Trending — Page 74 Of 138

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October 2, 2018

Atlanta Airshow to Host Military and Civilian Aerobatic Performers

HAMPTON, Ga. — The only air show to be staged from a sports stadium will make its return next weekend as popular military and civilian aircraft perform over and inside the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The second annual Atlanta Airshow will feature top jets from the U.S. Air Force, and include several of the nation’s civilian aerobatic pilots performing above the world’s only Aerial Stadium. The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and Fairchild Republic A-10C Warthog will headline the two-day show on October 13 and 14. Gates will open at 10 a.m. and the first flights will begin at noon.

44152000175 dab3a8599f k — The A-10C Thunderbolt II, aka the Warthog, will perform at the Atlanta Airshow. (Charles Atkeison)

“We’re looking forward to featuring the F-22 Raptor at the Atlanta Air Show at Atlanta Motor Speedway,” Chris Dirato, Director of Public Relations, said on Wednesday. “The Raptor’s performance defies imagination as it does back flips and stands motionless in mid-air.”

Piloted by Major Paul “Loco” Lopez, the F-22 Raptor is the only operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The popular 21st century stealth jet will demonstrate many of its thunderous maneuvers at low altitude.

“We can’t wait for Major Lopez to showcase the full capabilities of the Raptor,” said Dirato. “Fans will clearly see how it can’t be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft.”

Comedic aerobatic stunt pilot Kent Pietsch is returning for the second year of the Atlanta Airshow. Last September Kent made airshow history as he performed a rare landing inside a stadium during an air show. He hopes to do it again on the short runway of the racetrack.

Kent will attempt to perform a touch-and-go maneuver a top a speeding RV inside the stadium. He will then hold his position for only a few seconds before taking off before the RV makes its own turn at the end of the raceway. Kent will have only seconds to execute the maneuver.

30126034367 6eda86ae53 k — Kent Pietsch will try to land his aircraft a top an RV inside Atlanta Motor Speedway. (Charles Atkeison)

Outside the stadium several historic and commercial aircraft will sit on static display for guests to observe. Special military and aviation-themed events are also scheduled during the air show.

Tickets remain available online and will also be sold at the gate each day. The Atlanta Motor Speedway is located 29 miles south of Downtown Atlanta. Follow I-75 south to the Tara Blvd. exit and travel south to Speedway Blvd.

Air show officials state that unlike NASCAR races which are held at the stadium, there will be no tailgating or loitering allowed in the parking lot during both days. The aircraft aerobatic box is one reason for the rule which will be enforced.

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

Watch See and Hear What It’s Like to Fly a Spitfire Warbird

History

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September 26, 2018

Watch See and Hear What It’s Like to Fly a Spitfire Warbird

It’s no secret we love EAA AirVenture. So much to do and see and hear! The recording of incredible video footage and eye-watering pictures happens all day long, but sometimes something rare occurs. This year the Royal Air Force (RAF) celebrated its 100^th anniversary. At many airshows, all around the world, warbird tribute flights were conducted to highlight the RAF’s birthday. EAA AirVenture 2018 was no exception. We’re fortunate to be able to bring you this awesome helmet-cam video of the Vintage Wings of Canada’s Spitfire Mk IXe flying one memorable RAF tribute flight. The video was uploaded to YouTube by our good friends at AirshowStuffVideos.

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Like so many warbirds the Spitfire flown in the video has a bit of backstory. She is a Spit Mk IXe serial number TE294, and was built by Vickers Armstrong at Castle Bromwich for the RAF. After TE294 was completed on 9 June 1945 she saw service with the RAF’s 39 Maintenance Unit at RAF Colerne located in far western Wiltshire in the south of England. TE294 was powered by a Merlin 70-series engine optimized for high-altitude performance with a two-speed, two-stage supercharger and a Bendix-Stromberg carburetor.

Spitfire CGYQQ Y2K — Spitfire IXe TE294 wearing the markings of Spitfire IX MK304. By J. S. Bond [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

The Spitfire TE294 is painted to represent was also built by Vickers Armstrong at Castle Bromwich. MK304 briefly saw service with 310 Squadron (Czech) before being transferred to 442 Squadron RCAF. The aircraft was flown several times by Flight Lieutenant Arnold Roseland. MK304 was powered by a Merlin 66- the most powerful Merlin engine installed in Spitfires, producing 1,720 horsepower. Roseland flew some 65 combat sorties with 442 Squadron, including a memorable scrap over the Normandy beaches during which “Rosy” Roseland bagged a pair of Focke-Wulf Fw-190 Würger (Shrike) fighters.

Unfortunately only about a month after his engagement over Normandy Roseland lost his life in combat against the Luftwaffe. MK304 was damaged, repaired, and damaged again before the end of September 1944 and soon thereafter retired from RCAF service. TE294 served with 122 Squadron RAF before she too was damaged and sold off to the South African Air Force (SAAF) where she was damaged again and was subsequently stored for decades. In 1999 TE294 was acquired by the Comox Air Force Museum for restoration. In 2013 Vintage Wings of Canada took over the project to restore Spitfire IXe TE294.

BONUS: Here’s a look at what we think may be the same RAF Tribute Flight from the ground. This was also uploaded to YouTube by AirshowStuffVideos. Turn those speakers up (and ignore that pesky PA guy!).

[youtube id=”GnEpu2mb2oI” width=”800″ height=”454″ position=”left”]

Champion Aerobatic Pilots to Perform at Wings Over North Georgia

Airshow News

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September 23, 2018

Champion Aerobatic Pilots to Perform at Wings Over North Georgia

ROME, Ga. — World and national aerobatic champion pilots will take to the autumn skies in October demonstrating high performance maneuvers and a dizzying array of 360-degree turns during the Wings Over North Georgia air show.

Top civilian pilots are poised to join the pilots of popular military aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor and A-10C Thunderbolt II, at Rome’s Richard Russell Airport on October 13 and 14. The family-fun show will combine aviation, popular music, and great food into a full weekend.

44153178354 004e040d17 k — Aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff will return to Wings Over North Georgia VII. (Charles Atkeison)

The first lady of aerobatics Patty Wagstaff will return to the north Georgia show as she performs twist-and-turn maneuvers and low-level high speed flying. Piloting her German-built EXTRA 300XL monoplane, the U.S. National Aerobatic Champion will demonstrate rolls while climbing straight up as she pushes her aircraft to the limits each day.

