Saturday, July 31, 2010

Dinner Music



When visiting OshKosh most people think about dinners around the camp fire, or buying something with a wrapper around it.  If one wants to sit down and have a server bring the meal to you, then most leave the grounds and go in town.  However, there is a place to eat on site that offers a place to sit down and be served.  We enjoyed a nice meal, were able to sit down and be served, and had some beautiful dinner music.  This is not traditional dinner music.  We enjoyed the amazing sounds of Team Aeroshell and the C-17 demo during our meal.  When the demos were complete, the sounds went mellow - Friday evening departures.  The Vintage Grill is located just south of the Vintage Hangar and the Vintage Red Barn

Indy Transponder 31-JUL-10 1500z



Flying display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh from Flight Image of the Day 
Today's Image of the Day was taken by Billypix and posted to our AirSpace section. The photo depicts the flying display at EAA Air Venture Oshkosh, which is occurring all this week. Our special Oshkosh section has more photos as well as video, articles, Tweets, interactive daily magazines and more. Check it out here.

Art Nalls and His Privately Owned Harrier at AirVenture from AVwebFlash Current Issue
When some guys retire, they buy a sports car or maybe an LSA. Art Nalls bought a Harrier, and he flew it at AirVenture this week. AVweb sent a camera along.This video is brought to you by Conoco-Phillips and Lightspeed Aviation.

United States - Wisconsin - EAA AirVenture 2010 - Oshkosh - 07/26/10 from FenceCheck Forums

MiG men join the fray over AirVenture from The Fabricator 
Visitors to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010 saw two Soviet-bloc MiG-21 jet fighters in the skies over Wisconsin this week. The supersonic jets, once the pride of the Soviet air force, became symbols of changing times as the Cold War sighed to a halt.

The Aviators TV - Facebook
The Aviators TV The cast and crew of The Aviators would like to thank the more than 2000 people in attendance at the world premiere for helping to make it such a success.
We look forward to the chance to do it one more time at the encore presentation Saturday at 6:00 pm at the Theatre in the Woods, EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh.
Encore premier tonight at 6pm in Theater in the Woods!

Air show begins in wake of tragedy - TheNewsTribune.com
The air show gates open at 9 am today and Sunday, with the show starting at 10 am both days. By KAYLIN BETTINGER On Friday, the US Navy Blue Angels tore ...

Rockford Airfest - Air & Space
Chicago Rockford International Airport, Rockford , IL
Dates: July 31, 2010 - August 01, 2010
http://www.flyrfd.com/airfest.html
Airshow Information: Rockford Airfest provides a safe and entertaining family-oriented event that connects all generations with the excitement of aviation. For more information on dates, performers, displays and other acts, please check back often! ...

Cancer survivor's name painted on fighter jet - WREX-TV
The Air Force surprised Schmidlkofer by painting his name on one of the T-38's at this weekend's AirFest. "It shocked me. In fact, back when I was in the ...

Waukegan Air Show planned Sept. 11 - Waukegan News Sun
Plans are starting to come together for the annual Waukegan Air Show, scheduled for Sept. 11 at Waukegan Regional Airport. As was the case with the 2009 ...

Red Arrow team pays a flying visit to Malmesbury - North Wiltshire and Kennet Gazette & Herald
The Red Arrows flying team made a fly-past during the party at Halfway Bush Farm near Sherston which raised £2000 for Diabetes UK. English opera singers Tim ...

Red Bull offers no guarantee it will return - Windsor Star
Even if the international Red Bull Air Race returns from its self-imposed one-year hiatus for 2012, ...

DAY 4: COMPETITION ATTITUDE. from US Army Golden Knights 
"You must be interested in finding the best way, not having your own way." - John Wooden Breakfast of Champions Part 4 – By now you already know we're eating dinner for breakfast. ;) Today's treat? Baked chicken with boiled broccoli, beans and carrots. A great day of training yesterday wrapped up with the Team [...]

TEAM USA: Freefly Team Practice Jump from US Army Golden Knights 
Think you're bad in the sky? Check out this practice jump at the 2010 World Parachuting Championships in Menzelinsk, Russia from TEAM USA's Freefly Team.

Terminal renaming, air show to honor Dooley - Hutchinson Leader
On Saturday, Aug. 7, several of Joe Dooley's aerobatic friends will gather at Ken Butler Field, Hutchinson's municipal airport, to be part of the rededication of the facility's terminal as the Joseph P. Dooley Terminal at 2:05 p.m. Then they'll head to the skies to present a free airshow at 2:15 that Dooley's wife, Cheryl, said "he'd just hate." ...

Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers set new flight duration record from Air-Attack.com - News Feed
Two Russian Tu-95MS Bear-H strategic bombers have carried out a record-breaking 40-hour patrol over three oceans, an Air Force spokesman said."The Tu-95MS bombers carried out patrols over the Arctic, the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans and set a new flight duration record  …

Aviation Trivia of the Day by JP Santiago
The relief efforts following natural disasters have often reminded me of the first humanitarian airlift in the United States after a natural disaster. It was September of 1938 and one of the few Category 5 storms to strike the US mainland had just come ashore with unprecedented destructiveness in New England, causing widespread devastation throughout Long Island, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. ...

The Mind Behind the Flying Car's Design [Flying Cars] from Gizmodo 
As strange as it is to say, we really do live in a world with a flying car. And a few decades from now, when we're all ditching gridlock for the open skies, we can partly thank Jens Martin Skibsted. More »

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Indy Transponder 30-JUL-10 0630z



Seventy-Five Years of Flying Fortresses from Planenews Aviation News 
It's been 75 years-that's three-quarters of a century-since the prototype of the Flying Fortress series took to the skies for the first time over Seattle, Washington. For so many reasons, the B-17 Flying Fortress became an American icon.

'Spirit of Aviation' Aircraft Auction Set for AirVenture from www.airventure.org
For the first time, aircraft buyers and sellers at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be able to rely on more than handbills, want ads and word-of-mouth, as the "Spirit of Aviation Auction" will be held on the AirVenture grounds on Saturday, July 31.
The auction, conducted by REDC and Auction.com, in conjunction with EAA, will feature all types of consigned aircraft, from privately owned recreational aircraft to rare vintage and warbird airplanes, and larger general aviation planes. It will be the only aircraft auction held on the grounds at Oshkosh and in partnership with EAA. ...

OSH10: Day Two and Three at AirVenture with iFlight from Flightblogger 
I'm beginning to see a recurring pattern for how I post these issues of iFlight. I'll have the first issue out on time, get bogged down getting the remaining issues ready, only to post day two and three together later in the week. Without further delay, here's iFlight for days two and three at EAA AirVenture:

AirVenture's best-kept secret - AOPA Pilot
What's the best-kept secret at EAA AirVenture? Many Oshkosh veterans will tell you that it's the AirVenture seaplane base, ...

A New ERA For Helicopters from CAFE Foundation Blog 
Sikorsky Aircraft introduced its electric Firefly at AirVenture 2010 this week, but other ways to achieve green aviation are also showing up at Oshkosh.  Avimech International Aircraft introduced its Dragonfly tip-jet helicopter, powered by hydrogen peroxide.  Besides turning brunettes into blondes, H2O2 has propulsive qualities, often functioning as part of a rocket fuel mix. ...

Watch Mike's AOPA Live Interview from AirVenture from Mike Goulian Airshows 
Mike took a few minutes in his schedule to meet up with AOPA's Vice President of Communications, Andrew Broom, at their "AOPA Live" stage at AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. They discussed life on the road, safety, his air shows and Red Bull Air Races. Mike also explained all about his new sponsor, ASB.TV.

Young Eagles Will Benefit From An EAA Embry Riddle Partnership
Will Offer Free EAA Student Memberships EAA Young Eagles will soon be able to stay connected to the aviation world and enjoy a variety of benefits at no cost through the EAA Student Membership supported by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical ...

Military identifies C-17 crew killed in crash - Anchorage Daily News 
The military today released the names of the crew members killed Wednesday evening in the crash of a Boeing C-17 cargo jet at Elmendorf Air Force Base.
The crew was ...

Thunderbirds wow Make-A-Wish guests at Skyfest - KXLY Spokane
AIRWAY HEIGHTS, WA -- Friday was a very special day for kids at the Skyfest air show, set to begin Saturday. The group of two dozen Make-A-Wish children got ...

USAF Thunderbirds Pilots Visits Rockford Children - MyStateline.com
Rockford - Before the Thunderbirds take flight tomorrow they visited some kids at the Rockford Environmental Science Academy this morning. ...

Virginia Airshow 2010 - Aviation Central
With just days to go until the annual air show at Virginia airport it is a date to put in your diaries and make sure you don't forget. This will be the 54th annual air show being hosted by Virginia Airport, which was originally Durban ... 

Georgetown AirFest at the Airport on September 25 - City of Georgetown Texas
Mark your calendar now for the Georgetown AirFest where you can see, hear, and take a ride in a WW II-era bomber or fighter plane. ...

