, you can see the lineup of jets taken while taxiing. While avgeeks cannot go out on the ramp, there are great viewing spots from nearby public roads. There is also a public park with a retired MD-80 on stilts.

Britain’s Red Arrows Launch North American Tour in August

Charles Atkeison
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Britain’s Red Arrows Launch North American Tour in August

NEW YORK, NY — The British are coming to America!

The red jets of England’s Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team are coming to North America in four weeks on a goodwill tour as they perform over several air show sites.

The nine-plane precision jet team known as the Red Arrows are scheduled to perform at eight air show sites in the United States and Canada. Their seven-week tour will see the squadron perform in their BAE Systems Hawk T1 aircraft.

The Red Arrows will begin their first tour of North America in 11 years with a stop at the Aero Gatineau-Ottawa Airport on August 13. Their single-day performance in Quebec will be the first of only four planned aerobatic demonstrations in Canada.

“This day promises to be very British and very exciting with the Red Arrows putting on a thrilling afternoon display along with performances by the fighter aircraft and trainers from Vintage Wings of Canada and stunning solo aerobatics by Rick Volker in his Sukhoi 26,” Aero Gatineau-Ottawa spokesperson John McKay said.

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The pilots, maintainers, and logistics squadron members of the Royal Air Force Red Arrows. (RAF)

One day later, the Red Arrows will arrive in the United States to take part in the 61st annual Chicago Air and Water Show. They will perform with the Navy’s Blue Angels over North Avenue Beach on August 17 and 18.

“Extensive preparations are well underway to bring the Red Arrows to Chicago, where we aim to present a safe, memorable, and visually-exciting formation display to new audiences,” Andrew Keith, Wing Commander for the Red Arrows said on Tuesday. “The visit to the Chicago Air and Water Show will form a big part of the Red Arrows’ largest ever tour of North America, which underlines the long-standing partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States.”

The aerobatic team will travel to their third show top at Atlantic City, NJ for the Thunder over the Boardwalk. The one-day event on August 21 will see the British Air Force demonstration team fly with the U.S. Air Force demonstration team — the Thunderbirds.

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The Red Arrows will perform at eight air show sites in the United States and Canada this summer. (RAF)

The next day, the Red Arrows will hop over to Newburgh, NY for the New York Airshow at the Stewart International Airport. The weekend show will see the team perform with the GEICO Skytypers and rejoin with the Blue Angels.

“We’re excited that the RAF Red Arrows will be performing at the New York International Air Show,” Chris Dirato, Director of Public Relations, said on Tuesday. “They are considered one of the world’s premier aerobatic display teams, so we’re honored to be one of only a handful of air shows in the U.S. to host them. Our fans are already getting pumped up for their appearance.”

The squadron will travel to Toronto on August 26 to take part in the Canadian International Air Show Labor Day weekend. This show will mark the Red Arrow’s second and final Canadian visit.

The aerobatic team has scheduled stops in St. Louis, MO on Sept. 7 and 8, and Portland, OR on Sept. 20-22. Their final U.S. stop at Huntington Beach, Calif. maybe one of their largest shows for 2019.

The Great Pacific Airshow expects beach crowds of nearly 2 million for one of the largest air shows in California. Scheduled for October 6 and 7, the Red Arrows will perform with the Canadian Snowbirds, and several U.S. military demonstration teams.

“We hope thousands of people will get to enjoy our displays, which demonstrate teamwork, precision, and excellence – both in the air and on the ground,” Keith added.

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

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Britain's Red Arrows Launch North American Tour in August 8

Four-Time Shuttle Astronaut Inspiring Today’s Youth at SpaceCamp

Charles Atkeison
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Four-Time Shuttle Astronaut Inspiring Today’s Youth at SpaceCamp

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The early days of America’s space program inspired a future four-time space shuttle astronaut who now works to inspire the youth of today to reach for their goals — including a voyage to Mars.

Dr. Donald Thomas ventured into space during four flights on the space shuttle. Each flight was a personal hallmark of achievement and a passion he shares with children and teens around the globe.

On Friday, Thomas will visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center — home to the popular SpaceCamp and Aviation Challenge STEM-related camps. He hopes to inspire future engineers, pilots, and astronauts on the day they graduate from SpaceCamp.

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Candid view of NASA astronaut Don Thomas in space with a pouch drink. [NASA]

“I was inspired to become an astronaut when I was just six years-old as I watched the launch of Alan Shepard,” Dr. Thomas said as he stood near a large scale mock-up of the space shuttle. “That forever changed my life and career direction and motivated me to become an astronaut.”

Dressed in his official blue flight suit, decorated with the NASA mission patches, Thomas always carries a smile as he speaks to groups. His travels have taken him to the Kennedy Space Center, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom during the last year.

Thomas has visited the Alabama space center with his special brand of educational outreach for 11 years. His multimedia space flight presentation and great stories continue to keep every child’s attention during his visits.

“I see the spark in the eye, I see the enthusiasm of the students, and I enjoy answering their questions,” Dr. Thomas explained as we walked past the historic Saturn V rocket on Monday. “I told the students recently that ‘I am so envious of your youth because you are looking at missions to Mars in your future'”.