“Every low-level performance and every maneuver is styled and executed to demonstrate the precision, artistry, and heart-stopping excitement of a perfectly executed aerobatic maneuver,” Wagstaff said recently during a plane-side visit.

In the year following her win as the International Aerobatic Champion of 1993, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum placed her Extra 260 airplane on display next to that of Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Vega. Her aircraft remains there to this day.

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Red Bull Air Race pilot Michael Goulian has performed in Austria, Hungary, Russia, France, Japan, and the United States during 2018. When he is not performing during the popular Red Bull Air Races he is piloting his EXTRA 330SC during air shows including EAA Oshkosh and Rome.

Michael has a busy October lined up as he resumes Red Bull in Indianapolis on October 6 and 7, followed by the Rome air show, and the NAS Jacksonville air show on October 27 and 28.

“I would have to say there’s no such thing as a break for our team ever, so we did what we always do, which is work and fly airplanes,” Mike said while in Kazan, Russia in August. “But that’s what we love.”

Veteran aerobatic performer Buck Roetman will soar over the Russell Airfield performing unique maneuvers as he pilots his modified Pitts S2S. Past air show guests know of his popular yellow bi-plane as it pirouettes — smoke-on — in the openness of the blue sky.

One of Roetman’s favorite stunts is the Ribbon Cut. Soaring at over 200 m.p.h. and 18 feet above the deck, his Pitts aircraft will slice a thin ribbon stretched across the width of the runway. Buck insists that this is no easy feat.

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“Each year, we carefully assemble a lineup of acts that perform the top demonstrations in the industry, but also want to show a lot of diversity in the type of flights and aircraft that participate,” said John Cowman, president of JLC Air Show Management who is bringing the Rome air show back for a seventh consecutive year. “With Buck, Patty, and Mike, we have three of the absolute and most diverse performers in the industry.”

World Air Race Champion of 2016 and Reno National Air Race pilot Scott Farnsworth will also take to the skies over Rome to demonstrate his own style of aerobatics. Scott will perform in a former Czech Republic trainer, the L-39 Albatros.

40 n — Aerobatic pilot Scott Farnsworth aboard his blue L-39 Albatros aircraft recently. (Dash)

Unlike most aerobatic performers, Scott’s plane is a jet aircraft capable of high gravity-force climbs and high speed passes. His blue L-39 will add a little extra to the show’s performance line up.

“(Scott’s) prowess as a championship racer seamlessly translates into an air show demonstration packed with high speed passes, turns, and aerobatics,” said Brenda Little, spokesperson for the Rome Air Show. “His single-engine aircraft can reach speeds exceeding 550 mph with a rate of climb of 4,130 feet per minute.”

Tickets for the Wings Over North Georgia remain available. VIP ticket packages, airport reserved parking passes, and general admission tickets remain available as of today. Ms. Little notes that select ticket packages tend to sell out in the weeks prior to the show.

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

Watch Military Jets Making Freedom Noises in Pacific Skies

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September 20, 2018

Watch Military Jets Making Freedom Noises in Pacific Skies

This recently shot high-definition footage features US military aircraft operating from Anderson Air Force Base (AFB) on Guam in the Marianas during Valiant Shield joint training exercises. The footage is mostly takeoffs and departures, but it’s the variety of aircraft seen in the clip that makes it so awesome. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Ultimate Military Channel. The routine and the rare cataloged below the clip.

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The video starts off with a section of Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning IIs from VMFA-121 Green Knights departing. Then a Boeing E-3 AWACS from the 552^nd Air Control Wing (ACW) at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma gets moving. Next up a pair of Boeing P-8A Poseidons from VP-5 Mad Foxes depart. A US Marine Corps Lockheed KC-130J Hercules tanker splits next. Boeing B-52H Stratofortress serial 60-0021 nicknamed Black Jack and assigned to the 96^th Bomb Squadron (BS) Devil’s Own at Barksdale AFB is next to head out with Mark 62 Quickstrike mines on its racks.

29411168743 73cc5c6d92 k — VP-5 P-8A Poseidon. Image via US Navy

A Boeing (Northrop Grumman) E-8C JSTARS from the 461^st ACW in Georgia gets going next. Then another Poseidon, this one from VP-30 Pro’s Nest (all the way from Jax) takes to the skies. Now it’s time to turn those speakers way up, because the footage of the next several departures was shot from the rear quarter- meaning thunder! Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5) Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornets from VFA-195 Dambusters and VFA-115 Eagles, F/A-18F Super Hornets from VFA-102 Diamondbacks, and EA-18G Growlers from VAQ-141 Shadowhawks all make some sweet freedom noises.

A U.S. Navy F A 18E Super Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VFA 102 right and an EA 18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ 141 demonstrate an a — VF-102 F/A-18F refuels VAQ-141 EA-18G. Image via US Navy

Oddity warning: The next departure is an Omega Tanker Boeing 707-368C (registered as N707MQ) contract aerial tanker. Then a Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker from the 909^th ARS fitted with a drogue on its boom takes off. Finally we see some camera-shy McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagles from the 18^th Wing at Kadena depart. Look closely and you’ll observe some interesting aircraft on the ground in the background as well. Lockheed EP-3E Aries II electronic reconnaissance Orions from VQ-2 World Watchers, various KC-135Rs and KC-10A Extenders, and B-1B Lancers from Dyess AFB are all on the vast Andersen AFB ramps. Did you spot the Hawker Hunter Mk. 58 contract adversary jet or the one and only Japanese Kawasaki UP-3C Orion on the entire planet there too?

16715987 1105721059536274 8538308833876964285 o — EP-3E Aries. Image via US Navy

The second video from this exercise features some of the same footage pre-flight but adds BB stackers loading those Mark 62s up and later the release and detonation of the B-52H’s payload as observed from a VP-5 Poseidon. Enjoy!

