These Gems Are Guaranteed to Put a Smile On Your Face
There’s simply no getting around it. We’ve had a few tough years. From the politics to the biased media to the it-just-won’t-go-away ‘Rona, it’s been enough to make you want to roll your eyes, shake your head, and wonder what the H E double hockey sticks the NEXT few years will throw at us. Probably more of the same, but at least you can say you had a few minutes of light humor before the end of this particular trip around the sun. So enjoy! And Happy New Year Avgeekery Nation!
11a. McCroskey and Kramer Ponder the Problem
The 1980 movie Airplane! has been providing one liners and quips ever since it was released.
Top Ten (or Eleven) Aviation-Related Memes Part 1 8
11b. IFR Indeed
There was no way we could do just one from Airplane!
Top Ten (or Eleven) Aviation-Related Memes Part 1 9
10. Joining the Martin-Baker Club
Sometimes you just have to pull those handles!
Top Ten (or Eleven) Aviation-Related Memes Part 1 10
9. It Can Happen to the Best of Us
Looks like the backseater didn’t get to the airsick bag in time!
Top Ten (or Eleven) Aviation-Related Memes Part 1 11
8. Everyone Can Relate to This One
Before a couple of years ago this caption definitely wouldn’t have worked. Now it works perfectly.
Top Ten (or Eleven) Aviation-Related Memes Part 1 12
7. Everybody Deals With Mondays
We’ve been doing the Mondays! series for a while, but this one definitely hit home.
Top Ten (or Eleven) Aviation-Related Memes Part 1 13
6. Terrain Avoidance Malfunction
Any air-to-ground collision you can fly away from…
Top Ten (or Eleven) Aviation-Related Memes Part 1 14
A Non-Fiction Reading List Guaranteed to Include Something for Every Avgeek
When we published our (first) list of aviation-related novels you so need to read we received lots of feedback. Some of it was welcome, some wasn’t. That’s the nature of social media. This piece is comprised strictly of non-fiction works. They’re listed in alphabetical order by title. If you’re an avid reader you probably own some or perhaps all of these pubs, but if you don’t we think you can’t go wrong with any of them. Therefore, on to the list!
A noted aviation historian and prolific author, the late Walter J. Boyne wrote hundreds of books and articles about our subject. He actually released two versions of Beyond the Wild Blue, the second of which was expanded to include the tumultuous ten years between 1997 and 2007. We recommend the Second Edition, but both of them, like the vast majority of Boyne’s works, are great reads. Published by Thomas Dunne Books in 2007. ISBN-13: 9780312358112
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, author Ecker was Commanding Officer of VFP-62. His book about the Fighting Photos and their critically important photographic reconnaissance missions over Cuba at the height of the crisis that brought the world to the brink is required reading for fans of the Crusader and Naval Aviation in general. Published by Osprey Publishing in 2012. ISBN-13: 9781780960715
Stephen Coonts is a former A-6 Intruder bombardier-navigator and a prolific writer of well-received novels, with several bestsellers under his belt- including Flight of the Intruder. During the summer of 1991 he took off in a Stearman biplane (The Cannibal Queen) with the goal of visiting all of the lower 48 States. His stories of the places he visited and the people he encountered during his open-cockpit odyssey are as entertaining as they are reveling. Published by Atria Books in 1992. ISBN-13: 9780671748845
Devotion is the story of two Naval Aviators who became unlikely friends and were literally willing to die for each other. If you’re familiar with the story of Ensign Jesse Brown and the lengths to which Lieutenant Thomas Hudner went in order to try and save him you know how the story ended, but the level of detail author Makos includes in the book and the friendship between the two men makes the book required reading for our times as well. Published by Random House in 2015. ISBN-13: 9780804176583
When we published first aviation-related novels list we left Fate is the Hunter off that list because it’s not a novel. Rather, the book is autobiographical (as many of the great aviation books are) and Gann, with over 10,000 hours of flight time, many of them as a pilot with Air Transport Command, had a great many stories to tell. He told them exceedingly well, and his book withstands the test of time better than most. Published by Simon & Schuster 1961. ISBN-13: 9781416534075
These Videos Capture Air National Guard Units Beating Up a Wisconsin Target Range
Hardwood Air-to-Ground Weapons Range (R-6904), near Finley, WI is one of fourteen Air National Guard (ANG) bombing ranges located throughout the United States. The entire facility is under the operational control of the Air National Guard as part of the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center located near Camp Douglas, Wisconsin. This footage, shot during at the range during 1992, captured 124th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) of the Iowa Air National Guard (ANG) Ling-Temco-Vought A-7D and A-7K Corsair IIs based at Des Moines Air National Guard Base (ANGB). The video was uploaded to YouTube by At The Fence 111. Listen for the brrrrttttt!