Hornet team cancels Wetaskiwin appearance - Edmonton Journal
... Wetaskiwin Air Show, which is to go on as scheduled, Aug. 7 and 8. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds and parachute demonstration team are scheduled to appear.

Remainder of 2010 CF-18 Demo Team Shows Cancelled - Marketwire (press release)
The remainder of the 2010 air show season for the Canadian Forces CF-18 Demonstration Team, ...

Red Bull justifies suspension of air race - GulfNews
The sixth Red Bull Air Race World Championship 2010 in progress in Abu Dhabi. Organisers decided to suspend this year's ...

Windsor's economy will take a hit from Red Bull hiatus - Windsor Star
Hungarian pilot Peter Besenyel flies his plane flies his plane during the Red Bull Air Race in Windsor ...

Tricolour Arrows, tomorrow the grand spectacle of the sea - il Pescara
D Oman, at 16, will air the highly anticipated show "Pescara 2010", which sees the exception as protagonists of the Tricolour Arrows ...

…and we're back … thoughts after the Farnborough Airshow from Flying With Fish 
Nearly two weeks ago I arrived in London for the combined marathon-&-sprint that is involved in creating social media content for a major aircraft manufacturer at one of the premier industry air shows in the world … the Farnborough Airshow.
Attending an air show as a spectator is great fun. Attending an industry sales event, disguised as an air show while creating specific content for a major aircraft manufacturer, while fun, is ...

Rhode Island Guard hosts annual Leapfest from National Guard - Top News
http://www.ng.mil/news/archives/2010/07/images/073010-Leapfest.jpg
The 28th annual Leapfest International AirborneCompetition will take place here on Aug. 7...

Pilot Jessica Cox on Inside Edition - Youtube
Jessica Cox is an international motivational speaker. For more information, call 520-638-6422.
If you have never seen Sport Pilot Jessica Cox, she is an amazing woman. The only Sport Pilot that flies with no arms. She will make a special appearance at our August 28th Thunder Over the Coconino Fly-In & Car Show. Join us for just plane fun! 

Battle of Britain's last surviving Indian pilot - BBC News
After the war he became a champion air race pilot in India, and set endurance records in gliders. He even flew the first Indian prime minster Jawaharlal ...

Heroes of the sky honoured - Teesdale Mercury
THE widow of a man who served in the Dambusters squadron was a special guest at a ceremony that honoured airmen who died in Teesdale. ...

A Look At A B-17 Bomber Plane Through A Veterans Eyes - KCAU
While the words B-17 might not mean anything to you, they certainly mean something special to World War II veterans. Bob olsen is an eighty five year old ...

WWII B-17 Flying Fortress: Sentimental Journey - KPTH
(SIOUX CITY, IA) 75 years after its first flight, there are only 10 flyable Boeing B-17 bombers in the world. Erika Thomas takes us inside the World War II ...

B-25 bomber to make stop Saturday at Air Zoo in Portage - Kalamazoo Gazette
Dustin M. RamseyThe Yankee Warrior, a B-25 Mitchell twin-engined medium bomber, will make an eight-hour stop Saturday at the Air Zoo in Portage. ...

Aviation camp kids take to the sky - WCSH-TV
A group of middle school aged kids made their final day of aviation camp a blast by shooting rockets off into the sky. ...

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Friday, July 30, 2010

Indy Transponder 30-JUL-10 1600z



WWII Vets Leave EAA Air Venture on Honor Flight - WSAW
About 80 World War II veterans lifted off from EAA Air Venture in Oshkosh Thursday morning. They headed to Washington, DC for an Honor Flight. ...

Military veterans thankful for 'salute' at EAA AirVenture - Oshkosh Northwestern
The "Salute to Veterans" is a national partnership led by the EAA, the Warbirds of America and the Disabled American Veterans. There's an extensive list of ...

One-of-a-kind lottery puts winners in the Goodyear blimp - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"People are happy, giddy, laughing," said Hissem as he flew over the AirVenture grounds Thursday afternoon, pointing the airship's nose toward the Warbirds ...

Oshkosh 2010 - Day 4 from The PapaGolf Chronicles 
We broke Co-pilot Egg away from her booth duties for a few hours this afternoon to make our way over to the seaplane base. We had a nice, relaxing day over there last year and had hoped to enjoy the same today, but it was not to be. For some reason there were plenty of buses running to K-Mart, Target, and the outlet mall, but very few to the seaplane base. It was a long, hot wait of half an hour before we were able to get on a bus. The seaplane area was crowded once we got there, but I was somewhat pacified by being ...