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BREAKING: USAF T-6A Trainer Down in San Antonio- Crew Safe

Military History

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September 18, 2018

BREAKING: USAF T-6A Trainer Down in San Antonio- Crew Safe

On Tuesday 18 September at approximately 1600 local time a United States Air Force Beechcraft T-6A Texan II turbine-powered trainer crashed in a field in the vicinity of Rolling Oaks Mall near Nacogdoches Road just outside Loop 1604 in the northeastern San Antonio, Texas, area. The crew of two aboard the trainer successfully ejected from their stricken T-6A and suffered only minor injuries. After being taken to the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph (JBSA) Medical Clinic for evaluation the two were released. Their names have not yet been released to the public.

040519 F 2171A 500 — T-6A Texan IIs. Image via USAF

The trainer, belonging to the 12^th Flying Training Wing (TTW) and based at JBSA, is one of 444 being used for primary pilot training at several Air Force Bases (AFBS) by the USAF and at Naval Air Stations (NASs) by the US Navy, and by the countries of Argentina, Canada, Greece, Iraq, Israel, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The commander of the 12th Flying Training Wing subsequently suspended flights of the T-6A. The cause of the crash is not known, but an Air Force investigation team was on the ground along with military and civilian firefighters, said Randy Martin, the wing’s spokesman.

180702 F XX123 0901a — T-6A Texan II. Image via USAF

There were no civilian casualties, and the extent of damage to property is being evaluated. “We are grateful to the community and the first responders who rushed to help our Airmen at the site of the crash,” said Col. Mark Robinson, 12th Flying Training Wing commander. “While we can’t rule out any specific cause, initial indications do not give us reason to believe that the On Board Oxygen Generation System is a factor in today’s accident. We are pleased to confirm that our pilots were treated and released from our medical facility,” Robinson said. We’ll update this story as events warrant.

Red Tails Legacy Flight Honors Tuskegee Airmen of Yesterday and Today

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September 17, 2018

Red Tails Legacy Flight Honors Tuskegee Airmen of Yesterday and Today

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The legacy of the Red Tails of the Tuskegee Airmen was honored recently as the warbirds of yesterday and today soared together during a special flight across the blue skies of central Alabama.

Two Red Tailed F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 100th Fighter Squadron near Montgomery took off from Dannelly Airfield to join an F-22 Raptor and a Red Tailed P-51C Mustang for a special tandem flight on September 6. Of historical interest, each aircraft was piloted by American-American.

42938808360 cbab9687e5 k — The Red Tails Legacy pilots include Maj. Paul Lopez (L), Brad Lang (3rd from L), and Maj. Rich Peace (R). (Charles Atkeison)

The Montgomery air base continues to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen who became the first group of African-American military aviators, maintainers, and navigators who held support jobs at the start of World War II. On the flight line of the 100th FS rests four gray F-16 jets painted with the famous Red Tails on it vertical stabilizer.

“The 100th Fighter Squadron was one of the Tuskegee Airmen squadrons during World War II, a famous all African-American squadron from the 332d Fighter Group, activated on Feb 19, 1942 at Tuskegee Army Air Field, Alabama,” Spokesperson SSgt. Jared Rand explained. “It was returned to duty in 2007 as a replacement of the Alabama Air National Guard’s 160th Fighter Squadron so the state could honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.”

Major Paul “Loco” Lopez is the commander and pilot of the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team based at the 301st Fighter Squadron at Langley AFB. Last November, he earned the distinction of becoming the team’s first African-American leader.

30878107228 81c31da2c0 k — The Red Tails Legacy Flight lead by the P-51C Mustang and included the F-22 Raptor and twin F-16 Fighting Falcons. (Charles Atkeison)

“We all stand on the shoulders of giants,” Maj. Lopez said from Dannelly Field prior to the historic flight. “If you look around on the ramp (here) you see how the military, particularly the Air Force, values preserving our legacy and honoring our heritage by painting Red Tails on to the F-16s of the 100th Fighter Squadron.”

An Army Air Corps program started in 1941, the Tuskegee Airmen was an experiment begun to train African-American men to pilot, navigate, and maintain military aircraft. As war spread across Europe, the Red Tail aircraft was woven into the Allied armies.

Air Force Maj. Rich “Sheriff” Peace of the 100th FS piloted the lead F-16 during the legacy flight that Thursday afternoon. His F-16 served as the lead with a second Fighting Falcon in flight to photograph the historic event.

“The legacy flight was to honor the memory of the Tuskegee Airmen, and to bring visibility and light to the sacrifices they made then, what we’re doing now, and how they paved the way forward to the future,” Maj. Peace said following the flight. “To see what their work and sacrifice led to today was a pretty amazing thing. I was honored and proud to be part of it.”

42938489980 9649fa9c73 k — The Red Tails Legacy Flight was a popular event at the 187th Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard Base, on September 6, 2018. (Charles Atkeison)

Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron leader Brad Lang is an African-American pilot who preserves the memory of the Tuskegee Airmen. Built in 1944, and served as a trainer during the final months of the second World War, Lang piloting the P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen was the perfect aircraft to represent the fighters of yesteryear.

“The Tuskegee Airmen trained right down the road at Moton Field flying various aircraft back in the day in the 1940s,” Maj. Lopez added as we stood near two gray F-22 Raptors. “For me it’s just very humbling knowing that a lot of people went through great sacrifices that we can all be here and for me to be doing this and share the airplane (F-22) and my team with the community means the world to us.”

Today, Lopez is closing in on the completion of a very busy and successful first air show season with the team. He will continue to command and perform with the demo team during the 2019 season. For Lopez, Lang, and Peace, they are but a few of today’s pilots who carry the torch forward and the legacy of the Red Tails.

(Charles A Atkeison was the only journalist to capture the Red Tails Legacy Flight from the flight line. He reports full time on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

The First Delta Airlines A220-100 Rolls Out of the Airbus Paint Shop

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September 14, 2018

The First Delta Airlines A220-100 Rolls Out of the Airbus Paint Shop

On 13 September 2018 the first Airbus A220-100 wearing Delta Airlines colors rolled out of the paint shop at the Airbus assembly line in Mirabel, Quebec in Canada. The jet looks sharp in its colors, but isn’t quite finished yet. The aircraft will be completed on the final assembly line at Mirabel before it is test flown later this fall and delivered to Delta for service beginning early in 2019. You might recall these jets were previously known as the Bombardier C-Series (CS100 and CS300) before the Airbus deal earlier this year.