The mission of Hardwood Range is to provide air-to-ground weapons delivery and threat awareness training for combat aircrews through the presentation of a variety of realistic target arrays and use of several types of threat emitter systems. In this second video, also uploaded by At The Fence 111, captured 110th Tactical Fighter Group (TFG) Fairchild Republic A-10A and OA-10A Warthogs of the Michigan ANG based at Battle Creek ANGB in Michigan, 115th Fighter Wing (FW) F-16s of the Wisconsin ANG based at Truax Field ANGB, more A-7Ds from the Iowa ANG, and even some Boeing B-52G Stratofortresses from the 410th Bombardment Wing (BW) out of K.I. Sawyer AFB in Michigan. More bbbbrrrrrrttt!
The third video from At The Fence 111 was shot during August of 1992 and features A-10s from the 442nd FW of the Missouri ANG out of Richards-Gebaur AFB, A-7Ds from the 185th FW of the South Dakota ANG based at Sioux City ANGB, and 175th FS of the 114th FW F-16s of the South Dakota ANG based at Joe Foss Field ANG Station near Sioux Falls. Even more BRRRRRRTTTTT!
According to the Air National Guard, construction for the range began in 1954 and the first aircraft began using the range in 1955. Since that time, Hardwood has continued to expand to meet the flying requirements of the ANG. Its day-to-day users include ANG units from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, as well as Air Force Reserve units from Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Active Duty Air Force bomber units from throughout the United States also use Hardwood Range, as do Army, Army National Guard and Reserve, Navy, Marine Corps, and occasionally Canadian Forces aircraft. The range is used on a priority basis by flying units deployed to Volk Field for training. Special testing for the F-15E “Strike Eagle” fighter, plus a special Department of Defense Joint Camouflage, Concealment and Deception (JCCD) evaluation were conducted at Hardwood Range. The facility has also been used for Operational Test and Evaluation of the F-15K (used by South Korea) and F-15SG (used by Singapore.)
Hardwood range. image via google earth
Target Complex Composition
The targets are arranged in three areas north, south and east of the support facilities. In addition to conventional bomb circle targets, simulated tactical targets include vehicle convoys, a SCUD missile launcher, aircraft in revetments and on runways, a mobile command post, fuel storage tanks, main battle tanks, bridge, radar installations, anti-aircraft sites (including a Soviet-style six-pointed star-shaped surface –to-air missile target), and a tank approved for inert LGB deliveries. In addition, an urban target complex is available and has proven very effective at supporting both Joint Terminal Attack Controller and aircrew Close Air Support training.
A-10 doing the brrrrrrtttt thing. image via US Air Force
Things That Go Boom
Munitions employed at the range are inert or practice ordnance. High explosive and white phosphorous munitions are not authorized. Practice ordnance includes 25-pound BDU-33 or BDU-48 bombs that have a spotting charge which releases a cloud of smoke on impact. Mk-82/BDU-50, 500-pound and Mk-84, 2,000-pound bombs are also used on some targets. These inert bombs are dropped either in Snakeye or Slick configurations. In either case, their weight creates enough splash (dirt spray) to be easily spotted without using an explosive charge. The addition of a LGB target allows inert GBU 10/12 drops for laser guided bomb employment.
Iowa ANG A-7K. Image via us air force
Things That Go BRRRTTT!