Thomas will visit the Space and Rocket Center on Friday, July 5 and August 9, 2019, to meet with graduates of SpaceCamp and the public. He will also take center stage for Lunch with an Astronaut, where guests listen to fun conversation and ask questions of his career.

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The crew of space shuttle Columbia, with Dr. Thomas second from right, after landing in July 1997. [NASA]

Thomas’ book Orbit of Discovery: The All-Ohio Space Shuttle Mission (2014) details his second space flight with great inside stories and full-color photographs. The book also gives a tip of the hat to the 26 fellow astronauts from his home state of Ohio, including John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, and Dr. Judy Resnik.

The astronaut added with a smile, “I always make the students promise if anyone goes to Mars, that they have to promise to call me when they get back. I want to hear about their mission.”

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

The End is Near For American MD-80 ‘MadDogs’

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The End is Near For American MD-80 ‘MadDogs’

Whether you love them or hate them, the shrinking MD-80 fleet at American Airlines will soon be just a memory. American Airlines announced this week that the remaining 26 MD-80 aircraft will be retired on September 4th, 2019. A final flight, appropriately named flight 80 will depart from DFW to Chicago O’Hare at 9am.

While the MD-80 fleet is a little long in the tooth with smaller bins and well-worn seats, the aircraft is still beloved by many avgeeks and passengers who appreciate the additional legroom and 2 by 3 seating. The MD-80 was the backbone of American’s domestic fleet for over 30 years. At one time, American had over 300 in their fleet. Most of the remaining aircraft still flying for American today are the result of American’s merger with TWA back in 2001.

A recent check of the availability for American’s final flights show some seats still available. Flight 80 has been sold out though for over a week. When that final flight was loaded, word spread quickly and the flight sold out in the blink of an eye. Some tickets in coach were over $900 for the final flight.

A list of the final flights on September 3rd and 4th is below:

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Continental is Officially Dead…Long Live United Airlines

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Continental is Officially Dead…Long Live United Airlines

United Airlines announced today that they are renaming their company from the merger-friendly “United Continental Holdings” to the simpler but less inclusive “United Airlines Holdings”. In a filing, United posted the following:

Effective June 27, 2019, United Continental Holdings, Inc. amended its Certificate of Incorporation to change its name to “United Airlines Holdings, Inc.”
(the “Company”). Stockholder approval of the name change was not required pursuant to Section 242(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware. The Bylaws of the Company have similarly been amended to reflect the name change, also effective on June 27, 2019. The Company’s common
stock will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol “UAL” and its CUSIP number will not change.

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Main photo by Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The change makes sense on many fronts. United has made a concerted effort to move past the merger between the ‘equals’ of United and Continental Airlines. In recent months, they have refreshed their livery and announced a number of service enhancements to improve the customer experience. Still, for many Avgeeks and former Continental employees, the company name was a nod to an airline that went from worst to first under famed CEO Gordon Bethune. When United merged with Continental, they were known for friendly service and a customer first culture. During the merger, the new United adopted the Continental livery, but lost some of the splendor during the merger of two different cultures and operations. United looks to regain the excitement with a ‘United’ image and a company name that clearly reflects a post-merger airline.

Navy’s Super Hornet TacDemo Team Cancels 2019 Airshow Season

Charles Atkeison
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Navy’s Super Hornet TacDemo Team Cancels 2019 Airshow Season

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The U.S. Navy’s Super Hornet demonstration team cancelled the remainder of their 2019 air show schedule on Wednesday due to extra time needed to train new pilots.

The Navy Tactical Demonstration (TACDEMO) Team is made up of F/A-18 Super Hornet instructors who train new students. Known as VFA-106, their mission is to also demonstrate the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet for air show crowds located on the eastern half of North America.

“The mission of VFA-106 is to provide the fleet with superbly trained replacement aircrew to support fleet readiness,” VFA-106 Commander Brandon M. Scott said on Wednesday. “This mission will always take priority over displaying the remarkable Super Hornet across the country.”

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The Navy’s VFA-106 TacDemo Team perform at air shows across the eastern United States. (Charles Atkeison)

Nicknamed the Gladiators, the TacDemo Team had five air show dates remaining. They were scheduled to arrive on Thursday into Traverse City, Michigan, for the popular Cherry Festival Airshow.

“Our dedicated, volunteer air crew and maintainers must focus their efforts on training the next generation of Super Hornet aviators and flight officers,” Cmdr. Scott added. “We appreciate all the support that you have shown us this year.”

The West Coast’s VFA-122 Tailhok Legacy Flight will continue to perform this season. The Navy Tac Demo Team said they are optimistic they will return to performing next season.

The announcement, although unrelated, comes as the Navy is preparing the Blue Angels for their own Super Hornets next autumn. The Blues will perform a shortened air show season in 2021 as they move from the current Legacy Hornet to the Super Hornet.

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

Blue Angels to Receive Upgraded ‘Fat Albert’ from the UK

Charles Atkeison
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Blue Angels to Receive Upgraded ‘Fat Albert’ from the UK

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command announced on Monday that it was awarded a replacement logistics C-130 aircraft to support the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron beginning in 2020.

The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence said in March that the Navy asked to purchase one of their C-130J Hercules to replace the Blue Angels aging C-130T, known as Fat Albert. The replacement logistics aircraft is scheduled to be handed over to the Blue Angels in April 2020.

