Woo Hoo!  Airshow season is back, albeit to a slow start.  Cable airshow is the first airshow in the southern California area after the long and cold break since Nellis in November.

Cable airport is a relatively small general aviation airport in Upland, California.  Like many general aviation airports in suburban areas there is quite the assortment of Cessnas, Pipers, and Cirruses, among others.  For one weekend, the lineup at Cable is quite different and much more diverse, and it draws quite the crowd.

As appears to be airshow standard, the show started off with the National Anthem and skydivers.  Shortly following the landing of all the skydivers, Rob Harrison – the Tumbling Bear – started his Zlin 50LS and took the runway putting on his usual top notch acrobatic performance.  The dynamic between Rob and his wife in the pilot and announcer roles is nearly unmatched and a welcomed something extra to the performance.  After the high speeds and g’s of Rob’s performance, the schedule swung back the other way into the low speed regime of flight.  Clay Lacy took the runway in his Pilatus Turbo Porter, and in usual fashion dazzled the crowd with a near zero length takeoff, low speed turns at a high bank angle, and low speed performance one generally does not expect out of an airplane; a real treat for the aviation enthusiast.  Sammy Mason started his third airshow season by taking off to perform aerobatics in a Stearman, keeping in line with low-speed performance.  Normally, that doesn’t sound terribly exciting until the audience learned Sammy is only 17.  Sammy is quite the accomplished pilot upon a quick review of his flying resume at such a young age.

Keeping the crowd on their toes with the pendulum-like swinging from high performance to slow speed flight, Doug Jardine took off in the Sbach 342 “Thunderbolt”.  Being a modern composite airframe with a powerful engine, the performance was nothing short of spectacular.  These performances were repeated in the afternoon show along with Dr. D’s Old Time Aerobatics in the Taylorcraft after a car show parade and RC airplane demonstration through the lunch hour.  After the Sbach 342 performance, there was an extensive demonstration of warbirds, antique, vintage, and homebuilt aircraft.

The lineup of warbirds, antique, vintage, and homebuilt aircraft included, among others:  a FM-2 Wildcat from the Commemorative Air Force, three Ryan PT-22s in formation with a Stearman, an AN-2 “Big Panda” with low speed flight in the largest biplane mass produced, a Yak-18 painted in Aeroflot livery, and a formation of Van’s RVs.

The afternoon show kicked off with a C-53, Victory Girl, dropping the Just In Time Parachute Team.  The delightful morning performances were then repeated to dazzle late comers to the airshow.

While all these demonstrations were performed throughout the day, the public was able to purchase rides in Robinson R22’s, Cessna 172’s, a North American T-6, and a de Havilland Tiger Moth.

This is the first year I have attended the Cable airshow, despite it being the closest airshow to me.  I had my doubts:  small airport, small airshow, entry fee, no jets, etc…  After attending this year, it became quite apparent all those years of missing the show have been a big mistake on my part.  I know I will be attending next year for sure.

Written by Matt Shinavar

 On January 7, 2012 at 6:00 am, I made my way to the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California. There, I was to be a passenger in the museum’s Cessna L-19 Birddog that was scheduled to be on static display the Cable Airshow in Upland, California. To say I was excited to fly in the Birddog, let alone to an airshow, and with my good friend at the controls for his first airshow, would be an understatement.

The Aircraft

The L-19 was designed for the U.S. Army as a light observation aircraft. It was used as an artillery spotting platform, medevac, and pilot training in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The U.S. Army retired the Birddog in 1974. The Planes of Fame Air Museum has an excellent flying example of one of the 3,200 plus Birddogs that were built during the 1950s.

The Planes of Fame Air Museums' Cessna L-19 Birddog.

The Pilot

My good friend, Scott Turner was to pilot our Birddog today. Scott is a senior captain with a major airline and a museum volunteer since 2008. Scott started off at the museum washing and waxing airplanes and then moved up to ground crewing “Wee Willie II.” In 2010, Scott was given his first restoration project – The museum’s OV-1 Mohawk. Turner is expecting to have the Mohawk flying in late 2012. In early 2011, the museum’s chief pilot, Kevin Eldridge, asked Scott to fly the Birddog.  Several months later, Scott’s dream of piloting a Planes of Fame aircraft was realized.

Planes of Fame's newest warbird pilot – Scott Turner (Photo by Andrea Eldridge).