44623697282 a74d170e70 o — A220-100 reg N101DU rolling out of the paint shop at Mirabel. Image via Delta

Airbus Mirabel paint ship supervisor Julie Léveillé remarked, “It’s a tremendous feeling of accomplishment to know we just outfitted North America’s first A220 from tail to tip. I’ve been working in the paint shop for 15 years. It can be a challenging job, but seeing the finished product makes it worth it.” Delta program manager Larry Cato, who works on Delta’s Fleet Management team, said, “There’s nothing like seeing years of planning come together in the shape of a freshly painted aircraft. “It’s a major milestone for the future of our fleet.”

43954689304 de066b54f8 o — A220-100 reg N101DU wears Delta colors. Image via Delta

Reportedly the paint job took a total of nine days to complete. And if you don’t think paint adds weight to an aircraft, do the math: 165 gallons were applied to N101DU. Paint weighs about 11 pounds per gallon. That’s a guideline because paint is thinned for spraying, but trust us- if you had to move all 165 gallons of that paint you would have gotten a serious workout! The 200 rolls of masking tape and several rolls of plastic they used don’t count. Delta will be the first United States operator to take delivery of the new Airbus twinjet. The carrier ordered 75 of them. Other US airlines have ordered several hundred more. We’ll see quit a few of these jets in American skies beginning next year.

43954684894 8d8917dda7 o — A220-100 reg N101DU will fly for the first time later this fall. Image via Delta

Owensboro Airshow to Soar with Blue Angels, top Aerobatics this Weekend

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September 14, 2018

Owensboro Airshow to Soar with Blue Angels, top Aerobatics this Weekend

OWENSBORO, KY — The rush of six blue and gold jets in a delta formation arrived high above the Ohio River heralding the arrival of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels on Thursday in time for this weekend’s Owensboro Air Show.

Landing one after another on the regional airport’s asphalt runway, the six F/A-18 Hornets were greeted by one of the most distinguished aircraft maintenance teams in the military. Having arrived earlier, the Blue’s maintenance team quickly began fueling and preparing the aircraft for their next flight to begin the team’s twenty-fifth airshow of their 72nd season.

river closure map — Glover Cary “Blue” Bridge will close on Saturday and Sunday during the air show. (City of Owensboro)

Guests can enjoy great viewing locations for the free show along either bank of the Ohio River. Air show center will be over the west side of the Glover Cary “Blue” Bridge. City officials said the bridge will close for the air show during brief windows on Saturday between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and on Sunday between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The Blue Angels will fire up their aircraft and taxi out to perform at about 3:10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Their 42-minute flight demonstration will see the first four jets break away from the twin solos as each performs high speed passes and high climbs.

“The fastest speed is about 700 m.p.h. during the popular sneak pass, and the slowest speed is about 120 m.p.h. during the Section High Alpha, both flown by the solo pilots during the show,” Blue Angels spokesperson LCDR David Gardner states.

Lead by Commander Eric Doyle in Angel 1, Doyle is Boss to his fellow Angels. The Diamond Team includes LCDR Damon Kroes flying Angel 2 on the right wing, Major Jeff Mullins flying Angel 3 on the left wing, and LCDR Nate Scott flying Angel 4 in the slot position. The two solo pilots in Angels 5 and 6 — the two Hornets pushing the envelope of what the Hornet can do — are lead solo LCDR Tyler Davies lying Angel 5 and opposing solo LCDR Brandon Hempler piloting Angel 6.

44676316101 22d7a25a9c k — Class of ’45 pilot Jim Tobul will pilot his F-4U Corsair during the Owensboro Airshow. (Charles Atkeison)

Top civilian aircraft scheduled to perform include national aerobatic champion Rob Holland, pilot Matt Younkin piloting his Beech 18 aircraft, and the popular Class of ’45 aircraft duo of Scott Yoak’s P-51D Mustang Quicksilver, and Jim Tobul’s F4U Corsair nicknamed The Korean War Hero.

Known as the BBQ capital of the world, Owensboro is home to great food found along the riverfront. Guests arriving into the downtown district will want to arrive for an early lunch and to locate that special viewing spot. Parking will also fill up early.

“Parking is available throughout downtown Owensboro both in garages, surface parking lots, and on-street parking,” Owensboro Special Events Coordinator Erica Pedley said on Thursday. “The majority of the parking downtown is free, however some private lots or garages may charge a minimal fee.”

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

Bug Out: Most Military Aircraft Are Now Out of the Florence Zone

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September 12, 2018

Bug Out: Most Military Aircraft Are Now Out of the Florence Zone

The Navy and Marine Corps are not taking any chances with scores of aircraft based at East Coast air stations before the arrival of Hurricane Florence. Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola in the Florida panhandle has already received more than 60 aircraft from NAS Oceana, NAS Patuxent River, and NAS Norfolk in Virginia and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort in South Carolina- all facilities in or close to the expected Flo Zone.

VFA 106 Line — VFA-106 Oceana flightline. Image via US Navy

So far roughly sixty aircraft are parked on Forrest Sherman Field at NAS Pensacola and the totals will likely go higher. The Navy Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornets, Grumman E-2C and E-2D Hawkeyes, Grumman C-2A(R) Greyhounds, Marine Corps Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning IIs and Lockheed C-130 Hercules began arriving at the Cradle of Naval Aviation on Tuesday 11 September.

VFA 106 Line 2 — VFA-106 flightline. Image via US Navy

NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Officer Patrick Nichols says the base has the excess room and capacity to host the evacuees without detrimental effect on Training Wing SIX (TW-6) based there. No schedule has been set for the return of the displaced jets and their crews to their home air stations yet but it’s likely they’ll be heading back as soon as it’s considered safe to do so.

VFA 32 Gaggle — VFA-32 F/A-18Fs hit the road. Image via US Navy

Also bugging out to locations on the Emerald Coast are a few adversary aircraft operated by Airborne Tactical Advantage (ATAC) contracted to provide training services for the fleet. In from MCAS Beaufort are a pair of Hawker Mk 58 Hunter fighters and a section of F-21 Kfir fighters along with at least 13 Marine Corps F-35Bs. These jets are staying at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) on the 33^rd Fighter Wing (FW) apron for the duration.