“The (American) government requires a suitable replacement aircraft, which must be delivered in an expeditious manner, to avoid a gap in logistical support of the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron,” The Ministry said in March. “The aircraft being procured from the UK MOD has the requisite amount of life and technical capability to support the Blue Angels mission.”

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The Blue Angels C-130 known as Fat Albert sits poised during a 2015 air show. (Charles Atkeison)

The purchase by America’s Naval Air Systems Command PMA-207 creates a savings of nearly $50 million versus the construction of a new C-130J. The price tag for the used C-130J is $29.7 million.

“This is a win-win for the U.S. Navy and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence,” Capt. Steven Nassau, PMA-207 program manager, said on Monday. “Just as the Navy recognized the imminent need to replace the Fat Albert aircraft, the UK MOD was divesting of an American made C-130J aircraft, allowing us to acquire a suitable replacement aircraft at a major cost savings.”

PMA-207 is the Tactical Airlift Program Office responsible for procurement of specialized military aircraft. The new C-130J will become the fourth Fat Albert Airlines since 1970.

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The pilot’s cockpit display of the Blue Angels C-130 Fat Albert in 2016. (Charles A Atkeison)

Bert’s all-Marine crew flies the C-130 to air show sites loaded with spare parts and personnel. The hulking aircraft is also a crowd favorite during shows as it traditionally flies the first 12 minutes prior to the the Blue Angels’ six jet performance.

The most recent Fat Albert was officially retired in May, after 17 years and over 30,000 flight hours with the squadron. The second Bert, known as C-130 891, is parked behind the Naval Aviation Museum, located next door to the home of the Blue Angels at NAS Pensacola.

“Fat Albert is a nickname given to the plane by the Marine Corps Blue Angel pilots in the 1970s because of its size and shape,” Blue Angels spokesperson “It is a reference to the popular children’s cartoon of the same era.”

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

F-16 Viper Demo Thunders Over the Ocean City Airshow

Charles Atkeison
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F-16 Viper Demo Thunders Over the Ocean City Airshow

OCEAN CITY, MD — The Air Force’s popular F-16 Viper jet unleashed the thunder and the thrust on Saturday as it performed over the crowded beaches during the Ocean City Air Show.

Unlike other clean jet demonstration teams, this Viper jet is here direct from Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. It can be turned around for combat operations within minutes if necessary.

Ocean City’s two-day air show will mark the Viper Demonstration Team’s sixth air show of the young season. They are scheduled to perform at 21 locations across North America this year.

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F-16 Viper Demo pilot Major Garett “Toro” Schmitz performs over Ocean City, Maryland on Saturday. (USAF)

“We go around the nation to demonstrate the combat capabilities of the F-16 Viper,” Viper Demo Team pilot Major Garett “Toro” Schmitz said from NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Thursday. “It’s gonna be a low show, a high show, it’s gonna be fast, it’s gonna be loud as we show the public the capabilities of the F-16.”

During the flight over the runway, air show guests will witness several close-up low passes followed by may dizzying rolls and high speed climbs. One maneuver known as the triple roll has Toro roll the aircraft 360-degrees three times in succession. The Block 50 F-16 and its pilot will push nine G’s about 20 times during its brief performance.

He then follows this up by quickly performing a tight 9-G turn to demonstrate the tights turns the viper can perform. Nine Gs is equal to nine times his body weight of pressure upon his body as he works to stay conscious during the turn. It is at these maximum Gs a pilot can black-out as blood flow leaves his head.

“The whole reason I got into being a fight pilot is because the Viper Demo Team ,” Toro began as a smile filled his face. “I saw them perform when I was 10, and remember seeing the pilot do the max performance climb, disappear and spiral into oblivion, and that made me do what I’m doing now.”

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The F-16 Viper does not perform with its external fuel tanks during an air show. (Charles Atkeison)

Midway through Maj. Schmitz 12-minute flight, he teases the sound barrier by piloting the Viper to a speed of nearly Mach 1. As he dives down toward the runway at 300 m.p.h. and levels off, Toro accelerates to nearly 950-feet per second or a crossing speed of three football fields per second.

During each show, Toro will join his F-16 with a classic Air Force aircraft to form the Heritage Flight. On Saturday, it was a P-51 Mustang. The Heritage Flight has become a crowd favorite during its 22 year history.

“It’s to commemorate the past and the present, and it’s really cool to get the modern and old warbirds together,” Maj. Schmitz added. “They’re priceless warbirds.”

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

Photo Essay: My Weekend at The Andrews AFB Air Show

Randy Jennings
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Photo Essay: My Weekend at The Andrews AFB Air Show

As one of the best East Coast air shows, this year’s show at Joint Base Andrews did not disappoint.  Located just outside of Washington D.C., it took place on May 10-12.

Advertised as the Joint Base Andrews Air Show: America’s Air & Space Expo, “Legends in Flight”, the show is held every other year. In the past, it was an annual event, but because of budget cuts and costing over $2 million per event it is now held every other year.  Friday’s show was reserved for distinguished visitors, military personnel, their families and retirees. The general public was allowed to attend Saturday and Sunday, though because of heavy rain the Sunday flying portion was cancelled.

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The most unique aspect of the 2019 show was aerial demonstrations by both the Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy Blue Angels.  Because of Department of Defense policy and stated recruiting missions, the Blues and Thunderbirds do not normally fly within 150 miles of one another.