The Flight

At 7:00 am we pushed the 1,600 pound Cessna out of the hanger and Turner started his pre-flight. While Scott pre-flighted, I took photos that would document Scott’s first airshow as a Planes of Fame pilot. Once the pre-flight was done it was time to depart for our 8 mile trip to Cable airport. From the backseat of our Birddog, I snapped away, trying to get some interesting shots of Scott at the controls. The L-19 was a great little airplane to fly in. It had exceptional visibility, surprisingly spacious for a small aircraft, and overall very exciting to fly in. I imagined what courage the pilots had, flying these L-19s (small, non-armored, and lightly armed) over the hostile skies of Korea and Vietnam. Cruising at 100 mph, we arrived at Cable airport in less than 15 minutes. We taxied in, parked, and enjoyed the airshow.

My backseat view!

The Airshow

This was the 37th Cable Airshow that featured world class pilots and aircraft. Pilots that included 17 year old Sammy Mason flying his 1941 Stearman, Frank Donnelly aerobatics, Doug Jardin and his Sbach 342, and the legendary Clay Lacy and his very orange “Super STOL” Pilatus. In addition, there were air demos by the Commemorative Air Force’s AN-2 (the world’s largest bi-plane) and C-53 (which was the drop shop for the airshow skydivers). The day was filled with other flying from a large variety of aircraft that included T-6 Texans, home built planes, and a demonstration from the Corona Remote Control Model Club.

In addition to the fabulous flying, there was a car show, historical vehicle parade, and what would any airshow be without great food. Those attending the show had a wide variety of outstanding food to choose from – smoothies to sausages, chicken bowl to funnel cakes, there was something for everyone.

Overhead at the Cable Airshow.

On final to Cable Airport.

The Flight Home

At 3:45 pm, the Cable airport was open to general aviation traffic and time for us to depart. Once again we mounted up, taxied our Birddog to the runway, powered up, and off we went.  Airborne over the runway, Scott gave a “wing wag” to the crowd and then pointed the L-19 towards Chino. The trip home was just as exciting as our trip to Cable.

I would like to thank Scott Turner for inviting me to be his L-19 Birddog “backseater.” It was a great experience and it was a privilege to document my friend’s first airshow as a Planes of Fame pilot.

Crew Birddog (Photo by Andrea Eldridge).

Taxing for out our for departure (CAF C-53 on the right).

Back home.

Information on the Planes of Fame Air museum can be found at their website (www.planesoffame.org) and additional information on the L-19 Birddog can be located at the International Birddog Association website (www.ibdaweb.com).

Aviation Nation 2011 turned out to be the best show I have attend in many years. Being held the second week of November usually is hit or miss with the weather normally cold and wet. Having it on Veteran’s Day weekend is risky as Vegas turns cold the week following Halloween but this year proved to be different. We attended the practice show on Friday and the day started with gray and overcast skies which never really improved. We did enjoy it, as the crowd was a lot smaller than what we knew would be there for the free show on Saturday and Sunday.

This years show was titled “70 years of air power in Las Vegas”. They must have planed something new as late Friday afternoon we witnessed something new to our eyes. The show had a new routine called ”Present Day Air-to-Air Demonstration” an F-15C vs. F-16C Aggressor Capabilities Demonstration. The Aggressor’s 64th launched four aircraft followed by F-15C’s and F-15 Strike Eagles and they went up and did a scenario where there were good guys and bad guys. The F-16’s and F-15’s chased each other around and then they started popping flares. This took every one by surprise as this was the first time any one had seen flares used at a U.S. Show in a very long time. Seems now all the talk about the show centers around this act.

Saturday started with clear skies and warm temperatures. This turned out to be a wonderful change from years gone by. Usually you’d get on day that is good and another day that is cold rainy. It’s a crap shoot in Vegas with the weather. But this year we had nice weather both days.

This year also seemed to have a different feel with the crowd and the performers. We attended as media and that afforded us special access to some of the ”Hot Pits”. We met some very nice performers and we were asked to help out some of the teams with ”Team Photos”. This marks the last Air Show of the year for most of the Military Teams and we provided photographic services for these teams. The A-10 West Demo Team from Davis-Monthan was changing and Captain Joe ”Rifle” Shetterly was stepping down. The newest Demo Team pilot is Major John ”Beercan” Collier who was a member of this year’s team as A-10 pilot Safety Officer.

We also met with Captain Brad Lang who is involved with the CAF Red Tail Squadron and the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit. Brad is a Captain for Delta Airlines in regular life. Brad is on the road with the CAF Red Tail as he is the only Mustang type-rated African-American pilot in North America. Special guest was Michael Dorn of Star Track fame.