KFIR — ATAC Kfir at Beaufort. Image via DoD

Other military air bases and air stations along the Eastern seaboard are distributing many of their aircraft to locations with available room west, north, and south of the expected track of Florence. Joint Base Langley-Eustis near Hampton in Virginia has sent a large number of F-22A Raptor fighters and T-38 Talon trainers to Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base (ANGB) in south central Ohio- home of the 121st Air Refueling Wing (ARW). More than 30 Naval vessels have sortied from Norfolk Naval Station as well.

Bug Out: Most Military Aircraft Are Now Out of the Florence Zone 26 — Joint Base Langley-Eustis T-38. Image via USAF

The Army’s 82^nd Airborne Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade has bugged out to the Atlanta area with their AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and other rotorcraft. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has set up staging at Fort Bragg in the 82^nd’s absence. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is preparing for the inevitable rescue work that will follow Florence. Some of those rescues might be required at US Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. A previously planned evacuation of the iconic Leatherneck base to the Atlanta area was cancelled. The Marines are holding their hallowed ground.

HH 65 — USCG HH-65 Dauphin. Image via USCG

Star Wars Definitely Never Looked or Sounded as Awesome as This

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September 11, 2018

Star Wars Definitely Never Looked or Sounded as Awesome as This

There’s no music. There’s no commentary. Even the in and off radio calls are left for other clips. Nothing but fast jets making lots of thunderous freedom noises down in Star Wars Canyon. The aircraft are a cross-section of nearly everything fast in service today: A-10s, F-15s, F-16s, F-22s, F-35s, F/A-18s, EA-18Gs, and a few more thrown in. Foreign built jets appearing in the piece include the Panavia Tornado and the Eurofighter Typhoon. For you nostalgic jet fans there are appearances by one of the last living QF-4G Phantoms and a privately owned Northrop T-38 Talon. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Habujet. Enjoy with your sound system set to 11!

[youtube id=”yX3y1td75v4″ width=”800″ height=”454″ position=”left”]

There’s nothing really secret about Star Wars Canyon. Technically it’s part of a published but restricted low-level training route (part of the R2508 Special Use Airspace Complex) meandering through Rainbow Canyon area on the western edge of Death Valley National Park in California. One reason photographers and videographers like the location so much is the variety of aircraft that use the place. Aircraft from Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, the Air Force’s Plant 42 at Palmdale, Nellis AFB, NAS Lemoore, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar and Fresno Air National Guard Base (ANGB) all use the restricted air space for testing and training.

download 8 — Image via YouTube screen capture.

The preferred location for capturing images and videos of the jets as they thunder by is a place called Father Crowley Point. It’s roughly four hours east of Los Angeles and sits on publically accessible land- so no hassles from the fun police. Upsides include the potential for unique perspectives from which to snap incredible pictures and real restrooms at the parking area. Potential gotchas include a lack of published flight schedules, meaning a day could go by without any jet action at all, and for certain parts of the year the weather- broiling hot or freezing cold. But if it’s worth a trip the weather’s not stopping you! Just remember that summer weather affects density altitude, which in turn affects jet aircraft flight performance. Short answer: Fall and spring are probably your favorite seasons for this place resembling Tatooine on Earth. That’s how the place got its nickname. Somebody said the geography looked like the Star Wars planet of the same name and it stuck.

download 3 — Image via YouTube screen capture.

The experts say the best places to set up for righteous viewing are:

36° 21.278’N / 117° 33.694’W: A head on view of the jets diving into the canyon, still above the rim, followed by nice shots of the aircraft’s undersides when they roll to the left and dive into the canyon itself.

36° 21.324’N / 117° 32.583’W: A clear view of the jets as they keep rolling left, then pulling level for a short straight before a sharp right turn.

36° 21.557’N / 117° 32.119’W: A low level view (below the canyon rim) of the jets as they begin rolling left in preparation for egress. Many of the jets exiting the canyon pull up, but nearly as many remain low as they exit into Panamint Valley.

download 4 — Image via YouTube screen capture.

All of these spots are short hikes from the parking area. Bring water, sandwiches, a good tripod, your favorite trusty photographic tools (with a long lens), extra storage media, extra batteries and/or a solar battery charger, some shade generating device, and a scanner- tuned to 315.90 MHz. Bear in mind that you’re setting up at the Jedi Transition, which is essentially a shortcut between a couple of points (Charlie and Juliet) along the longer R2508 low-level training route. The R-2508 complex handbook refers to the canyon as Star Wars Canyon and the path through the canyon connecting Owens Valley in the west and Panamint Valley in the east as the Jedi Transition. Whatever you call it, listen for jets calling in. Subjects usually enter from the west and egress east, but not always. And yes…the pilots know when photogs are there and often show off just a little bit more than usual. You’re welcome.

download 10 — Image via YouTube screen capture.

Watch: VMFA-211 is One of the Oldest, Now Flying the Very Newest

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September 10, 2018

Watch: VMFA-211 is One of the Oldest, Now Flying the Very Newest

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has been operating the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II from amphibious assault ship decks for some time now. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron TWO ONE ONE (VMFA-211) Wake Island Avengers have been flying the new short takeoff vertical landing (STOVL) attack jet since 2016. VMFA-211 was the second Leatherneck squadron to gain operational capability with the F-35B after VMFA-121 Green Knights. This video, recently shot aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD-2) gives us a glimpse of the power and the noise associated with STOVL F-35B ops. The clip was uploaded to YouTube by Gung Ho Vids.

[youtube id=”AzxnR-gsWzc” width=”800″ height=”454″ position=”left”]

VMFA-211, also known as the Bastion Defenders, is normally based at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma in southwestern Arizona. VMFA-211 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group ONE THREE (MAG-31) of the 3^rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). While assigned to the Essex the Avengers are part of the 13^th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). VMFA-211 can trace its history clear back to 1937 when Marine Fighting Squadron 4 (VF-4M) was activated at Naval Air Station (NAS) San Diego. Known through the years before World War II as VF-8M and VMF-2, the squadron moved to MCAS Ewa in Hawaii and was designated Marine Fighter Squadron 211 on I July 1941.

