quote:

Originally posted by Harleysbluff:
^^^^

Don't they bring reporters, VIP's, etc... now and again ?

MDS

Not sure in this case. They usually do that the day before, not during the actual airshow performance.

quote:

Originally posted by MNSIG:
^^^^^^^^^

np149:

What was up with the use of 2 seat jets for #2 and #4?

I've been at air shows where they subbed in their 2-seat (#7?) in the case of a mechanical problem, but I've never seen it with a passenger/second pilot on board

"Media" (and other dignitary) rides, new pilot training "ride along" as well as scoping out the area in prep for a show. The Blues and T-birds do "an eval flight" of the area for obstacle, hazards features and what not that help the team during the shows.

Even if they have flown that venue recently.

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:

quote:

Originally posted by MNSIG:
^^^^^^^^^

np149:

What was up with the use of 2 seat jets for #2 and #4?

I've been at air shows where they subbed in their 2-seat (#7?) in the case of a mechanical problem, but I've never seen it with a passenger/second pilot on board

"Media" (and other dignitary) rides, new pilot training "ride along" as well as scoping out the area in prep for a show. The Blues and T-birds do "an eval flight" of the area for obstacle, hazards features and what not that help the team during the shows.

Even if they have flown that venue recently.

Absolutely. I've just never seen a 2 seat painted #2 and #4. I assumed (incorrectly) that the six demo pilots flew their usual single seat jets for the prep flights and #7 took the media passengers.

That's an interesting question about the two seaters. I honestly don't know the answer but here is a second pic from the set I shot. Again a lucky snap shot of the group as they did their fly over that day.

As I understand it, the Gold helmets are for Blue Angels only. So the Gold helmets you see in the back of the 2-seaters are the new Blue Angels who will by flying next season. This let's them see The Demo up close and in person.

If you notice the VIP and media flights, they wear Blue Helmets. Plus, I'm pretty sure for liability reasons, VIPs/Media/Civies and the like aren't allowed to ride along in the actual Demo.

quote:

Originally posted by ronnied316:
You had talked about choking down to two fingers and your thumb. So what would be the reasoning for the pilot in the video holding the stick in what looks to be an upside down J with his wrist almost pointing forward? I'm assuming it has something to do with control, but it looks uncomfortable as hell.

The in-cockpit shot at 0:45? Purely speculation, but I think he's fatigued from fighting that spring pulling the stick forward. The arm adjustment he makes at 0:49 is what gives it away. Holding the stick like that allows you to use the bigger muscles inside the arm above the wrist to move the stick fore & aft. You can see he's also using his bicep muscle at times, but they're not pulling G's.

It's pretty weird to be flying like that. But I guess if you're pulling 40 pounds for an hour zooming around trying to look good in the Slot, you do what you gotta do.

quote:

Originally posted by Tailhook 84:... But I guess if you're pulling 40 pounds for an hour zooming around trying to look good in the Slot, you do what you gotta do.

And you should see him hoisting at the O-Club, after the autographs and grip and grins!

That arm!

Thunderbirds used to perform at our county fair for years back in the 70's. My dads house was perfectly in line with their approach. He lived on the top of a hill and we had a huge locust tree by the house. They would rattle the tree, it was awesome. If they flew down the valley beside his house they were nearly at eye level, seemed that way anyway. After the TBirds the Golden Nights would do their jumps. Big deal for a 10 YO.