The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is one-of-a-kind. It is housed in a 53’ long customized trailer with sides that slide out to create a 30-seat climate-controlled movie theater with a 180-degree screen. The exciting original movie, “RISE ABOVE” is certain to entertain as well as educate viewers.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Texas Flying Legends Museum based in Houston, TX. Like the CAF Red Tail Squadron, the Texas Flying Legends Museum uses aviation and history as educational tools. Visit with them here.. http://www.redtail.org/

There were a lot of local services displays from the local community. Las Vegas Metro Police Dept. had their Search and Rescue Unit there. L.A.P.D had their air unit there as the Nevada Highway Patrol out with a Mobile Command Unit and cruiser.

Nellis AFB also rolled out a nice line-up of local aircraft. There were aircraft from the local units. These comprised of A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15 Eagle, F-15E Strike, Eagle F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22A Raptor, HH-60G Pave Hawk, and a MQ-1B Predator MQ-9 Reaper. There was a B-2 on static display from Whiteman AFB ”The Spirit of Nebraska”. The U. S. navy showed up with a pair of Super Hornets as well.

Aviation Nation was the first airshow back for the C-17 Demo Team from March following the crash of an aircraft up in Alaska.

The newest members of the show were the two newly painted Aggressor aircraft in two new distinct paint schemes!! One from the 64th Aggressors was an Arctic scheme painted Black White and gray F-16. This aircraft we were told had been out of the paint shop for a mere 4 days. The other aircraft a F-15C from the 65th Aggressor squadron was a new Blue Splinter scheme on aircraft 509. These really grabbed our attention and we ended up talking with Aggressor pilots for over two hours. Thanks for the info!!

Attending Fridays show was extra special as the Thunderbird hangar and museum were open for two hours after the show. We had toured these last year when we attended the ISAP convention held in Las Vegas. It’s always a treat. But this time we got to visit with the Thunderbird personal and we got to drink a cold one at their bar called ”The Perch”.

But the highlight of the weekend for me was being invited by the F-4 Demo Team pilot Lt. Col. Patrick ”Ichi” Karg to visit in the cockpit of the Phantom!! My father had been an F-4 Phantom mechanic during the Vietnam era and to be able to climb up and sit in the drivers seat in this magnificent machine was a dream come true!!

The weather held out all weekend making for some dry parched throats, by the time the show ended Sunday afternoon. We had had a blast and this year and we didn\’t want the show to end. The Military Police started their sweep line just before sunset and there were a lot of people that had a hard time heading for the buses. We only wished we had more time to take in this event. We had attended three days and still had energy left…if only they had a Monday show!!

I have to give the planners of this event their just recognition!! They event was blessed with good weather and the line-up changes made for a wonderful show. We had met old friends and we have made a few new friends. We left the show not wanting to go and now we can\’t wait for next years show!!! So to all involved….a huge “Job Well Done!!”

A Special Thanks to the Nellis Public Affairs Office!!!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 In a press conference to discuss the future of the National Championship Air Races, the

Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced on Wednesday the formation of a Blue Ribbon ReviewPanel to study the event. The panel will examine any possible changes or modifications that could bemade to enhance the already high level of safety established by the FAA and existing RARA procedures.

 RARA also announced that, despite many challenges in the near and long term future, they are planningto hold the 49th Annual National Championship Air Races at the Reno‐Stead Airfield, Sept. 12 – 16, 2012.“Buoyed by the overwhelming support of the victims and families of last year’s terrible tragedy, our sponsors, air race participants and fans and aviation enthusiasts all over the world, we are absolutely committed to doing everything we can to hold this historic event in 2012,” said Mike Houghton,president and CEO of RARA. “The safety of our fans and pilots has always been our foremost andprimary concern, which is why we feel so strongly about a blue ribbon review. This effort is not designed to interfere or duplicate the efforts of the National Transportation Safety Board and we will continue to cooperate with them to the fullest extent.”

 The panel conducted its first meeting shortly after the press conference and will release its preliminaryresults and recommendations to RARA within the next 90 days, allowing race officials to study them before the event’s annual Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS) in June. Headed by former Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Jim Hall, and formerAssociate Administrator for Aviation Safety for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Nick Sabatini,the four members of the panel bring a wide breadth and depth of experience. The panel is rounded out with two aviation legends, Steve Hinton, a highlyacclaimed movie stunt pilot, aviation choreographer,two-time national Unlimited Air Race champion and current pace plane pilot in the Unlimited Class, and John Sharp, an aeronautical engineer and the winningest pilot in the history of air racing.“In addition to the blue ribbon panel, as is an annual matter of course, we will work with the race classes and emergency responders to conduct an internal review, in the very near future, of all of the event’s operations and procedures,” said Houghton. “Until we get further down the road, we will not speculate on possible changes to the event or the results of either of these reviews or the NTSB investigation.