EAA AirVenture 2010 - Oshkosh - 07/26/10 from FenceCheck Forums

Rockin' at Oshkosh from General Aviation News 
Musician and pilot Carl Keating performs at the Sennheiser exhibit Thursday afternoon at AirVenture. Keating was one of a handful of musicians who performed at the exhibit during the week. All are members of the Flying Pilots Association. ...

Pearl Carter Scott, 1928: Youngest licensed pilot in America from You Fly, Girl  Beautifully filmed, impeccably portrayed, the feature film "Pearl", a production of the Chickasaw Nation, brings to life the endearing story of Pearl Carter Scott - Chickasaw aviatrix. ...

A Morning with Malcolm the Skycrane from aroundthepattern.com 
I went out flying yesterday, just a short flight to help a friend confirm the indicated airspeed he was reading on his recently completed RV-6A. I stopped and refueled after the flight, taxied back to the hangar and pushed the plane back into it's parking spot. Just as I finished a stranger walked into the hangar and introduced himself. His name is Guy Keilman. His brother flies for the same airline that I do and mentioned that if Guy ever got to Stead airport he should look me up – that I have a Swift based there. Guy saw me taxi the Swift back to my hangar and was nice enough to walk up and say hi.

So Much More Airventure News - Click Here!

DC-3 75 Anniversary Tour from Hiller Aviation Museum 
Day 7 – Home | Flagstaff is a beautiful place. Sitting at 7,000 feet and covered in pine trees you get the feel of Lake Tahoe but with out the crowds. The airport was a busy place. About 4 days ago an Allegiant Airliner had an engine fire traveling to Phoenix and had to make an emergency landing at Flagstaff and they were replacing the engine while we were there. The most entertaining thing we saw was a Robinson R-22 trying to take off at that altitude. Apparently they were passing through and landing is not a problem but taking off at that altitude is a different ...

FOX 28 crew goes up with US Army Golden Knights - Fox 28
Some people pay big money to learn how to skydive, but for the US Army Golden Knights that's their job! The team performed at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair ...

Preparing for AirFest 2010 - Rockford Register Star
A Thunderbird F-16 flies ahead of AirFest on Thursday, July 29, 2010, at the Chicago Rockford International Airport. The glare from the sun on the camera ...

Pilots Prepare For Arctic Thunder Air Show - KTVA CBS 11 News Alaska
Despite thousands of take offs and landings every year, and a major air show every two years, plane crashes are rare at Elmendorf Air Force Base. ...

Point Mugu air show ready for takeoff - Agoura Hills Acorn
The show will feature the US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, which operate Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter/ strike ...

B-17 vintage bomber lands in Sioux City - KTIV
The B-17 bomber airplane landed at Sioux City's Sioux Gateway Airport around noon. There are only a handful of these World War Two bombers in the world, ...

'Sentimental Journey' has had varied career - Sioux City Journal
The all-volunteer Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, based in Mesa, Ariz., bought the B-17 in 1978 and restored it to its original military ...

WWII aircraft in spotlight at DuPage Airport - Naperville Sun
The aircraft on display will be a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, a Consolidated B-24 Liberator and a P-51 Mustang. It is a rare opportunity to view these ...

Stunt pilot tames mechanical problem - Northern News Services
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Will I have to use the parachute was admittedly among Dave Mathieson's harried thoughts at the Northern Skies Yellowknife International Air Show when his plane experienced mechanically difficulty in midair on Saturday.
Forty-year-old Mathieson, co-owner, president and chief pilot of Summit Air, encountered difficulty in the air when the bearing rod blew out on his Pitts biplane. It caused him to lose most elevator control,the ability to ascend and descend. ...

The show must go on from General Aviation News 
Officials at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in New York said that the Aerodrome's Saturday Air Show featuring flying antique airplanes of the pioneer and barnstorming era will take place as planned at 2 p.m. TFRs over Rhinebeck for Chelsea Clinton's wedding will be respected by re-routing biplane air tours away from the restricted area during the TFR period between 3 p.m. on Saturday through 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning. The 2 p.m. World War I Air Show and biplane rides on Sunday will not be affected, officials added. ...

Air festival ready to take flight - Great Yarmouth Mercury
NOW in its 14th year, the Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival is no longer regarded as a local community event but is now firmly established as an important regional fundraiser involving charities from a wide ...