170819 N XN518 512 — VMFA-211 F-35B. Image via US Navy

During those months in Hawaii before the war began VMF-211 pilots included some future Medal of Honor winners like Henry Elrod, Robert Galer, and Gregory “Pappy” Boyington. In November of 1941 VMF-211 sent half of their F4F-3 Wildcat fighters and just under half of their pilots to Wake Island to bolster the meager defenses there. We all know how things turned out at Wake, but VMF-211 took as many Japanese ships and planes from the enemy as possible. While half of VMF-211 was fighting at Wake, the remainder of the squadron lost all but one of its Wildcats at Ewa on December 7^th 1941.

180824 N NB142 0737 — VMFA-211 F-35B. Image via US Navy

When the squadron was reformed (with aircraft this time) the Avengers first flew the obsolete Brewster F2A-3 Buffalo. They quickly re-equipped with F4F-4 Wildcats and once they transitioned to the Vought F4U Corsair they flew them for the rest of the war while fighting in the Treasury-Bougainville Campaign, Battle of the Bismarck Sea, Northern Solomons, Battle of Leyte Gulf, and Southern Philippine campaigns. After the war ended the Avengers pulled China duty until 1948 when they returned stateside and began flying the Douglas AD-4N Skyraider as VMA-211.

A 4M Skyhawk VMA 211 at MCAS El Toro — VMA-211 A-4M. Image via US Navy

The aircraft perhaps most often associated with VMA-211 was the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk which the Avengers began flying in 1957. They flew every major version of the diminutive attack jet, many of them in combat during the Vietnam War, between 1957 and 1989. VMA-211 brought home the last overseas-deployed Leatherneck A-4s and transitioned to the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Night Attack Harrier in 1990. VMA-211 was named the Marine Corps Aviation Association “Attack Squadron of the Year” three times while flying Harrier jump jets. Since then the Avengers have been in the thick of the action wherever Marine Corps attack pilots have been called to serve.

F-22 Raptor to Highlight Inaugural Red Tails Over Montgomery Airshow

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September 6, 2018

F-22 Raptor to Highlight Inaugural Red Tails Over Montgomery Airshow

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The thrust of a pair of Air Force F-22 Raptors heralded their arrival over central Alabama on Thursday as the nation’s top military and civilian aircraft began arriving for the inaugural Red Tails Over Montgomery Air Show.

Saturday’s open house event will be free to the public as the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing hosts their first air show. The squadron is giving back to the community as it celebrates its 65th year at Dannelly Field, and the 30th anniversary of receiving its first F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Low clouds and tropical moisture on Thursday morning provided a full vapor wrap over each F-22 as they practiced at high speeds over the air field. In contrast, the weather will be sunny and warm for Saturday’s display.

44523461251 dc45ab136e k — Moisture vapor wraps around the Air Force F-22 Raptor Thursday above Dannelly Field. (Charles Atkeison)

The F-22 Raptor will headline the full air show event, and demonstrate it’s maneuverability, including dizzying climbs and speeds over 400 m.p.h. Piloted by Major Paul Lopez, the F-22s performance will have crowds stopping on the tarmac to watch the nation’s fifth generation fighter, including the crowd favorite Heritage Flight with the P-51 Mustang.

“The Heritage Flight is a living memorial pairing up a modern fighter with a World War II or Korean-era airplane flying in formation,” Maj. Lopez said moments after landing at Dannelly Field. “Paired with great narration and great music, it captures that feeling of how import the Air Force legacy is in the military.”

43798427774 49fd3254b6 k — 187th Fighter Wing commander Col. Ed Casey and F-22 Raptor pilot Maj. Paul Lopez pause during preparation on Thursday for the Red Tails Over Montgomery air show on Saturday. (Charles Atkeison)

Performances by the 187th’s own F-16 Viper and a P-51D Mustang — each sporting red tails — will honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airman while inspiring future generations.

“We are so thankful for the support of our community and the legacy of the Tuskegee Airman of World War II,” Colonel Ed Casey, commander of the 187th Fighter Wing, said Thursday during a discussion on the flight line. “The vision going forward is to have a big aviation event for the city of Montgomery every few years.”

The air show will see performances by the Air Force Wings of Blue Parachute Team, the twin Trojan Phlyers aircraft, and civilian aerobatic pilots Gary Ward and Greg Koontz. Educational events and a special exhibit dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen pilots and maintainers will be present during the family-fun event.

44523716751 3404784f23 k — 187th Fighter Wing’s F-16 Viper’s red tail honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. (Charles Atkeison)

The air show will occur during a time of positive growth around Dannelly Field. Last December, the 187th received official word from the Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson that they will become a new home base for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting II in a few years.

The 187th Fighter Wing has had a storied history from defending the United States following the 9/11 attacks including multiple deployments to the Middle East, to protecting the nation after a natural disaster. The squadron is also home to a fleet of gray F-16C Fighting Falcons with painted red tails on their vertical stabilizer as the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen continues onward.

Col. Casey expressed the importance that guests arrive early. Gates will open at 9 a.m. and the first flights will begin at 11 a.m. You can follow updates on traffic and parking lot availability posted on the air show’s Facebook page.

There will be six off-base public parking locations divided into Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, Purple, and White lots where guests will catch a free bus ride onto the base. One parking lot on the base is designed for handicapped parking and requires drives to display an ADA sign.

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

BUFFs On the Move Are a Feast For Avgeek Eyes and Ears

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September 5, 2018

BUFFs On the Move Are a Feast For Avgeek Eyes and Ears

Just because we here at Avgeekery.com love BUFFs as much as Avgeekery Nation does, we’d like to share a special tribute to the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. We’ve combed the interwebs and uncovered a quadruple pack of awesome videos featuring BUFFs. In our first clip, a B-52H makes three sweet-sounding passes over EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh 2018. Not the longest clip but definitely a must for Stratofortress fans. The video was shot and uploaded to YouTube by Nigel Woolley. Enjoy with you speakers set to 11!

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This multi-angled look at Barksdale AFB BUFF operations features great audio and crisp video. Aerial refueling, takeoffs and landings, multiple cameras and shots…you won’t miss much here. The video was uploaded YouTube by AiirSource Military. And don’t turn it down- close the door instead!

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A minimal interval takeoff (MITO) scramble exercise at Minot AFB shows off the BUFF’s ability to get moving quickly and impressively. Looking pretty spry for aircraft that are approaching mandatory retirement age (if not there already)! The video was uploaded to YouTube by USA Military Channel. “I know it’s loud but It’s OK honey…it’ll be over in just a little while.”