Bombs and rockets are scored visually using spotting scopes located in the flank and main towers. The flank tower observers relay the observed scores to main tower where the coordinates are entered into the computer and the score calculated in meters and degrees from the target. The score is relayed to the pilot for immediate reference and recorded for delivery to the pilot’s unit. Forward-firing ordnance from aircraft includes 7.62mm and .50 Cal. machine guns and 20mm or 30mm cannons. These may be scored optically or acoustically. All use non-explosive ammunition. Depleted uranium rounds are not authorized for use on the range.
Hardwood SAM target. image via google earth
Threat Simulation on the Range
Hardwood Range is capable of providing a range of simulated threats to aircrews. The range has small, tactical threat emitters that look like a small radar dish. They emit electronic signals simulating different threats such as surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, and radar tracking devices. Two Smoky Sam simulators are also available. These are launch platforms for Styrofoam rockets, which give a visual indication of a surface-to-air missile fired at the aircraft. The range also has three Unmanned Threat Emitters Systems (UMTES). The UMTES are controlled at Volk Field and provide realistic threat signaling and tracking of a variety of radar-guided threats.
B-52G. image via us air force
Doing the Night Thing
For night missions, the conventional bomb circle on the south portion of the range may be illuminated. The range also has night vision equipment for covert night operations. A new Special Operations Forces Laser Acquisition Marker (SOFLAM) laser system allows ground laser designation on approved Hardwood range targets.
JATO Takeoffs Were Both Awesome to Behold and to Experience
The Blue Angels retired their long-serving Lockheed Martin C-130T Hercules, AKA Fat Albert, AKA C-130T Bureau Number (BuNo) 164763 and CN 382-5258) in May of 2019 after 30,000 hours of flight time and countless airshow performances. The airframe is now located at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NASJRB) Fort Worth in Texas, where it is used for instructing maintainers of the several hundred C-130s still in service. One Fat Albert airshow favorite was the Jet Assisted Takeoff (JATO) demonstration. After 2009 JATO bottles were nearly extinct so that part of Fat Albert’s airshow routine was axed. So It’s a good thing there were plenty of video cameras in operation while the JATO takeoffs were still going on. Enjoy!
Image via US Navy/National ARchives
Scorching Takeoff at Miramar
Captured at MCAS Miramar in 2009 and uploaded to YouTube by The Nellis Spotter.
VC-10 Flew an Amazing Array of Aircraft Over Nearly 50 Years of History
Fleet Composite Squadron TEN (VC-10) flew McDonnell Douglas TA-4J Skyhawks modified to carry air-to-ground ordnance and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. VC-10 also flew one of the 4 EA-4F Skyhawks (converted from TA-4Fs) for a time during the late 1980s. The video of VC-10 in action was filmed in October of 1978 and includes the launch and recovery of two TA-4J aircraft from VC-10, along with some formation flying and some 1-v-1 maneuver training. According to the uploader of the video, it was converted from Super-8 movie film. The first third of the video is silent. The pilot-in-command was LCDR Chapman, lead aircraft was LCDR Noonan. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Pete O. Enjoy!
The first squadron to be designated VC-10 was established as Composite Squadron TEN (VC-10) on 23 September 1943 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Seattle (Sand Point). VC-10 operated both Grumman FM-2 Wildcat fighters and General Motors TBM Avenger torpedo bombers. The escort carrier USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73) sailed with VC-10 embarked on 1 May 1944. VC-10 participated in battles in the Marianas and Peleliu before the Gambier Bay was sunk during the Battle off Samar. The remnants of the squadron operated from Leyte for a time. In January 1945 the squadron was reconstituted at Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Ventura County Airport in California. The squadron spent the remainder the war training in preparation for redeployment, which did not take place. VC-10 was disestablished at the conclusion of World War II.