As has been the case, the NTSB has asked that they remain the point for all communications related to the accident.”The not‐for‐profit event is a year‐round effort that regularly attracts more than 200,000 spectators and generates an estimated $85 million annually to northern Nevada’s economy. It was also announced that, RARA had a loss of up to $1.5 million for 2011. Race officials wanted to make it very clear that, while this financial loss presents a significant hurdle, thanks to the continued generosity, sympathy and support of the event’s fans and sponsors, the loss could be overcome.

 “We know there are many people in our organization, our community and all over the world who havebeen significantly impacted by last year’s tragedy and our thoughts and prayers remain with them,” said Houghton. “However, we have heard from a vast majority of these people that this event must continue on and many of our fans and sponsors have volunteered to do whatever they can in order to help ensure the successful continuation of the National Championship Air Races. It’s in this spirit that we’re working towards holding a poignant and successful event in 2012.”

 In order for the 2012 event to occur, RARA must receive permits from the City of Reno, Reno Tahoe Airport Authority and the FAA. RARA has already begun to initiate conversations with each of these entities regarding permitting for 2012 and these conversations are ongoing.“For planning purposes, we have to receive our waiver from the FAA for PRS by the end of February or March, at the latest,” said Houghton. “This will provide a pretty good indication of our ability to get permits and waivers for September’s event. Regardless, many people, including victims of the accident, have told us they are coming to Reno in September, one way or another. We’ll do whatever we have to do in order to memorialize and celebrate courage, passion and indomitable spirit that is so often associated with aviation but, more importantly, was so vividly exhibited during the accident and the weeks and months since, even if that means just holding a memorial air show.”

 For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit  www.airrace.org

Every year 11,000,000 people look into the skies at airshows and see six blue and gold F-18s performing precision aerobatics representing the best the United States as well as the Navy and Marines have to offer.  The Blue Angels have been doing this since  June 15, 1946 and have been doing it well.

The Team consists of 16 Officers and 110 Enlisted men and women from the Navy and the Marines who spend up to two years of their military careers in a very important job; being the very public face of the Navy.  So many people with special jobs, and ones you have never heard over the loud speakers such as Brandon Settle,  Andrew Schweitzer, and Shelton Carpenter.  They keep the aircraft flying through dedication, along with hard and seemingly endless work.

The men who are more visible, yet still nameless to most are ones like Lt. Rob Kurrle who flew “Slot” for this season.  Lt. Kurrle is a native of Statesville, NC and a 2002 graduate of the US Naval Academy.  He is a mechanical engineer and earned his wings of gold in January 2004.  He transitioned into the F-18C and deployed at sea several times.  He was selected for the Blue Angels in September 2009 after more than 1,400 hours and 250 carrier landings.  This was the last show of the season and last show of his tour, after Sunday’s performance, Lt. Kurrle would move from Slot Pilot to Blue Angels Alumni.

Through this season there have been 242 pilots and 34 Flight Leader/Commanding Officers.  There have been at least 27 pilots have been killed in 65 years, with a rate of loss of 10%, this is a hazardous occupation.  Ground and support crews number well over 3000 in the past.  The Team has flown a variety of aircraft over the years, ranging from the F6F Hellcat in 1946 to the current F/A-18 Hornet.  They also have a unique transport aircraft, the world’s most famous C-130 “Fat Albert”.  Fat Albert  is flown by a Marine pilot and previously performed a JATO takeoff as a part of his demonstration.  When all the available bottles were expended in 2009, the JATO take offs became part of airshow history.

Practice makes perfect, and in the winter they practice at NAF EL Centro, CA and fly two sessions a day six days a week to get in 120 flights.   Separations get smaller and the flights get lower until they are ready to perform for the public.   They return to Pensacola in March and the season starts.  They practice on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.  On Thursday they fly to the show, perform a practice show on Friday and the real show on the weekend.  They return to Florida on Sunday night and actually get Monday off.   Flying a F-18 six days a week, what a job, what a country….

The shows are normally high energy, high excitement events lasting about 45 minutes with speeds ranging from 120 MPH up to 700 MPH (just under the speed of sound).   While I have seen them perform countless times, it never ceases to amaze me when I look at the faces of people who are seeing them for the first time, they are simply stunned.  For as good a “routine” performance is, they seem to be better at home.  The show this year at Pensacola was flawless and a true demonstration of their incredible abilities.

In Pensacola, FL, there is one thing you can’t get anywhere else which is a chance to see the Blue Angels practice sessions.  During the season (check websites for details) on most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, the Blues are practicing at the airfield just behind the museum.  Session starts at 8:30 AM (plan on arriving by 7:30AM), the team members sign autographs at the Museum after the Wednesday sessions.  I’ve been to several and there are always several thousand people in attendance.  This is well worth getting up for.

