Friday, July 23, 2010

That Air Show Feeling


Last week I got reacquainted with one of the best adrenaline rushes on the planet. The modern air show supported by the US Government air superiority forces. Yes last weekend was the Dayton Air Show in Dayton Ohio and I carved a day out of the packed summer to take the kids on the short 75 minute drive to watch the practice day. Since the show is only a Saturday Sunday affair we technically were not at the show, but we were 10 feet from the airport property and had great views of all the comings and goings of the regular commercial flights as well as the practice of the air show performers. The highlight was of course the US Navy Blue Angels. Fat Albert also did 'his' demo doing things in a Lockheed C-130 that seem impossible. The Blue Angels, a group of men and women perform astounding feats with their F-18's. Using a variety of A, B, and C models they fly within inches of each other and do all sorts of amazing acts. It truly takes your breath away to be able to witness their performance. To get to watch and not spend a penny makes it that much better. I've seen them several times in person and each time is like the first. Add in that we also got to watch the F/A-18F Super Hornet do its demo and the arrivals of F-15, F-16, T-38 and several other military cargo and attack planes made for a great day. Even a pristine restored DC-3 made an appearance. While I was unable to make it back for the actual show I did get to enjoy the sights and sounds and look forward to catching up with the Blues again at Cleveland's Air Show on Labor Day!

One more thing. I took these photos and many more. A newer camera has certainly helped. Soon I'll get a DSLR and get closer to the pro's that take so many great pics.

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