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When the Tomcat Deployed for the First Time it Was a Happening

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September 4, 2018

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When the Tomcat Deployed for the First Time it Was a Happening

The film “F-14A Tomcat Progress Report 7- The Tomcat Deployed” was produced by Grumman Aerospace Corporation in 1974 to tout the Navy’s newest fleet defense interceptor- the Grumman F-14A Tomcat. During the making of the film Fighter Squadron ONE (VF-1) Wolf Pack and VF-2 Bounty Hunters were preparing for their first deployment with Carrier Air Wing ONE FOUR (CVW-14) aboard the carrier USS Enterprise (CVNA-65). The film was uploaded to YouTube by sdasmarchives.

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The Tomcat first flew on 21 December 1970. The twin-engine, two-seat, variable-sweep wing fighter was developed to meet the Navy’s Experimental (VFX) program after the ill-fated F-111B program was dropped. Developed using the experiences of fighter crews fighting MiGs in the skies over Vietnam, the F-14A reversed the no-gun mindset that produced the Navy versions of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. Of course the Tomcat went on to serve for 32 years as the ultimate fleet defender, reconnaissance platform, and later as a highly effective ground attack platform when adapted to do the job. Tomcats compiled a 5-1 composite win/loss ratio in US Navy use (Navy 4 Libya 0). The only other country to operate the F-14A, Iran, claims a composite win/loss ratio of 130-8.

During their WestPac deployment aboard the Big E for Operation Frequent Wind (from 17 September 1974 to 20 May 1975) CVW-14 consisted of VF-1 Wolf Pack and VF-2 Bounty Hunters flying the Tomcat, VA-27 Royal Maces and VA-97 Warhawks flying the Vought A-7E Corsair II, VA-196 Main Battery flying the Grumman A-6A and KA-6D Intruder, VAQ-137 Rooks flying the Grumman EA-6B Prowler, VAW-113 Black Eagles flying the Grumman E-2B Hawkeye, RVAH-12 Speartips flying the North American RA-5C Vigilante, Detachment 65 from VQ-1 World Watchers flying the Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior, HS-2 Golden Falcons flying the Sikorsky SH-3D Sea King, and a Detachment from HC-7 Sea Devils flying the Sikorsky HH-3A and SH-3G Sea King.

f14packbig — VF-1 and VF-2 F-14As on deck. Image via US Navy

The Variety of Aircraft Flown by the Guard Was Astounding

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September 2, 2018

The Variety of Aircraft Flown by the Guard Was Astounding

The Army National Guard and the Air National Guard (ANG) are portrayed performing many of their wide variety of duties in the Vietnam-era film “The Men and the Minute.” The film features the Tennessee ANG flying their Boeing C-97G Stratofreighters, Puerto Rico ANG flying North American F-86H Sabres, Massachusetts ANG flying their Convair F-102A Delta Daggers, Illinois ANG flying their KC-97L Stratofreighter tankers, and New Jersey ANG flying their Republic F-105D Thunderchiefs. The film was uploaded to YouTube by PeriscopeFilm.

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One particularly interesting part of the film is the role of the Oklahoma ANG and their specially-equipped communications relay aircraft dubbed “Talking Birds.” These 137^th Air Transport Wing C-97 aircraft were capable of deployment to anywhere in the world and often did just that. Crewed by nine and carrying up to 39 additional communications specialists, the “Talking Bird” aircraft were equipped with the latest in navigation equipment, avionics, and communications equipment of every type. Why? Because these aircraft kept the President in contact during the days when Air Force One was not equipped with its own mobile command communications capability as it is today.

The film begins with an eyeful of Tan Son Nhut during the mid-1960s. Also appearing in the film in supporting roles are a bevy of Army and Air Force ANG aircraft including the McDonnell Douglas RF-101 Voodoo, Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Fairchild C-123J Provider, Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, Lockheed Constellation, de Havilland Canada U-6B Beaver, Bell UH-1D and UH-1E Iroquois, Cessna O-1 Bird Dog, Douglas C-47 Skytrain, de Havilland Canada C-7A Caribou, North American F-100D Super Sabre, Helio U-10D Courier, a Lockheed P-2 Neptune from VP-18 Flying Phantoms, Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, Hiller OH-23 Raven, and the Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw. There’s even a UH-1D with sling loaded Cessna O-1 Bird Dog for those of you who hadn’t seen anything unusual today.

110216 F 7792W 024 — Stratofreighter. Image via USAF

History Soars High as Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, Snowbirds Unite in Flight

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August 30, 2018

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History Soars High as Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, Snowbirds Unite in Flight

CLEVELAND, Ohio — America’s two military flight squadrons joined with Canada’s own military jet team to form a historic flight of unity on Thursday high above the United States and Canadian boarder.

Under a mostly blue sky, the Navy’s Blue Angels departed Cleveland on a northeast heading and joined up with the Air Force Thunderbirds and Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds over eastern Lake Erie. Each team took a turn as the lead flight team during the nearly thirty minute rendezvous.

“We met the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Canadian Snowbirds over our shared border near Lake Erie,” Thunderbirds spokesperson Maj. Ray Geoffroy said Thursday evening. “Not only is this a perfect example of strong inter-service friendships, it’s a testament to our international ties with our neighbors to the north.”

40458282 10156592257229246 6243239206781452288 o — Snowbirds, Blue Angels, and Thunderbirds soar for the first time together Thursday. (Glenn Watson)

The combined 21 jets exchanged goodwill and some humorous banter as they flew in a vertial stack formation and took turns in the lead. “It was great getting the fam(ily) back together,” Maj. Geoffroy added. “We’ll have to do it again soon!”

The Blue Angels, which fly the F/A-18 Hornet, are in northern Ohio for this weekend’s Cleveland National Air Show, while the Thunderbirds and Snowbirds are in Toronto for the Canadian International Air Show. The T-Birds perform in the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Snowbirds perform aboard the CT-114 Tutors.

40397987 10156592257344246 913025642432299008 o — Smoke-On! The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds streak acoss Lake Erie on Thursday. (Glenn Watson)

“151 years of friendship summed up in one photo — three military jet teams from two countries sharing the skies over one common border,” Snowbirds spokesperson LT Michèle Tremblay announced. “Today, the Snowbirds joined our friends, partners, allies — the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels — in a historic formation flight marking the first time all three North American jet teams have flown together.”