Prior to the flying portion of the show, attendees could walk around and take in the forty plus aircraft on static display.  Besides the huge C-5 Galaxy and other military aircraft, there were plenty of civilian planes and especially warbirds from the Second World War.

The United States Army Golden Knights parachute team kicked off the show with an impressive precision drop before the audience.  Civilian aerobatics were carried out by: the Geico Skytypers, Team Oracle, and three time U.S. national aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff.

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The warbirds were on hand to provide a historical perspective. On static display the crowd could enjoy seeing the: Navy’s TBM Avenger, C-47 Skytrain, and the B-17 Flying Fortress.  While flying demonstrations were carried out by a B-25 Mitchell, F4U Corsair and two P-51 Mustangs.

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Transitioning to more modern times, the Air Forces A-10C Thunderbolt II, aka Warthog, took to the sky.  As the lead element of the Air Combat Command’s A-10C Demonstration Team, the audience was thrilled with the plane’s extreme maneuverability and simulated strafing runs.  Still the A-10 only served to warmup everyone for the main event.

First off was the Air Force Thunderbirds.  Lt. Col. John Caldwell, the Thunderbirds commanding officer, started the performance by leading the four aircraft diamond formation takeoff.  Immediately after, they were joined by the two opposing solo pilots.  The Thunderbirds stunned one and all, by combining various loops and rolls, through solo maneuvers or with four and six ship formations.

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The weather worsened a bit as the Blue Angels prepared to take flight.  As CAPT Eric Doyle led the Blues diamond formation on takeoff, they quickly disappeared into the cloud cover.  Because of the marginal weather and mandated safety restrictions, the Blue Angels flew their “low” show.  Still the combination of the opposing solo aviators with the diamond and delta formations was incredible to be seen. 

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The next Andrews Air Show will be held in 2021, though the date is to be determined.  Keep a look out for this incredible show not to be missed.  

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Great Tennessee Airshow Triumphs Over Tropical Rains

Charles Atkeison
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Great Tennessee Airshow Triumphs Over Tropical Rains

SMYRNA, Tenn. — Periods of rainfall did not stop the heartbeat of The Great Tennessee Airshow as large numbers of guests turned out and pilots navigated a wet airport runway to keep the show on course this weekend.

Periods of rain did not dampen the guests enthusiasm for watching up close top military and civilian aircraft. The performers did not disappoint either as vapor clouds enveloped along many of the aircraft thanks in part to the high humidity.

Meteorologists and airport officials aided the Air Show Boss with keeping the two-day event on schedule.

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    The GEICO Skytypers soar in their 4v2 maneuver. (Charles Atkeison)
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    The Navy’s Blue Angels created vapor during the Great Tennessee Airshow. (Charles Atkeison)
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    The F-16 Viper Demo performs over Smyrna, Tennessee. (Charles A Atkeison)
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    Rain showers did not stop the Great Tennessee Airshow for long on Saturday. (Charles Atkeison)
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    The Blue Angels begin their taxi out to perform on Saturday. (Charles Atkeison)
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    The DC-3 performed during the Great Tennessee Airshow. (Charles Atkeison)

Photographers and crowds alike gasped in awe as the aircraft wing tips created long vapor trails. The humidity also caused at times huge vapor clouds over the wings and fuselage.

Blue Angels officials explained on Sunday, “Those vapor trails around our jets are caused by a rapid drop in air pressure and temperature around the wing and flight surfaces. This causes the water molecules in the air to quickly condense into vapor.”

The Navy’s Blue Angels and the F-16 Viper demonstration team provided the high speed turns and climbs each day. Civilian performers included the GEICO Skytypers, Rob Holland, Sean Tucker, and Mike Wiskus performing aerobatics across a cloudy sky.

“We can fly all the way down to a thousand feet ceiling and three miles visibility,” Blue Angels slot pilot Major Jeff Mullins said prior to Saturday’s show. “We will always try to push to make a show happen, as long as we do so safely.”

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

Blue Angels Looking Forward to the Great Tennessee Airshow

Charles Atkeison
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Blue Angels Looking Forward to the Great Tennessee Airshow

SMYRNA, Tenn. — The thundering sound of the Blue Angels’ jets heralded their arrival over middle Tennessee on Thursday, announcing that the squadron is back for The Great Tennessee Air Show.

As the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Team arrived in a delta formation, the six pilots provided a smoke-on salute to the town of Smyrna. The community demonstrated an outpouring of support for the Blue Angels during the last three years when the team need it the most.

The military aircraft touched down at 10:30 a.m. into Smyrna-Rutherford County Airport, site of this weekend’s two-day air show. Moments later, the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron’s aircraft maintainers went to work to turn their F/A-18C Hornets around for two practice flights that afternoon.

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Memphis native Major Jeff Mullins loves returning home to Tennessee. (Charles A Atkeison)

The team’s arrival coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Allied invasion of northern France during an event known as D-Day. The historic aerial and water landing surrounding Normandy Beach quicken the end of the Second World War on June 6, 1944.

The Blue Angels number 4 pilot Major Jeff Mullins, himself a United States Marine, discussed his thoughts on the special anniversary. The Memphis native feels a special relationship with those who fought during the Longest Day.