The Patrouille de France in Mouroux, Coulsdon via Translator
This is a show not to be missed.  On 8 August, the Patrouille de France will hold its airshow at the airport Mouroux, Coulsdon, who, by dint of perseverance, managed to make them move. Nearly fifty planes in the French army will go from 13 am to 30 show five hours of high flying.  Former cuckoos pre-war, visible them in the morning, will also present.
From 10:00 to 18: 30 am, the aero-club-Mouroux Coulsdon.   Price: 10 € for adults, 5 € for children under 18, free for children under 12 years.

Red Bull Air Race series grounded - National
Abu Dhabi has hosted the Red Bull Air Race every year since the event was first held in 2005. Sammy Dallal / The National ABU DHABI // The 2011 Red Bull Air ...

the "P‑38 Lightning Newsletter" is now available for viewing.
Here are just a few things we have for you in this issue:
More P-38s Being Restored
As time passes, we are lucky enough to see not fewer, but more P-38s coming online. Check out this story to see that most recent two restoration projecs.
Tangerince Confirmed for Sacramento Air Show 
For awhile there we were worried, but it turned out to be for nothing. Tangerine will, in fact, be able to participate in this rare aviation event.
P-38 TransformerA P-38 Transformer?
Yes, you heard that right. If you're a fan of the "Transformers" movies and/or toys, you've gotta see their version of our favorite plane!
Not subscribed yet? p38assn.org

Another Super Corsair to Fly from Another Time 
Odegaard Aviation up in North Dakota is making great progress on their second F2G Corsair.  Their first was the famous race number 57.  It now lives in Arizona with a new owner.  Odegaard Aviations web site now has pictures posted of the restoration progress on racer number 74Check it out here.  Wow... looking good!

Battle of Britain prelude: dive bombers and the Luftwaffe In... from x planes
In September 1933, four companies submitted designs for a new Luftwaffe dive bomber. Trials took place in March 1935.
The unsuccessful designs were the Arado 81, the Blohm & Voss Ha 137, and the Heinkel 118.
The Heinkel design was good - aerodynamically advanced, with retractable undercarriage - but deemed not rugged enough for the support of German ground forces. Two examples, however, were sent to Japan, and the aircraft became the inspiration for the more successful Yokosuka D4Y (Suisei/彗星 "comet", Allied codename "Judy")

Royal Air Force Museum London - About - News & Issues 
With this summer being the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, it would be a great time to visit the Royal Air Force Museum in north London, ...

July 30 from Cut and Paste Aviation 


Jean Jones: Friday's Fabulous Flyer from Flight To Success 
... She flew both T37 and T38 in the Air force. The great thing about reserves in the Air Force is that she could also work for the airlines at the same time, and decided to venture that route. ...

After 82-year delay woman's flight takes off - Edmonds Beacon
Sanderlin, who met Pemberton at Felts Field Airport in Spokane in 2008 and stayed in touch, arranged this summer for Alice's barnstorm ride. ...

Air Force Announces F-22 Fleet Consolidation from Milcom Monitoring Post
Air Force Announces F-35 Basing Proposal from Milcom Monitoring

NASA/NIA 'Aviation Unleashed' to Imagine Future of Aviation - PR Newswire
How close are we to that fictional world of the Jetsons and what are the possibilities – at least for aviation and related fields? Futurists, visionaries ...

The View From the Front Office, Overlooking the Planet Earth from Rand Peck, A Life Aloft 
... Those of you who follow my blog know my thoughts about pictures like these... I'm interested in yours. We'll identify these shots, top to bottom as 1 through 23. Leave a comment below describing your thoughts or emotions for a particular picture and I'll select several and place them under the appropriate picture. Have fun! ...

Great Shot...... from Theo Spark 
Gary South Shore Air Show 2010 - Gary - 07/10/10 from FenceCheck Forums
CVW-7 Homecoming 2010 - NAS Oceana (VFA-103, 143, 131, 83) from FenceCheck Forums
Hawker Siddeley (BAE Systems) Nimrod MR2 from Planeshots

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AVIATION-INSPIRED SR-71 “BLACKBIRD” FORD MUSTANG RAISES $375,000 FOR YOUTH CHARITY


One-off vehicle produced in first collaboration between Jack Roush, Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company auctioned during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010

DEARBORN, Mich., July 29, 2010 – Ford Motor Company’s one-of-a-kind, aviation-themed 2011 Ford Mustang raised $375,000 for the nonprofit Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles organization at an auction Thursday evening. This truly unique vehicle, in the first-ever collaboration between legendary automotive icons Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby, was auctioned during the Gathering of Eagles event at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010, the world’s greatest aviation celebration. A man from Texas purchased the vehicle.