The Pentagon has a $926 Billion defense budget and they spend a tiny fraction ($37 Million) on the Blue Angels.  There is pressure to cut the program.  Capt. Greg McWherter, their Commanding Officer stresses that in a time of a volunteer military force, a recruiting tool such as the Blue Angels are priceless.  People who join the military must be inspired and the Blues are well suited for that role.

The Blue Angels have been the representatives of the Navy and Marines, as well as our country for 65 years.  They demonstrate the high level of skills of our military aviators and serve as the most cost effective recruiting tool the Navy has.  If you possibly can, spend an afternoon with them during their 2012 season.  You’ll be happy you did.

I would like to thank Patrick Nichols, Public Affairs Officer at NAS Pensacola for his assistance in making this story possible.

You can contact the writer Mark Hrutkay at TNMark@Me.Com.

The 2011 Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow was held under bright skies and cool conditions on the Friday and Saturday of Veteran’s Day weekend.  The marquee flying act, as always, was the Blue Angels.  Their homecoming late in the year signals the traditional end to the North American air show season, and the finale to their grueling schedule containing close to 70 aerial performances.  Beyond the Blue Angels there was another  homecoming of sorts to celebrate too, the culmination of the year-long Centennial of Naval Aviation (CONA) public salute.  Combining these two themes, the organizers of NAS Pensacola’s air show had plenty of material to produce a memorable event, and they succeeded with a great program.

The Blue Angels faced a bit of adversity towards the middle of the 2011 season as their commanding officer stepped down.  The previous “Boss”, Commander Greg McWherter, rejoined the team, personifying the team’s creed of “Once a Blue Angel, Always a Blue Angel”.  During the 2011 finale, the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron looked as sharp as ever.  With the phrases “100 Years of Naval Aviation” and “Fly Navy 100 Years” painted on their aircraft, the pilots carried aloft the pride and character that has defined Naval Aviation for a century.  The team also celebrated 65 years of Blue Angels history this year, and there were plenty of Blue Angels alumni in attendance.  Al Taddeo was introduced to the crowd on Friday; he’s the last surviving original team member and flew both the Grumman F6F Hellcat and F8F Bearcat during his years with the team.

There were hundreds of Navy and Marine veterans in attendance, especially during Friday’s show which fell upon Veteran’s Day proper.  The organizers put together a rich CONA heritage display both in the air and on the ground.  A collection of rare and historic World War II-era aircraft were assembled, including FM-2 Wildcat, F4U Corsair, and F8F Bearcat fighters, SBD Dauntless, and SB2C Helldiver bombers, plus Japanese Zero and Kate replicas.  Trainers included PT-17/N2S Stearman biplanes,  a pair of SNJs and examples of the T-28 and C-1 Trader. Most of these aircraft flew during the show.  Leading off the procession of warbirds was Bob Coolbaugh’s Curtis Pusher replica, which was lapped by the other airborne aircraft rather easily!  The pilot later answered questions by the plane, and were supported by crewmembers wearing costumes from the 1911 period.  No fewer than eleven of the brightly painted active military aircraft, painted in “throwback” CONA color schemes, were assembled too.

A pair of Air Force squadrons now call NAS Pensacola home, training navigators and combat systems operators.  A B-52 Stratofortress bomber and KC-10 Extender were some of the larger aircraft on display, as well as a Pittsburgh PA based C-130.  Home-based Air Force T-6A Texan and T-1A Jayhawk trainers participated in the Parade of Trainers too.  A Navy E-6B Mercury TACAMO communications aircraft and P-3 Orion were parked close by, and a number of National Naval Aviation Museum joined them.  A German Air Force Tornado attack jet represented just one of a number of foreign countries that send aircrew to the Florida Panhandle to train.

A pair of Marine Harriers were part of a wide-ranging display of smaller aircraft, which included trainers, helicopters, and attack jets.   A nearby Panama City FL-based MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter and its crew highlighted the anti-naval mine research and development work done by the Naval Surface Warfare Center.  A vintage deep sea diving suit was displayed along side of the sleek helicopter.    The Although the aircraft were interesting to look at, some of the crew that were answering questions alongside them had more riveting tales to tell.  If you were lucky enough to listen to conversations between active military personnel and retired veterans, you heard of shared experiences as well as some stirring highlights of each one’s military careers.  It was quite fitting to listen to these stories  during the Veterans Day holiday weekend.