“D-Day is the epitome of what happens when not just our young men and women who serve our country, including our allies, come together to work toward a common goal can accomplish,” Maj. Mullins said from the Smyrna flightline on Thursday. “All we can do is put these jets in the sky and give some sort of legacy to what they did on D-Day 75 years ago.”

Navy logistics specialist and crew coordinator LS1 Derrious Austin carries a strong sense of pride in teamwork everyday. He is one of only two Blue Angels coordinators who’s job it is to make sure the aircraft maintainers and support teams stay on schedule.

“It’s a privilege for me, and I take a lot of pride in it, because I know this team represents the Navy Sailors and Marines that we have throughout the world,” Austin said. “To be able to lead a group of Sailors and Marines that carry that weight on their shoulders is awesome.”

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Blue Angels Derrious Austin says the team is excited to perform in Smyrna this weekend. (Charles A Atkeison)

The Blue Angels were all smiles as they arrived into middle Tennessee, including Austin. The team continues to train and prepare for each show six-days a week.

“We take a lot of pride in coming back to Smyrna to put on an awesome air show,” Austin added as we walked past those blue and gold jets. “We would really appreciate it if everyone would come on out and experience it.”

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

Massive WWII Aircraft Fleet to Retrace Historic D-Day Route

Charles Atkeison
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Massive WWII Aircraft Fleet to Retrace Historic D-Day Route

Nearly 50 World War II-era aircraft on Wednesday will retrace the route many of those same aircraft flew 75 years earlier as they soared into the history books of an important moment known as D-Day.

A fleet of around 32 American and European C-47 Skytrains and Dakotas, and several fighter aircraft will depart Duxford, England and follow the path flown to Normandy, France, on June 5. The massive tandem flight will be flown beginning at 1:40 p.m. local time (8:40 a.m. EDT).

As the aircraft head south to the English Channel, the flight path will cross over Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, Maidstone, and Eastbourne. The fleet of warbirds are scheduled to arrive over Sannerville, France nearly three hours into the flight.

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The American C-47 Rendezvous with Destiny arrived at Duxford, England on Friday. (Dax Over Normandy)

Hundreds of Paratroopers to Descend on Normandy

It is over Sannerville that the United Kingdom released several waves of paratroopers jumping from C-47s into a dark unknown exactly 75 years earlier. A recreation of the historic event will occur at about 4:40 p.m. (local) as the skies will be filled again by round army parachutes descending upon the coastal town.

The American D-Day Squadron will have their mighty 15 of C-47s/ DC-3s fly in a joint formation with their European counterparts known as Daks over Normandy. Many of them will carry volunteer paratroopers on board for the symbolic drop above France.

Prior to sunrise on June 6, 1944, several waves of paratroopers and supplies dropped beyond Normandy Beach to help clear a path for the surviving soldiers arriving via water craft.

“(The aircraft) will drop more than 200 paratroopers over the original 1944 drop zones in Normandy commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day,” Moreno Aguiari, executive director of the D-Day Squadron, said on Sunday. “The event will honor the citizen soldiers of the war, whose bravery led the Allies to the liberation of France, and then to an end of the devastating war in Europe.”

Aguiari broke down the numbers of June 6, 1944, this way: 13,000 paratroopers were dropped behind enemy lines, prior to and as 156,000 troops stormed five Normandy Beaches. And, of the 11,000 aircraft used for aircover (of the transports) and support, 925 were C-47s.

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Paratroopers drop from the American C-47A Skytrain That’s All – Brother! in May. (Charles A Atkeison)

“Few veterans of D-Day are still with us, and this celebration may be our last chance to honor these brave war heroes,” Aguiari added. “We are committed to ensuring their significance and sacrifice is fully appreciated for generations to come, and are developing an education program to honor these citizen soldiers and their impact on D-Day, and ultimately the Allied victory in World War II.”

Several of these World War II-era aircraft, including C-47A Skytrains That’s All — Brother! and Placid Lassie, make frequent visits to American air shows and events each year. You can follow their journeys, and their sister-ships flights this week, Live via their social media.

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

Flying Museums: B-29 and B-24 Squadron Touring the U.S.

Charles Atkeison
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Flying Museums: B-29 and B-24 Squadron Touring the U.S.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A squadron of World War II-era aircraft began touring the United States this week as a B-29 Superfortress and a B-24 Liberator travel to select cities offering tours and flights to the public.

Owned by the Commemorative Air Force, the two bombers began a 27-city tour on May 16 stopping in Montgomery before arriving in Chattanooga. Popular smaller warbirds are scheduled to join the B-29A Superfortress known as FiFi and the B-24 Liberator nicknamed Diamond Lil.

“Our mission is to bring history to the people — we are a flying museum,” CAF spokesperson Don Boccaccio said as we stood on the flightline of Chattanooga’s Lovell Airport on Sunday. “Most of the time we get veterans at our stops who flew on them or worked on them. We have alot of good veteran stories of how they return to fly with us after 75 years.”

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The B-29A Superfortress known as “FiFi” arrives back following a visitor flight on Sunday. (Charles A Atkeison)

These “flying museums” allow both young and old to get up close with the aircraft and even go inside. For family members of fallen World War II veterans, the tour has given 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 continued. “So she flew in FiFi with us, she was very emotional, crying as she sat in the navigator’s seat.”