Ford, the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, brought together Shelby and Roush to create the SR-71 “BlackBird” Mustang specifically for the Gathering of Eagles event. To date, Ford vehicles sold at auction during EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised more than $1.3 million to support the Young Eagles.

EAA’s Young Eagles provides youth education and experiences that prepare young people to become future engineers, pilots and innovators. The Young Eagles organization has provided free introductory flights to nearly 1.5 million youth since 1992, while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills.

 

“Ford Motor Company’s historic tie to aviation is no better represented than by the company’s commitment as a continued partner of EAA and AirVenture, a celebration of flight here in Oshkosh that is unmatched anywhere else in the world,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman and president. “Ford’s generosity in donating the Mustang SR-71 ‘Blackbird’ to the Gathering of Eagles further demonstrates a dedication to supporting aviation and inspiring aviation enthusiasts of all ages.”
 

The “SR-71” designation holds a dual meaning for the one-of-a-kind, fully-customized Mustang. First, “SR-71” refers to the car’s design and performance-inspired connection with the SR-71 Blackbird, the aircraft that holds all official airspeed and altitude records and is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular planes ever produced. Second, “SR” represents the first collaborative project between Shelby and Roush.

Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer led design for the project and Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak led the engineering effort. Ford Racing Performance Parts also were added to further enhance the exclusivity of the car.

“Bringing together true automotive legends like Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby with the leading minds on the Ford Mustang design and engineering teams has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “This year’s SR-71 ‘Blackbird’ pays tribute to the original SR-71 aircraft that took its first flight in 1964, the year the first Ford Mustang came off the line. This project is a tribute to significant moments in aviation and automotive history and a nod toward the young innovators of the future.”

 

The SR-71 “Blackbird” Ford Mustang is Build #1 of 1 and is based on a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0. Ford racing performance modifications (Supercharger performance enhancement, Track Pack Handling Package) also were added to further enhance the exclusivity of the car and generate 100 additional horsepower from the all-aluminum 5.0l 32-valve V8 engine. The special racing Handling Pack optimizes the performance experience and lowers the ride height by 1-inch.

From interior to exterior, the SR-71 Blackbird was inspired by the original aircraft. The Mustang’s design includes black and gray matte exterior paint and graphic treatment, performance wheels, front and rear fascias and an integrated spoiler/wing to mirror the car’s namesake. Reflected in the exterior paint treatment, the “Blackbird” nickname takes center stage with markings that look like the plane’s fluids streaking its exterior after takeoff. With seating for two, the interior includes a roll-cage, racing seats, embroidered signatures of Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby and special instrument cluster graphics.


About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
The annual meeting of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), EAA AirVenture features more than 2,500 show aircraft, including homebuilts, antiques, classics, warbirds, ultralights and rotorcraft, and is expected to attract nearly 600,000 aviation enthusiasts. During the week, more than 500 forums are conducted by aviation leaders and NASA researchers, along with FAA personnel, aircraft designers and a host of others. EAA AirVenture is a 24-hour event. For more information, please visit www.AirVenture.org
 
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Indy Transponder 29-JUL-10 2000z

Sean D. Tucker from Leaving Terra Firma
One of the performances I’m most looking forward to is Sean D. Tucker in the Oracle Challenger III. After the recent announcement of the Challenger III, I started eying air-shows for an opportunity to see Sean perform. He is one of the most talented aerobatic performers . . . → Read More: Sean D. Tucker


Uncontrolled Airspace #200 "UCAP200"
Dave, Jeb and Jack celebrate this milestone episode with a live audience in the EAA Welcome Center Stage at AirVenture Oshkosh 2010. Amy Laboda, James Wynbrandt, and a special visit by EAA
President Tom Poberezny. All this and more on Uncontrolled Airspace #200 "UCAP200"

Oshkosh 2010 Pic Stream #4 - AvGeek Nation! (26 pix) by Martt [pictured]
OSHKOSH: VIDEO - Inside a B-17 from Flightglobal Events
Some Oshkosh Pictures from Things in the Sky  


#OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10#
So Much More Airventure News - Click Here
#OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10#
STATEMENT - World Championship confirms one-year break in 2011 
from www.redbullairrace.com
Red Bull Air Race GmbH confirmed that for the future success and development of the sport, the World Championship will take a one-year break in 2011.

No decision yet on air show cancellation, Air Force says - ADN
A decision should be made today whether to cancel this weekend's planned Arctic Thunder air show at Elmendorf Air Force Base in light of the fatal crash on base, an Air Force official said early this morning. ...