Wildcats. image via national naval aviation museum
The Second VC-10 Was Also Formed in 1943- Just Not as VC-10
Utility Squadron SIXTEEN (VJ-16) Mallards was established on 1 December 1943 at NAS Isla Grande in San Juan, Puerto Rico. VJ-16 flew Grumman J2F-5/6 Ducks, Consolidated PBY-5/5A Catalinas, Grumman TBF-1 Avengers, Douglas SBD-5 Dauntlesses, and North American SNJ-4 trainers while providing gunnery target towing services, radar tracking, search and rescue (SAR), and photographic services to ships and aircraft in the Caribbean area. After spending April of 1944 at NAAF Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico, VJ-16 moved to NAS Miami, Florida in May 1944. While operating from NAS Miami, VJ-16 flew Martin JM-1/2 Marauders, Grumman F6F-5 Hellcats, General Motors FM-2 Wildcats and Grumman TBM-1J/3J Avengers.
JM-1 marauder. image via national naval aviation museum
Seeing the World
VJ-16 also operated detachments in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Brazil, Cuba, Panama and Trinidad. VJ-16 then converged at NAS Guantanamo Bay/McCalla Field in Cuba in April of 1945. On 15 November 1945 VJ-16 was redesignated Utility Squadron TEN (VU-10). For the next 15 years VU-10 operated Martin JD-1 Marauders, Grumman UF-1 Albatrosses, Martin PBM-5A Mariners, Consolidated PBY-6A Catalinas, Douglas R4D-5 Skytains, and Beechcraft SNB-5s. Drone controller aircraft assigned to VU-10 included Grumman F6F-5D Hellcats, Grumman F7F-2D Tigercats, Grumman F8F-2D Bearcats, Grumman F9F-6D Panthers, Grumman F9F-8D Cougars, and North American FJ-3D2 Furies. VU-10 also flew Grumman F6F-5K Hellcat, Culver TD2C, and Radioplane KD2R-5 target drones.
VC-10 F-8 Crusaders. image via national archives
Gitmo
VU-10, by then named the Challengers, moved across the bay to NAS Guantanamo Bay/Leeward Point Field in January 1960. VU-10 defended Gitmo during the Cuban Revolution and was tasked with offensive missions during the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis had they taken place. On 1 July 1965 VU-10 was redesignated Fleet Composite Squadron TEN (VC-10). At the time VC-10 was flying Grumman US-2C Trackers and Vought F-8B/D/A/C/K Crusaders. By the time TA-4F and TA-4J Skyhawks arrived in 1975, VC-10 was often referred to as the Proud Pelicans. The Scooters replaced the last of the Crusaders by 1976. VC-10 continued to provide aerial target towing services for fleet training and Dissimilar Air Combat Maneuver Training (DACT) for Atlantic Fleet Carrier Air Wings during pre-deployment work-ups until 14 August 1993, when VC-10 was disestablished at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.
The Big John and CVW-3 Star In These Up Close and Personal Videos
When the aircraft carrier USS John F Kennedy (CVA-67) deployed to the Mediterranean Sea for Operation Provide Promise in 1992, Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW-3) was embarked aboard the Big John. Operation Provide Promise was the humanitarian relief effort in Bosnia and Herzegovina that occurred during the Yugoslav Wars, from 2 July 1992 until 9 January 1996, which made it the longest running humanitarian airlift in history. Enjoy these videos of CVW-3 in action aboard Big John, all four of which were uploaded to YouTube by David B Cross.
CVW-3 aboard the kennedy. image via national archives
While embarked aboard the Big John for her Mediterranean Sea deployment (7 October 1992 to 7 April 1993), CVW-3 consisted of VF-14 Tophatters and VF-32 Swordsmen flying the Grumman F-14A Tomcat, VFA-37 Ragin’ Bulls and VFA-105 Gunslingers flying the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet, VA-75 Sunday Punchers flying the Grumman A-6E Intruder, VAW-126 Seahawks flying the Grumman E-2C Hawkeye, VAQ-130 Zappers flying the Grumman EA-6B Prowler, VS-22 Checkmates flying the Lockheed S-3B Viking, HS-7 Dusty Dogs flying the Sikorsky SH-2H Sea King, and Detachment 1 from VRC-40 Rawhides flying the Grumman C-2A Greyhound. This was the last deployment aboard the ship for CVW-3.
