I feel the blues coming on….
Call me an Airshow junky. It’s happened before. Deep down inside we all come to airshows for the same reason but we just won’t admit it. Fast, loud and close to the ground is what we wait for while we pass the time admiring a fully restored vintage aircraft. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not taking anything away from those machines and the hours that their dedicated owners invested to make them show pieces. But really, its ok to admit it to me. Your heart rate jumps when you hear an afterburner light off.
Something could be felt in the air today at Sun ‘n Fun. There was an expectancy that was palpable. So it was that a collective relief was felt from the crowd as six F/A 18’s appeared, seemingly from nowhere, low and loud along the flight line. And knowing that there were many in the crowd, like myself, who needed the adrenaline rush the team flew not once but twice during the day. The Blues will perform another practice tomorrow. Tomorrow cannot come too soon. (Sorry for the poetic waxing but, after all it is my blog).
Sun ‘n Fun shows no favoritism when it comes to our protective forces. The Air Force, Navy, Customs and Border Patrol and the Army are all represented. Today the US Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, opened the main airshow by putting 8 jumpers into the air. Trailing smoke and performing aerobatic maneuvers during their descent each jumper made a precision landing look easy even with the gusty winds.
As I mentioned above, an airshow would not be complete without the dedicated efforts of those who restore and display the great aircraft of the past. There are many examples of these labors of love along the warbirds flight line. While walking the flight line this morning the morning sun, the polished metal and bright colors all combined to make this a photo I could not resist taking. This is a P-51D that was originally delivered in 1945. Awarded the EAA AirVenture Best Fighter Award in 2013 it is a welcome airshow participant.
Then there are some aircraft that are just, well, kind of unusual looking. The Grumman OV-1 certainly falls into that category. Looking like a cross between a miniature Lockheed Constellation and a Bell Helicopter its history suggests a nobler cause. Developed jointly by the Army and Marines the Mohawk, as it was nicknamed, was designed to replace the Cessna L-19 Bird Dog. It’s primary functions were to be a faster more well armored observation and light attack aircraft. Equipped with Side Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) later models saw the addition of drop pods and even some experimentation with FLIR systems. The Mohawk remained active with international armed forces until 2015.
Unless you’ve not been to an airshow or read any aviation news in the last several years the name Michael Goulian is one you’ll be familiar with. Michael’s precision aerobatic style has earned him numerous awards around the world. This precision flying has also recently earned him third place in the current Red Bull Air Race standings. During yesterday’s performance Michael accommodated the Tower Controllers when they asked him to perform a fly by so they could set there wrist watches. (I know, I’m on a tower thing this Sun ‘n Fun).
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the afternoon tomorrow which could impact the airshow. Until tomorrow…
Sales Manager