C-17 Aircraft Crashed On Elmendorf - Alaska Air Show Association
We urge everyone to join us in keeping the families and servicemen affected by this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers. As of this posting we are awaiting a decision on whether or not the Arctic Thunder air show will go forward as ...

Watch for the Thunderbirds today - WREX-TV
The team is scheduled to arrive at Chicago Rockford International Airport around 10:00 am today to start getting ready for Rockford AirFest. ...

GlobalGathering Takes Off With A Bang - Glasswerk.co.uk
The aerobatic flight extravaganza will showcase an array of remarkable air stunts including extreme crossover manoeuvres, a variety of formation and ...

Red Arrows show at RAF family day - Peterborough Today
Everyone from tiny tots to World War Two veterans were all treated to a dazzling display of aerial acrobatics, as the Red Arrows who took to the skies ...

The Farnborough Show in numbers (FARN10) from Flightglobal 
Flightglobal prides itself on providing the most comprehensive aviation coverage in the world, and as another Farnborough Air Show becomes a distant memory, I hope you don't mind us sharing with you what the biggest air show of the year meant for us. ...

Calendar: Galleries and art exhibits - Ventura County Star
WORLD WAR II AVIATION MUSEUM: The Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force has hangars devoted to World War II aircraft. ...

Aviation Classics: Issue 1 - Avro Lancaster from PlanesTV

July 29 from Cut and Paste Aviation


Indy Transponder 29-JUL-10 1700z

Red Bull cancels air races worldwide - Kelowna
Red Bull Air Race has announced that it is cancelling its races worldwide for 2011, including the only Canadian stop.
The organization said Thursday on its website that it will use the time to fast-track technology to improve safety during the races, which involve high-speed flight manoeuvres through an obstacle course of large inflated pylons.
Windsor, Ont., was due to host the race in 2011, after holding successful events in both 2009 and 2010.
The small single-seater planes reach maximum speeds of close to 400 kilometres per hour, subjecting pilots to severe G-forces.
In April, a pilot from Brazil hit the water in Perth, Australia, but escaped with only minor injuries
Extreme G-forces in the turns can make a pilot feel 10 times heavier than normal.

Red Bull Air Race to take a year’s break from Flightline UK
 Red Bull Air Race GmbH confirmed that for the future success and development of the sport, the World Championship will take a one-year break in 2011.

Cargo plane crashes at Elmendorf - Alaska Dispatch
An air show at Elmendorf is scheduled to start Saturday. The two-day event attracts huge crowds to watch performances by the Blue Angels, the Snowbirds, ...

Air Show Remains EAA's Biggest Attraction - WBAY
The most popular attraction at EAA AirVenture is definitely the air show. Wednesday, thousands of visitors saw planes from the Vietnam ...

WW II Honor Flight at EAA AirVenture - Fox11online.com
OSHKOSH - A flight for nearly 80 World War II veterans from Northeast Wisconsin will depart the EAA grounds Thursday morning for the nation's capitol, ...

US Airways pilots appear in Oshkosh - WQOW TV News 18
They are co-chairman of the EAA's Young Eagles Program, which allows children ages 8-17 to ride in a private plane. Sullenberger will fly Young Eagles on ...

Movie premiere at AirVenture - Oshkosh Northwestern
"Pearl" is the inspirational story of the late Pearl Carter, a Chickasaw Indian teen who rose to fame in the 1920s as an aviator and barnstormer. ...
 
Photos from EAA AirVenture 2010: Warbirds! from AVweb Top News
 We doubt you'll ever get three quarters of a million pilots to agree on anything outside of coming together at Oshkosh during the summer — but when it comes to finding common ground, the warbirds display area is a good place to start. Everyone makes their way here at some point during the show. Some are attracted by history, others by engineering, and still others by the comic books and TV shows that drew them to magnificent aircraft as kids.  

Iconic B-17 takes stage at AirVenture - Oshkosh Northwestern
The Lone Star Flight Museum and the Texas Raiders from the Gulf Coast Wing of the Commemorative Air Force are two groups that have restored B-17s. ...

Whiteside County D-3 Reunion Triumphant Success: The Last Time Enters the Record Books from AMTOnline.com
The official "Last Time" DC-3 REUNION at AirVenture will be held on Thursday, July 29, at ORION, the FBO on the north side of the field at OSH at 7:30 p.m.!
 