The public can purchase flights aboard one or both aircraft during each city visit. The flight fee covers the great fuel consumption associated with the multi-engine, 75 year-old hulking aircraft.

“FiFi costs us over 10 thousand dollars an hour to run”, Boccaccio added. “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.

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The B-24 Liberator “Diamond Lil” departs Chattanooga on a visitor flight Sunday. (Charles A Atkeison)

Memorial Day weekend saw huge turnouts to witness the rare sight of a B-29 and B-24 aircraft take-off and land. Veterans attending were recognized and allowed to board the aircraft first to honor their past service.

“Memorial Day is very emotional to us,” Boccaccio noted. “A lot of veterans came today because it’s Memorial Day. And, we chose to come early to Chattanooga to thank our veterans this week.”

The CAF B-29/B-24 Squadron Tour Continues

Tri-Cities – Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City, Tenn… May 29 – June 2

Salisbury, Maryland… June 3-5

Reading, Pennsylvania… June 7-9

Baltimore, Maryland… June 12-16

Lexington, Kentucky… June 19-23

​Click here for their full tour schedule including links to the local airport’s web sites. CAF is looking for volunteers during each city stop. Click here to help out at a location near you, or to donate and shop to keep these aircraft flying.

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

American WWII Squadron nears Europe for 75th Anniversary of D-Day

Charles Atkeison
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American WWII Squadron nears Europe for 75th Anniversary of D-Day

OXFORD, Conn. — A fleet of American Douglas C-47 Skytrains are en route to the United Kingdom today to join up with their European counterparts to honor and remember the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

These cargo and troop support aircraft took part in the first and second waves of the Allied invasion of northern France on June 6, 1944. This week, they launched on a new mission beginning a multi-day flight across the north Atlantic Ocean en route to the United Kingdom.

Known as the Spruce Goose route, these twin-engine aircraft will travel the same route as they did 75 years earlier. The C-47s include That’s All — Brother!, which led the first wave over the English Channel in 1944 to Normandy Beach, France; Miss Virginia, Placid Lassie, Spirit of Benovia, Legend Airways, Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber, and Miss Montana.

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The complete North Atlantic track known as Spruce Goose to Europe. (D-Day Squadron)

“After their departure on Sunday, the C-47s stopped to refuel in Goose Bay Airport in Newfoundland, Canada; Narsarsuaq Airport in southern Greenland; Reykjavik Airport in Iceland; and will refuel a final time at Prestwick Airport on the Western coast of Scotland before making the final leg to Duxford Airfield north of London,” Moreno Aguiari, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the D-Day Squadron, said on Tuesday.

The first C-47 to arrive in Scotland was also the lead aircraft during the early morning hours of D-Day, 1944. That’s All — Brother! completed her oceanic crossing on Wednesday afternoon.

During the next few days, seven more C-47s will begin to arrive in the UK for the huge anniversary event. On June 4, 5, and 7, they will all join a fleet of European-based C-47s to create a large formation flight in recognition of D-Day.

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Lead C-47A Skytrain “That’s All – Brother!” arrived in Scotland on Wednesday. (Ray Clausen, TAB Crewmember)

Last Monday, the first wave of aircraft resumed their journey as they flew to their next destination in Narsarsuaq on the southern tip of Greenland. After refueling the long travel day ended in Iceland.

“It was a long, but beautiful (Monday),” That’s All – Brother! Navigator Ray Clausen said on Tuesday from Reykjavik. “Breakfast at 0600 in Goose Bay, at the hotel at 0100 in Reykjavik, with a fuel stop in Narsarsuaq. We really were fortunate on the weather, with clear skies and light winds in Narsarsuaq.”

“Flying over, we could only imagine the difficulties faced 75 years ago for the planes that made the Northern crossing with celestial navigation and far more limited weather forecasting,” Clausen added.

The 75th anniversary flights are significant as several D-Day veterans have recently flown aboard or will soon fly of these historic aircraft. And for many, it will be their first flight aboard a C-47 since the second World War. Surviving soldiers from the war range in age from 93 to 105 years.

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D-Day veteran aircraft “Placid Lassie” will take part in the 75th anniversary events. (Charles A. Atkeison)

“It’s very likely we’ll never see an event like this again,” Aguiari noted. “There are only a few members of the Greatest Generation still with us, so we wanted to put together the most significant tributes we could to honor their sacrifice and commitment.”

Upcoming:

June 4-5: Daks over Normandy event at Duxford, England.

June 5: Cross-Channel Flight and Paratroop Drop

June 7-8: Daks over Normandy event at Caen, France.

[Note: If you would like to help these aircraft fly, please consider donating to help cover fuel and logistics costs.]

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

Air Force Thunderbirds Co-Founder, Pilot Dies at 94

Charles Atkeison
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Air Force Thunderbirds Co-Founder, Pilot Dies at 94

ATLANTA — Lt. Gen. Charles “Buck” Pattillo, a co-founder and one of the first pilots of the Air Force Thunderbirds, passed away on Monday. He was two-weeks shy of his 95th birthday.

In November 1942, an 18-year-old Pattillo and his twin brother, Bill, joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. They fought during the second World War together, and came together again to form a European flight team for the Air Force.