In the air, civilian performers included John Mohr in his Stearman, Bill Leff in his T-6 Texan, Jan Collmer in the FINA Extra 300, Roger Buis corralling Otto the helicopter, David Martin in the Breitling CAP 232, Chuck Aaron in the Red Bull Helo, Bob Carlton in his jet-powered Super Salto sailplane, and Skip Stewart in the Prometheus Pitts.  Skip and John Mohr teamed with Les Shockley and Rich’s Pyro in their TinStix routine too.  There were plenty of styles and lots of noise and smoke put forth by these performers, many of whom were completing their 2012 air show campaign.  The Parade of Trainers, a yearly highlight at the Pensacola base, featured examples from now and then… modern T-6, T-39, T-1 and T-45 military aircraft followed by civilian-owned Stearman (Stearmen – there were a pair), SNJs, a T-28, and a C-1A Trader.  The aforementioned warbird fighters and bombers made multiple passes to the delight of photographers.  Aerobatic shows by the Corsair and the Grumman Bearcat drew particular interest.

Military demonstrations by the F/A-18 Super Hornet and A-10 Warthog, and their Heritage and Tailhook Legacy flights afterwards, saluted the veterans on each afternoon.   The GEICO Skytypers squadron performed their flying routine, and overflew the field on both days writing “100 Years of Naval Aviation” high in the sky.  Add to all that two parachute teams, Les Shockley’s jet truck, plenty of Rich’s Incredible Pyro, and the final Blue Angels 2011 performances, and one had a full days’ entertainment with over 6 hours of air show action.  Friday night’s twilight show featured loads of fireworks and pyro action too, plus he startling effect of an F/A-18 Super Hornet lighting off its’ afterburners in defiance to the fading dusk.  With wind chills hovering near freezing, any fire and heat was welcome!

As Blue Angel 6 touched down on the runway at the end of Saturday’s show, the 2011 air show display season ended for the team.  Their tasks weren’t finished for the year though, as there was routine aircraft maintenance to do, debriefs and reviews to be carried out, and training for the newest Blue Angels members to begin so that they’d be ready for the 2012 season, only a few months into the future.  As for the CONA celebration, the finale of 35 events that began in February signaled the close of the commemoration of a century of naval aviation history.  The staff will spend another three months or so archiving all of the written words, photographs, and video history that were produced throughout the year, so that the next naval aviation history event’s organizers can look back and build upon this year’s success.  Whether you attended this year’s Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow to see the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, or to take in the CONA displays, or to just enjoy a great airshow, it was truly a memorable event.

Story and photos by Ken Kula

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The Scottsdale Air Fair returned Nov. 5th and 6th after an almost 11 year hiatus, due to the events of September 11 2001. I remember this Air Fair as one of the best in the valley, fast jets and good people.

The 2011 Scottsdale Air Fair lived up to this. On hand were many local aircraft including the Deer Valley Warbirds, flying the Nanchang CJ-6 aircraft. They performed a flawless close formation flight with smoke and tight turns.

The Deer Valley Warbirds  are all pilots with a lot of military flying experience,with a few of the members serving as current airline captains with major US carriers. The CJ-6 aircraft are painted in eastern bloc colors with Bort  numbers  on the nose,they looked spectacular performing in the clear Arizona Skies.

The city of Scottsdale went all out to bring in an armada of aircraft both military and civilian, all this done while the airport remained open for normal flights. One of the most unique aircraft on display was the Red Tail P-51,  painted to honor the Tuskegee Airmen who fought color barriers in World War II to fly as fighter pilots in combat. This aircraft is making its way across the country with the CAF Red Tail Squadron Rise Above  Traveling Exhibit.Visitors to the display could enjoy the moving Rise Above Experience and then take a ride in the flight simulator. The tour is a must see,check them out at http://www.redtail.org

This year’s show featured 3 F-18 Super Hornets from VX-9 China Lake,CA .  The Marines sent several helicopters from HMLA 367, one AH1W Super Cobra, AH1Z Viper and a UH1Y Venom, along with a classic CH46E (FROG) from HMMT 164.

Two of the  Super Hornets performed a demo flight, albeit on the low side of its performance level.  Considering the noise abatement procedures in the area it was still good to see 2 super bugs over Scottsdale.

One surprise of the day was a VFA -122 Super Hornet that landed and parked near the other military static display aircraft.  The events continued into the evening including  a dusk hot air balloon lighting and a concert by the the Bellwethers. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bellwethers/74633715834

The show was a great success and one can only hope that this event will take place for many years to come. I would like to personally thank Alexandria Pierce and the entire staff of the Scottsdale Air Fair 2011.

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PhotoRecon.Net recently attended the 2011 Alliance Air Show located down in Ft. Worth Texas. The event is held at the Alliance Ft. Worth airport about 15 miles West of Dallas.

The show, which was estimated as bringing in a crowd of around 100,000 people over the two-day event, was cut in half after a thunderstorm came through Saturday night and dumped about a inch of rain that turned the grass parking lots into mud lots.