Accompanying the Kennedy during her 1992-1993 cruise were the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers USS Gettysburg (CG-64) and USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55), the Belknap-class guided missile cruiser USS Wainwright (CG-28), the Spruance-class destroyer USS Caron (DD-970), the Knox-class frigate USS Capodanno (FF-1093), the Perry-class guided missile frigates USS Halyburton (FFG-40) and USS McInerney (FFG-8), the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN-706), the Sturgeon-class attack submarine USS Seahorse (SSN-669), the Kilauea-class ammunition ship USS Santa Barbara (AE-28), and the Wichita-class replenishment oiler USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6).
kennedy with CVW-3 embarked. image via national archives
The contract to build the USS John F Kennedy awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding on 30 April 1964. The carrier’s keel was laid down on 22 October 1964 and she was launched after being christened by Caroline Kennedy on 27 May 1967. The ship was commissioned on 7 September 1968. Kennedy deployed a total of 18 times- always to the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, the Red Sea, or the Persian Gulf. For her first eight deployments CVW-1 was embarked. The next six deployments saw CVW-3 embarked. CVW-1 deployed one more time, with CVW-8, CVW-7, and CVW-17 each deploying once aboard the Kennedy.
Documentary
This documentary was shot aboard the Kennedy during her 1992-1993 deployment. Enjoy!
Kennedy with CVW-1 embarked. image via national archives
The USS John F Kennedy’s motto was Date Nolite Rogare, which is Latin for “Give, do not ask”, or, in the immortal words of President Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”. Nicknames for the Kennedy included “Big John”, “Bldg 67”, “Can Opener”, and “Jack the Tin Can Killer”). The Kennedy returned from her final deployment on 13 December 2004. The Big John was decommissioned on 23 March 2007 and stricken from the Naval Register on 16 October 2009.
USS John F Kennedy under tow. image via national archives
The 79th Fighter Squadron Took Home the Raytheon Trophy for 2020.
On 28 August 2021, the US Air Force’s 79th Fighter Squadron Tigers took home the 2020 Raytheon Trophy after they demonstrated air dominance during five combat operations and two exercises during fiscal year 2020. The Tigers are the first active duty F-16 Viper squadron to win the Raytheon Trophy, and one of only three F-16 squadrons to take the trophy home since its inception in 1953. Enjoy this video of the Tigers in action uploaded to YouTube by MPC Productions.
“Our squadron was tasked with some pretty extraordinary things in 2020 and our Tigers stepped up to the challenge and proved they can answer the call,” said Lt. Col. Adam Thornton, then 79th FS commander. “We took pride in integrating with our coalition and regional partners to enhance regional stability while never losing a line of combat air power.”
20th FW F-16s. image via us air force
More Praise From the CO
“This is a Wing win; we could not have accomplished this on our own,” said Thornton. “I am thankful to the fantastic fighter generation squadron next door, along with logistics, medical, and the rest of Team Shaw Airmen who exemplify how a multi-role fighter platform brings the fight to America’s enemies in the truest sense of the Tigers’ battle cry: ‘All for Freedom!’”
20TH FW F-16S. IMAGE VIA US AIR FORCE)
According to the Man, Commander of the F-16 Tigers
“Our steadfast commitment to the defense of the United States, our partners and allies during unprecedented times showed how truly important our focus on innovation, training and support systems are to mission success.” said Lt. Col. Lawson Cass, current 79th FS commander.
“We are stronger, healthier and more capable because we work together to maximize our abilities for the betterment of the team, our families and the community we serve.”
raytheon trophy. image via us air force
Only the Best Take Home the Trophy
Originally started by the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1953, the Raytheon Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding air superiority squadron based on operational mission performance, exercise participation and inspection results, as well as unit and individual achievements.
79th FS Color Jet. Image via US Air Force
Rich History of the Tigers
The 79th Fighter Squadron is part of the 20th Fighter Wing based at Shaw Air Force Base (AFB) in South Carolina. The 79th can trace its lineage all the way back to 22 February 1918, when they were organized as the 79th Aero Squadron at Rich Field in Waco Texas as a pilot training Squadron during World War I- making it one of the oldest squadrons in the United States Air Force. The squadron saw combat during World War II and later became part of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) during the Cold War.