“Representing our respective militaries, this formation flight is even more poignant as we mark 60 years of NORAD and the bi-national agreement between Canada and the USA to protect North American skies,” LT Tremblay added.

40449263 2186151291425977 1738932902671941632 o — A historic flight of unity above eastern Lake Erie on August 30. (Glenn Watson)

The pilots of the six blue and gold jets of America’s Navy were all grins following the flight. “Your Blue Angels met up with a few friends today,” Blue Angels spokesperson LT David Gardner said on Thursday. “We were honored to share the sky with the Air Force Thunderbirds and Canadian Snowbirds.”

In 2017, the Thunderbirds visited the Blue Angels home base in Pensacola, and later, the Blues visited the Thunderbirds home in Las Vegas.

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

Top Air Force Warbirds to Perform at the Red Tails Over Montgomery

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August 29, 2018

Top Air Force Warbirds to Perform at the Red Tails Over Montgomery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Air Force F-22 Raptor and F-16 Fighting Falcon will lead the nation’s military and civilian aircraft into the blue skies of Alabama next Saturday during the Red Tails Over Montgomery Air Show.

The single day air show is free to the public and will take place at the capital city’s Dannelly Field ANGB near the regional airport on September 8. The event will showcase the aircraft flown by the Air Force with demonstrations in the air and static aircraft on the ground.

The show will include a salute to the pilots of yesteryear who beat in the hearts of the pilots of today.

The Red Tails air show will honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen who became the first group of African-American military aviators, maintainers, navigators, and held support duties at the start of World War II. The location of the Tuskegee Airmen is today a national historic site 40 miles east of Montgomery.

4283577 — Hillard Pouncey, an original Tuskegee Airman, poses with a Red Tail F-16 Fighting Falcon at the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in April. (SSgt. J. Rand).

“We’re excited and ready to showcase the past, present, and future of the Red Tails in our air show,” Air show Director Lt. Col. Paul Griggs said on Tuesday. “The aerial acts will be breathtaking, and with dozens of static aircraft and other displays, there’s something for the whole family.”

The F-22 Raptor will demonstrate the 21st century stealth jet’s military maneuvers at low altitudes and high climbs. Raptor pilot Major Paul “Loco” Lopez will put the F-22 through several gravity defying maneuvers concluding with a wingtip to wingtip flight with the P-51D Mustang during the popular Heritage Flight.

“One of the cool things about being on the F-22 Demonstration Team is you get the ability to execute maneuvers close to ground, going upside down at air shows, as well as going fast at times during the demo,” Maj. Lopez confirmed during an Air Force discussion last week. “All the skill sets that we display on the demo team are all the same skill sets that airmen across the board in the Air Force have as well.”

1q95 — F-22 Raptor pilot Maj. Paul Lopez says he will “execute maneuvers close to ground”. (SrA K. Dubois)

Lopez, who is half-way through his first season as the leader of the crowd favorite F-22 Demo, is the team’s first African-American pilot. He credits the airmen of his entire squadron for their success and simply making his job fun.

“When people come out on the road and see the F-22 demonstration in action, they’re gonna get a chance to see, essentially, the epitome of teamwork,” Major Lopez said. “It’s the culmination of individuals from various and diverse backgrounds coming together to showcase American air power. It’s just a great experience.”

On the air base’s tarmac, visitors can get up close with popular military aircraft including the F-35A Lightning II, F-15 Eagle, a C-130 Hercules, and the A-10 Thunderbolt nicknamed the Warthog. The massive KC-135 Stratotanker, designed to support in-flight refueling of the nation’s military aircraft during long trips, will also be on static display.

Civilian aerobatic pilots wil also perform including the speed of the Trojan Phlyers’ two T-28B Trojan aircraft, pilot Gary Ward aboard his high energy Mx2, and the Alabama Boys with pilot Greg Koontz. A P-51 Mustang will also perform and join Major Lopez for the Heritage Flight.

“We’ve received unparalleled support from our community in the River Region during the F-35 base selection process, and this air show is a small token of our appreciation,” 187th Fighter Wing commander Col. William Sparrow stated. “We want to invite everyone in the community to see what the Red Tails do every day, and witness air power up close.”

The free air show expects nearly 30,000 guests to attend the single-day event. Gates will open at 9 a.m. and Lt. Col. Griggs recommends guests arrive early ahead of the first flights at 11 a.m. Updates on traffic and parking lot availability will be posted on the air show’s Facebook page.

There will be six off-base public parking locations divided into Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, Purple, and White lots where guests can then bus in to the base. One parking lot on the base is designed for handicapped parking and requires drives to display an ADA sign.

The mission of the 187th is a simple one and is posted on base for the airmen to remember, “We’re on a mission training to deliver combat air power, but we’ll never forget the Red Tails we’ve lost, and we will strive every day to honor their legacy.”

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

There’s Much More to Formation Flying Than You Probably Think

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August 27, 2018

There’s Much More to Formation Flying Than You Probably Think

Warbird formation flights are a highlight of the festivities at EAA AirVenture every year. During the 2018 version of the Fly-In, a North American P-51D Mustang four-ship formation flight was captured in HD video with ICS audio. The pilot of the Mustang from which the video was captured, Scott “Scooter” Yoak, provided some great inside Mustang information and explained a great deal about formation flight and the discipline it takes to pull it off. We guarantee you’ll learn something from this video. The video was uploaded to YouTube by the creator steveo1kinevo.

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The Mustangs in the video are the camera ship, North American P-51D-30-NT Mustang serial number 45-11439 named Quicksilver, P-51D-25-NA serial number 44-73264 coded CY-U named Gunfighter, P-51D-30-NA serial number 44-74977 (marked as 44-63747 coded FT-pi) named Charlotte’s Chariot II, and P-51D-25-NA serial number 44-74009 (marked as 44-15267 coded G4-M) named Ain’t Misbehavin’. The four P-51Ds are all actively flown. Two of them (Quicksilver and Gunfighter) have been completely rebuilt after crashes.

Ultra-Rare XP-82 Twin Mustang Prototype Near a Return to Flight

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August 26, 2018