The main attraction at the show was the United States Air Force Thunderbirds; a team of 6 F-16’s. The Air Force also sent F-15 demonstration team led by Major Mike “Cash” Maeder. For the statics the Air Force sent F-16’s based in San Antonio, A B-52 from North Dakota and a Texas Air Guard C-130 also from San Antonio.

The NAVY sent VFA-122 F/A-18 to wow the crowd and one for a static display along with a couple of SkyHawks. The Marines brought in 2 Ospreys for statics from the VMM-161 based in Miramar Marine Base in Southern California.

Also on hand was BAE Systems with their new training aircraft, the Hawk, which they plan to put together a bid packet for the USAF who is planning to replace the T-38. The Hawk is set up for 4th and 5th generation air fighters that the Air Force is flying in the F-22 and F-35. The two birds on hand were on loan from the Royal Air Force, who currently uses the aircraft as a trainer. They also took the plane to the skies to give the first ever demo of the aircraft in its history.

Alliance is also home to a maintenance base for American Airlines, they brought in Flagship Detroit, a classic DC-3, the Susan G. Komen Boeing 777-223ER (N759AN) and had its regional partner American Eagle, bring in an Susan G. Komen ERJ-145 (N691AE). FedEx was also on hand with a 727 along with Orbis, a DC-10 that they use to fly across the world to teach doctors in under developed and funded countries about eye surgery.

PhotoRecon.net would like to specially thank  Major Maeder of the F-15 demo team and Lisa Hillary-Tee from BAE for the help with getting out on the hot ramp to get even better shots of the team. Also would like to thank Katie Kuczek with the Herb Gillen Agency who approved PhotoRecon.net for media access, we hope to work closely with them in the near future!

F-15 Team Site- http://www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents/strikeeagle/index.asp

BAE Hawk Facebook Fan Page- http://www.facebook.com/HawkforUSAF

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On October 8, 2011, Photorecon had the opportunity to attend the 2011 Holloman AFB open house, the Legacy of Liberty air show.  Any air show at Holloman AFB holds a special place in my heart.  As a young man growing up in central New Mexico, Holloman AFB was the first air show I attended; the early trips out to the Base fostered a lifelong interest in aviation that developed into a passion for aviation photography.  This was the base at which my mother and father gave me my first camera, a Kodak Instamatic 110.  My father was a construction supervisor in New Mexico working close to the base; sometimes I would tag along. On many occasions we would stop for lunch to  watch daily flight operations. This was around the time the 49^th Fighter Wing was transitioning from the mighty F4 Phantom to the very modern (at the time) F-15 Eagle.

I attended the first air show to feature the new F-15 and one pilot,  let me sit in the cockpit of a fresh-off-the-production-line Eagle. I cherish those memories; heading out to the show on Saturday, with my 80-years-young mother in tow, (yes that’s Mom in the pics) brought back many fond memories of those wonderful times.

The 2011 Legacy of Liberty air show was a wonderful way to showcase the dedication and professionalism of the men and woman serving at Holloman. Flight performances that day included the following:  Tim Weber -Geico Extra 300s; Robert Pezhold -L-39-C; John Klatt -ANG Extra 300L, F22 & B2 Flyby, Tornado Demo with air-to-air refueling display; Herb Baker -T-28 “DITTO”; Dan Buchanan’s Flying Colors Airshows; Greg Coyler -Lockheed T-33, Pacific Prowler   B-25 Mitchell Bomber,  F-16 Viper EAST Demo Team, A surprise B-2 Fly over , Matt Younkin-Twin Beech 18, F-4 Phantom II Demo and Heritage flight;  eventually followed by a wonderful display of the USAF Thunderbirds.  The flying portion of the show was complimented by a fully-stocked ramp of static display aircraft ranging from a Grumman Albatross to the F-22 Raptor. BAE Systems Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer Road Show made an appearance, displaying a fully-loaded 18-wheeler for the public to tour and 2 RAF Hawk AJTS trainer aircraft. Although the HAWK Aircraft did not fly a demo, I did get to fly the HAWK AJTS simulator. I would also like to thank the BAE staff, for providing us a full briefing on this unique aircraft that very well could be the future of USAF pilot training.  The 301st fighter Squadron known as the “KATS” had a few Raptors on display. I only wish it could have been a red tail raptor, as the 301st  is well know as an original RED TAIL sq. dating back to WWII.

Making all this access possible and providing a secure, elevated photo platform to shoot from was the wonderful Holloman PAO staff. Every year they go out of their way to accommodate us and our media requests.

A special “thank you” goes to Mr. Arlan Ponder and the Holloman PAO  staff; you guys are the best.