The Blues Made the Most of the Super Hornet’s Presence for Crowds Across the Country
The US Navy’s flight demonstration team, The Blue Angels, re-equipped with Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornets after their final show of the 2020 airshow season. Their “new” Super Hornet jets (which are actually the oldest of their kind) make for exciting and powerful airshow performances. Enjoy these videos of sneak passes and a couple of full shows as well.
Up First
This sneak pass was captured at Pensacola Beach on 6 November 2021. It was uploaded to YouTube by AviationFreak#1.
These sneak passes were captured over set of three performances (one practice and two shows) that took place in Chicago on 21-22 August 2021. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Zay Toven.
Lockheed’s Versatile Airlifter Was Flown to Vietnam and Beyond- Often by Reservists
The Lockheed C-141A Starlifter was first flown on 17 December 1963. Starlifters, AKA Tube of Pain, served with the United States Air Force (USAF) Military Air Transport Service (MATS) and later the Military Airlift Command (MAC) and later still Air Mobility Command (AMC). Relatively early in the C-141’s service with the Air Force, the airlifter was also operated by the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) as part of the Air Reserve Component (ARC) of the USAF. Enjoy this look at C-141A Starlifters doing their thing in far-away places uploaded to YouTube by Periscope Film.
The first C-141A to be delivered to MATS (63-8078) arrived at the 1707th Air Transport Wing, Heavy (Training) at Tinker Air Force Base (AFB) on 19 October 1964. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted the C-141A a type certificate on 29 January 1965. C-141A Air Force serial number 63-8088 became the first Starlifter into service when, on 23 April 1965, the jet arrived at Travis AFB and went to work with the 44th Air Transport Squadron of the 1501st Air Transport Wing. C-141As, Douglas C-124 Globemaster IIs, and Douglas C-133 Cargomasters became the primary long-reach airlifters supplying American forces in South Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
63-8078 arriving at tinker. us air force photo
Soldiering on for More Than 40 Years
C-141As continued flying material and personnel to the region for the duration of America’s involvement in the region, including the repatriation flights bringing American POWs home to the world. Starlifters could be observed on ramps just about anywhere in the world, from the Antarctic to the desert and beyond. When Lockheed engineered the inflight-refuelable stretched C-141B variant of the Starlifter, the versatile jets got a new lease on life. Working in combination with Lockheed’s C-5A Galaxy, Starlifters continued in service for 41 years.
The NTSB released video today that showed the recovery of the wreckage from Transair flight 810.
Flight 810, a Boeing 737-200 jet, departed on a routine cargo flight from Honolulu International Airport. It was supposed to arrive at Maui’s Kahului International Airport just 43 minutes later. Early in the departure, the pilots requested a return to the airport due to the loss of an engine. On the turn back towards the airport, the pilot reported that the aircraft lost thrust on its remaining engine.
NTSB Video Shows Recovery Of Cargo 737 That Ditched In Hawaiian Waters 54
The crew had no choice but to ditch off the coast of Oahu, just 4 miles from Honolulu International airport.Before they ditched, they made a mayday call and requested Coast Guard assistance. The Coast Guard arrived within the hour to begin rescue operations. Both pilot and co-pilot survived the unpowered ditching in the dark ocean but sustained injuries in the process. No small feat.
NTSB successfully recovers the jet
NTSB Video Shows Recovery Of Cargo 737 That Ditched In Hawaiian Waters 55
After four months of preparation, the NTSB successfully raised the aircraft off the ocean floor. This was no small feat as the aircraft rested over 800 feet below the water’s surface. Months of preparation were required to obtain the correct equipment and devise a plan to recover the downed aircraft. A crane capable of raising over 60k pounds of jet was required for the task.
NTSB Video Shows Recovery Of Cargo 737 That Ditched In Hawaiian Waters 56
Remarkably, the 46 year-old jet was largely intact as you can see in the photos. The aircraft broke apart into two major pieces with a separation occurring at approximately one-third the length of the aircraft. The underside of the aircraft was shredded which likely occurred as a result of landing in 4′ to 8 feet swell conditions with potential additional damage as it landed on the sea bed. Both engines separated from the aircraft.