Buck Pattilo served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He earned his pilots wings in 1944, and began flying the P-40 aircraft. He later flew the P-47 aircraft, moving up to the P-51D Mustang — nicknamed Little Rebel — the following year.

In January 1949, the young pilot was assigned to Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base, Germany. There, Buck and Bill helped organize The Skyblazers — the aerial demonstration team for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Beginning with the F-80 Shooting Star and F-84s, The Skyblazers flew in over 250 air shows across Europe and North Africa.

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Buck Pattillo (right) and his brother, Bill (left) began the Air Force’s European aerial demonstration team, The Skyblazers, in 1949. (USAF)

Buck Pattillo’s experience with an air demonstration team moved him to create the Thunderbirds in 1952 while stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Just as he did with the Skyblazers, Pattillo flew as the team’s left wing pilot, while brother Bill flew as the right wing pilot.

Led by Maj. Richard “Dick” Catledge, the Thunderbirds first year included Buck, Bill, and four fellow officers, plus 22 enlisted maintainers and logistics members. The Thunderbirds were activated on May 25, 1953, and flew the F-84G Thunderjet as a four-ship formation, according to the Thunderbirds. The T-33 Shooting Star, a tandem seat aircraft, served as the narrator’s plane for media and VIP flights.

In 2000, both Buck and Bill were inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. The twins, each who rose to rank of General, had accomplished nearly everything together.

Buck and Bill continued to stay active into the 2000s, including attending air shows and public events. In 2009, they both attended the Oshkosh air show. It marked the first time since 1945 in which Buck visited the restored P-51 Little Rebel. He was all smiles.

Bill died in 2014.

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

Rare Footage of Southwest Airlines 727 Operations at Dallas Love

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Rare Footage of Southwest Airlines 727 Operations at Dallas Love

Before DFW’s rise, Dallas Love Field was North Texas’s main gateway, hosting Braniff, Delta, and American Airlines. In 1971, Southwest Airlines made Dallas Love Field its home. This video by YouTube user Starboard76 shows unique footage of Southwest’s early days, including the rare Southwest Airlines 727.

In the early 1970s, Southwest Airlines served intrastate flights from Dallas Love Field. The footage captures Southwest’s 737-200s and the rare Southwest Airlines 727. The story of the Southwest Airlines 727 is intriguing. Southwest, now known for its 737 fleet, briefly operated the 727-200 twice.

The first instance involved a late 1970s settlement with Braniff, allowing Southwest to use the 727-200 briefly. The second instance had Southwest leasing 727-200s from PSA for west coast expansion until more 737-300s arrived.

Southwest’s early operations at Dallas Love Field show its innovative spirit. The Southwest Airlines 727 highlights a unique chapter in the airline’s history and its commitment to growth. As Southwest Airlines continues to soar, its early days at Dallas Love Field remain essential, enriched by rare footage like Starboard76’s video.

Southwest Airlines Operated a Boeing 727-200?

Yep! Twice actually! Southwest is known for their large fleet of 737s, They’ve flow the jet since their founding in 1971. As part of a settlement with Braniff, Southwest operated a Boeing 727-200 for a short period in the late ’70s. Southwest also operated a small subfleet leased from PSA to augment west coast expansion before a sufficient fleet of Boeing 737-300s could be delivered.

Interested in more about the history of Dallas Love?

Be sure to check out this article below highlighting Braniff’s failed gondola experiment.

Braniff’s Gondolas Made Dallas Love Field Look Like The State Fair

F-16 Viper Demo Team Announces New Pilot for 2019-20

Charles Atkeison
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F-16 Viper Demo Team Announces New Pilot for 2019-20

SHAW AFB, S.C. — The U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team announced on Thursday their new commander and pilot for the 2019 and 2020 air show seasons.

Major Garret “Toro” Schmitz will both lead the team and pilot the F-16 Viper jet at select air show across the United States for the next two seasons. His first public performance is scheduled for the Westmoreland County Air Show in Latrobe, Penn. next weekend.

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New F-16 Viper Demo pilot Major Garret Schmitz will perform in Latrobe, Pa. in two weeks. (USAF)

“After 22 training flights and more than 45 hours of study, Maj. Garret Schmitz has completed his fourth certification and earned the privilege of leading us as we inspire the next generation of pilots, maintainers, and Airmen,” JB Langley spokesperson Kathryn Reaves said.

The Utah native and the demo team arrived at JB Langley, Virginia, on Wednesday for Maj. Schmitz final certification flight. Each Air Combat Command pilot has to complete a rigorous training course to receive the high certification from the four levels of leadership within the Air Force, Reaves confirmed.

Maj. Schmitz is scheduled to perform at about 39 shows during the next two seasons. Following Latrobe, his team will travel to Tinker, AFB in Oklahoma, followed by Smyrna, Tennessee in June.

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The updated 2019 F-16 Viper Demo Team Schedule. (USAF)

The Lockheed-Martin F-16C is a multi-role fighter aircraft — highly maneuverable and  mission proven in over 30 years of operations including air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and 25 friendly nations, the Air Force said in a recent statement.

Outgoing Viper Demo pilot Major John “Rain” Waters, who has led the team for over two years, will perform one final flight on May 26. Waters will perform a flyover of the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500 race prior to the drop of the green flag.