Here is a  bit of  Holloman AFB history.,

Holloman AFB is located in New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin between the Sacramento and San Andreas mountain ranges.

One visit to the area and you will understand why New Mexico was named “The Land of Enchantment” and why Holloman is still a major front line ACC base and training location for pilots from around the world.

Holloman history dates back to 1942 with the establishment of Alamogordo Army Air Field, originally slated as a base for the RAF British Overseas Training program. This all changed with the events of December 7, 1941. US military leadership viewed the base as a prime training location to train its own pilots. From 1942-1945 Alamogordo AAF served as the training grounds for over 20 different types of aircraft from the B-17, B-24 and the mighty B-29. The famous 450^th Bombardment group called the base home; this group went on to serve in nearly every major combat operation in WWII. The 450th earned two distinguished unit citations, along with 11 campaign credits.

After WWII the base’s future seemed uncertain. In fact, rumors abounded concerning the closure of the site.  In 1947 Air Materials Command announced the field would become a major test site for pilotless aircraft, guided missiles, and other research aircraft. On January 13, 1948 the base was renamed Holloman Air Force Base, in posthumous honor of Colonel George V. Holloman, a pioneer in guided missile research.

For the next 25 years, the site became known as the Holloman Air Development center and later, the Air Force Missile Development Center. Holloman launched many missiles including the Tiny Tim (the first Army rocket) ,the Rascal, Aerobee, Falcon, Mace and Shrike.

The Holloman research legacy continued through the1950’s and ‘60s, as many history making events took place at the base.  In 1954, Lt. Col.(Dr) John P. Stapp received the nickname “Fastest Man on Earth” when he rode the Sonic Wind No.1 to a speed of 632 mph. Additionally, Captain Joseph W. Kittinger  stepped out of an open balloon gondola at 102,800 feet on August 16, 1960, to test high-altitude bailout techniques. Capt Kittinger’s jump lasted 13 minutes and reached a speed of 614 miles per hour. That Jump broke 4 world records: Highest open gondola manned balloon flight, highest balloon flight of any kind, highest bailout and longest free fall.  Col. (Joe) Kittinger has since become a personal friend of my brother Steve “Dr Sky” Kates. We have had the honor to meet and talk with Joe Kittinger at his home in Florida. Hearing firsthand the details of  his  high altitude bailout was living history at its best.  Another noteworthy event took place at Holloman, on November 29, 1961:  Enos, a chimpanzee, trained at Holloman’s Aero-Medical Laboratory. Enos went on to be the first U.S. chimpanzee specimen launched into space.

A new era began at Holloman in July 1968, with the arrival of the 49^th Tactical Fighter wing, flying the F-4D Phantom II.  In 1977, the 49^th transitioned to the F-15 Eagle, and the eagle ruled the roost at Holloman until April 1992 when the 49^th transitioned to the F-117 Night Hawk Stealth Fighter.  Night Hawk operations continued until June 2008 when the 49^th once again transitioned to a new Air Superiority Fighter, the F-22 Raptor.  In addition, Holloman is home to the German Tactical Training Center (GAF TTC), activated as a tenant unit in 1996. Today the Germans fly and train in the Panavia Tornado aircraft.

The 49^th Fighter wing and associated units based at Holloman make up the cutting edge of today’s United States Air Force.  The wing provides combat-ready Airmen, F-22 Raptors, and trains MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators. Additionally, the wing delivers Air Transportable Clinics and Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources while providing support to more than 17,000 military and civilian personnel to include German Air Force Flying Training center operations. Holloman personnel also assist White Sands Missile Range personnel in supporting the White Sands Space Harbor as an alternate runway for past NASA space shuttle missions. The space shuttle Columbia landed at WSSH March 30, 1982 and 1,400 Holloman personnel supported that landing.

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The F-15E Strike Eagle Demo Team was performing at the Alliance Air Show in Fort Worth,  Texas over the weekend and our own Brandon Farris was there to record the event.

We had worked in the past with the flight crew after the Chino Air Show back in May. The Demo Team had put on quite a show in the semi-humid coastal region of Southern California and the jet was enveloped many times in thick vapor producing many wonderful shots of the super fast jet flying thru cloud-like conditions. We are excited to be able to visit with them again.

Major Michael “CASH” Maeder, Air Combat Command’s Strike Eagle Demonstration Team pilot and Commander and his WSO Captain Steven “BUDA”  Bofferding  put on a wonderful show where ever they perform.  They traveled to Texas after having recently done shows in Moscow, San Fransisco Fleet Week and Sacramento.

Visit the team here..

http://www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents/strikeeagle/index.asp

http://www.facebook.com/f15edemo