NTSB Video Shows Recovery Of Cargo 737 That Ditched In Hawaiian Waters 57
Damage on one engine in the photo showed rotational shearing that could indicate that the engine was still spinning (but note it may have not been producing thrust) at the point of impact.
NTSB Video Shows Recovery Of Cargo 737 That Ditched In Hawaiian Waters 58
In the video below (released by the NTSB), you can see the cockpit intact with the co-pilot’s window open.
The investigation on the accident continues. A final report on the incident is expected sometime within the next year.
Note: All photos provided by the NTSB. The full Flickr album is located here.
ROME, Ga. — The penultimate air show of the Blue Angels’ 75th anniversary season is underway as they arrived Thursday to perform during the Wings Over North Georgia air show.
Their blue and gold jets thundered across northwest Georgia arriving over the Richard Russell Regional Airport at 10:15 a.m. The squadron’s Super Hornets arrived in pairs, touching down on the concrete runway during a rain swept morning.
The ninth edition of the Rome air show is sold out on Saturday with tickets available for Sunday. The Air Force A-10C Warthog, the C-17 Globemaster II, and top civilian aerobatic pilots are also set to perform each afternoon.
“We’re super excited to be in Rome this weekend,” Blue Angels Boss Capt. Brian C. Kesselring told AvGeekery.com minutes after parking his aircraft. “To be able to close out our road show here in Rome where we haven’t been in a couple of years is going to be absolutely fantastic for us.”
This is Capt. Kesselring’s second season with the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron. He will return with the team to begin another season as their flight leader in March.
“What the Blue Angels are about is not the max performance or any particular maneuver,” Kesselring said. “It’s about six aircraft flying as one — much like our Navy and Marine Corp. across the fleet.”
Capt. Brian Kesselring pauses Thursday upon arriving at the north Georgia airshow. (Charles A Atkeison)
The north Georgia air show will have drive-in format as each ticket will allow a vehicle of guests to park near the runway. Coolers and lawn chairs can be placed outside the vehicle during the family-fun aerial events.
Gates for the first vehicles open at 9 a.m. and the first performances are scheduled to begin at about 10 a.m. Guests can also participate in helicopter flights during the day.
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
A Viper Demo Team Video with No Narration? Yes Please!
The US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team performed at the 2021 Thunder Over the Heartland airshow in Topeka, Kansas. Our friends at AirshowStuff were there and captured the performance in HD video with ear-splitting sound- and no narration! F-16C Air Force serial number 94-0047 has worn a special paint scheme called Viper (the F-16’s semi-official nickname) since May of 2020. More about the jet itself and its interesting history after the video, which was uploaded to YouTube by AirshowStuffVideos. Turn that audio up!
F-16C Air Force serial number 94-0047 is a Block 50 Wild Weasel Plus specification jet accepted by the US Air Force on 27 November 1996. The jet was assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron (FS) Tigers of the 20th Fighter Wing (FW), Fifteenth Air Force based at Shaw Air Force Base (AFB) near the town of Sumter in South Carolina during April of 1997. During its time with the Tigers the jet wore a special commemorative 79th Anniversary tail color scheme (1918-1997) applied during October of 1997. 047 also wore a special paint scheme for the 2001 Tiger Meet. The jet was assigned to the Tigers until April of 2006, when it was reassigned to the 77th FS Gamblers of the same 20th FW, Fifteenth Air Force, Air Combat Command, at Shaw AFB.
image via us air force
Becoming a Gambler
Not long after being assigned to the Gamblers, the jet experienced an exhaust fire during departure from Shaw AFB which resulted in the drop tanks being jettisoned (over surrounding uncontrolled land) prior to the jet’s return to Shaw and successful recovery. 047 was then repaired and subsequently returned to duty. For the next several years 047 flew with the Gamblers as a Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team mount. On 8 May 2020 the jet emerged from the paint shop wearing its unique (and very cool) Viper paint job. Air Force Major Garret “Toro” Schmitz is both commander of the F-16C Viper Demo Team and the pilot of the Viper.