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

Blue Angels, F-16 Viper to Headline the Great Tennessee Airshow

Charles Atkeison
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Blue Angels, F-16 Viper to Headline the Great Tennessee Airshow

SMYRNA, Tenn. — The largest air show in the middle south will see the return of the Navy’s Blue Angels, as civilian aerobatic pilots and military aircraft perform in June at the Great Tennessee Air Show.

Tennessee’s highest-rated air show returns the weekend of June 8 and 9 to the Smyrna Airport. The family-friendly event will include static aircraft displays and a special Kids Zone jump area.

“Once again, we are privileged and honored to be hosting the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at this premier Middle Tennessee event,” John Black, Executive Director of the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority, said on Friday. “With this year’s stellar lineup, the Great Tennessee Air Show is poised to present one of the strongest airshow lineups anywhere in North America.”

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The GEICO Skytypers six Navy SNJ-2 aircraft are beautiful and dynamic in flight. (Skytypers)

The Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team and the World War II-era flying of the GEICO Skytypers Airshow Team will co-headline the event. Each, an air show favorite, will perform a 15-minute demonstration both days.

The Blue Angels Return to Smyrna

The Blue Angels only appearance in the middle south will occur three years to the week of their last visit to Smyrna. A shortened visit which saw the Blue Angels loose their opposing solo Capt. Jeff Kuss in a jet crash as he began a practice flight with the team.

The city of Smyrna dedicated a beautiful memorial to the fallen pilot last June near the runway he last flew from. As the air show community and local residents reflect upon his legacy, this season’s show will move forward without looking back — and that is the wish of Kuss’ family.

“The best tribute to Jeff Kuss was building the memorial on Sam Ridley Parkway,” Black said. “That offered closure for the family and the team. It is their wish that the show celebrate the 2019 team, so there will not be any tribute at the air show.”

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Capt. Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial in Smyrna honors the late-Blue Angels pilot. (Charles Atkeison)

Black added that the community can honor his legacy during the inaugural Capt. Jeff Kuss Memorial 6K Top Gun Run on May 31. The 3.7 mile course from the airport to the golf course will then finish at the memorial.

Top Civilian Aerobatic Pilots to Perform

Aerobatic champion pilots Patty Wagstaff, Rob Holland, and Mike Wiskus will perform their dizzying displays of flight. Aerobatic pilots Sean D. Tucker and Jesse Panzer will fly together in tandem as Team Oracle’s Two Ship Act.

The World War II-era P-51D Mustang “Quicksilver” will fly each afternoon piloted by Scott “Scooter” Yoak in a celebration to America’s armed forces. The aircraft is decorated with black and white stripes on her wings to honor the 75th anniversary of the Allied D-Day invasion at Normandy, France.

The beauty of the the military jet teams and the civilian pilots are best appreciated from around air show center along the show’s crowd line. To witness and photograph these precision aircraft at the closest point inside the gates is the heartbeat of every air show guest.

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Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team’s new pilot Maj. Garret Schmitz will perform each day at Smyrna. (USAF)

Air show tickets and VIP parking passes, including group ticket packages, are available online only. Black added that general parking is free to the public and will be available both days on a first come, first served basis.

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

Keesler AFB, Biloxi Join to Host First Two-Stage Airshow

Charles Atkeison
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Keesler AFB, Biloxi Join to Host First Two-Stage Airshow

BILOXI, Miss. — Keesler Air Force Base and the city of Biloxi will host a rare two-stage air show event this weekend as they work together for the Thunder Over the Sound Air & Space Show.

The joint-event air show will begin with gates opening at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, followed by on-base aerial demonstrations one hour later. Guests can enjoy breakfast as they watch Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Trojan Thunder, and popular warbirds perform all morning.

As Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Truck concludes about noon, the air show will then move to the sugar beaches of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Exact air show center is located at Beach Blvd. and White Ave.

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Aeroshell Aerobatic Team will perform over Keesler AFB and Biloxi beach. (Charles Atkeison)

“We’re really excited to bring the Thunderbirds back to the Gulf Coast, and are happy to partner with the city of Biloxi to bring what will hopefully be an outstanding show to one and all,” Col. Lance Burnett, vice commander of the 81st Training Wing, said on Thursday. “This is the first air show of its kind to involve a joint effort between a city and a military base — taking place in two different locations.”

The beach show opens at 1 p.m. with the re-flights of the performers who flew a few hours earlier. The excitement of the day will increase as the Air Force Thunderbirds take to the skies beginning about 4 p.m.

The Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform a nearly 45-minute flight demonstration showcasing the power and beauty of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Their four-aircraft diamond formations plus the high speed passes by the two solo ships will bring chills to visitors on the warm beach.

“We are really just getting started for our show season, and we are super excited to begin at a unique over-the-water beach show here on the Gulf Coast,” Thunderbird 6 opposing solo Capt. Michelle “Mace” Curran said following her team’s arrival on Thursday. “This show allows our crowd to see various unique perspectives of the performance that our crowds don’t normally see when they are confined to an airfield. This is a great air show to come out and see over the weekend.”

Keesler AFB notes that only handicap guests and those carrying a DoD-ID will be allowed to park on the base. There will be several locations outside of Keesler for public parking on both days. A public shuttle service will run all day from the parking lots to both the air base and the beach.

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


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