Red Arrows ejector seat fault grounds display team - Mirror.co.uk
None of the RAF daredevils' £5millon Hawk jets will be allowed to fly until each has been inspected. Engineers found the problem during inspections at RAF ...

Thunderbirds Fly Over Cheyenne - KGWN
The thunderbirds were back trailing through the clouds for their annual air show. Cheyenne Frontier Days is just one of the 73 air shows the Thunderbirds ...

Navy air show coming next weekend to Point Mugu - Thousand Oaks Acorn
The show will feature the US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, which operate Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter/ strike ...

Thunder over Michigan to feature gathering of historic bombers - Heritage Newspapers
The Yankee Air Museum's 2010 Thunder Over Michigan Air Display will feature the Gathering of Fortresses and Legends. This will be the largest gathering of ...

Air show wows crowds in air, on ground  - SCNOW
FLORENCE -- The thrill is in the air this weekend at the seventh Pee Dee Air Show and Festival which took off Saturday morning at the Florence Regional Airport.

Vulcan is confirmed for Bournemouth Air Festival - Bournemouth Echo
The legendary Avro Vulcan bomber will fly at the Air Festival, which runs from August 19 to 22. Organisers have confirmed that the former RAF jet will take ...

CF-18 pulled from Wetaskiwin Air Show - Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser
The jet was expected to be one of the star attractions of this year's event, but a unfortunate crash during practice maneuvers at the Lethbridge Air Show ...

Termination of the Biggin Hill Air Fair licence Issued by the Shareholders of Air Displays Internationalfrom Flightline UK - by Flightline UK
On July 5th 2010 Biggin Hill Airport Ltd. gave notice to Air Displays International Ltd. to summarily terminate the licence under which the Biggin Hill International Air Fair is run. The 25-year licence was originally granted in 1988 and had 3 years to run.

Community mourns a dedicated aviator - Manawatu Standard
She also edited the Association of Women in Aviation (NZAWA) newsletter. A passionate aviator she had said in earlier interviews: "aviation was exciting and ...

Hook 2010 is Just Around the Corner from Tailhook Daily Briefing 
The 54th Annual Tailhook Convention is just around the corner, September 9-12 to be precise! And it is not too late to get your reservations! Simply click here: [Reservation Form].
This year’s theme is Naval Aviation Training, and promises to be as informative, entertaining, and downright fun as all of our other conventions.
This year’s schedule looks like this (keep an eye out for updates and details about the speakers etc… we’ll be sure to post them here and on the Mother Ship.)

World War II ace reunites with past - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Vesely asked Wednesday morning as Gross wandered around the Mustang parked next to other restored Mustangs in the Warbirds section of the AirVenture grounds ...

Airplane restoration project underway - Journal Pioneer
With the project estimated at $500000, government agreed to fund the project only on the grounds that the Aviation Heritage Society Inc. would raise 10 per ...

Nimrod fuselage goes by road to its future resting place - Aberdeen Press and Journal
The museum at Dalcross, near Inverness Airport, displays information about the aviation heritage of the area, including RAF Kinloss and Lossiemouth. ...

Indy Transponder 29-JUL-10 0045z



A look inside the EAA fly-in tower - Fox 11
AirVenture makes tower one of world's busiest | For one week every year during EAA AirVenture, Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh is one of the most popular landing spots in the world.
An all-star cast of air controllers from all over the United States is assembled to make sure everything goes smoothly.
"The controllers normally run this tower with five controllers, and during AirVenture, we bring in an additional 68 controllers," said Wanda Adelman who is the air traffic manager at EAA Airventure.
Controllers are stationed in the tower, on the runways and seven miles southwest of the EAA grounds in the town of Fisk. ...



Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress first flew 75 years ago from Aerospace News 
While Boeing marked the 75th anniversary of the B-17 Flying Fortress' first flight Sunday, the flight actually occurred 75 years ago today, on July 28, 1935.

VIDEO: 'Ice Pilots' bring DC-3 to AirVenture - Fond du Lac Reporter
Cameras and crew from the Canadian reality television show 'Ice Pilots' brought their DC-3 to AirVenture for the week. The show follows members of Buffalo ...

FiFi Readying for AirVenture 2011 from EAA - The Experimental Aircraft Association
Combine two old air warriors and a modern-day troubadour and the result is a star-spangled touring event like no other before: the Commemorative Air Force's Red, White & Loud Tour starring country music star and pilot Aaron Tippin and the world's only flying B29, the CAF's renowned FiFi.


OSH10: Day One at AirVenture with iFlight from FlightBlogger

Flying display @ EAA AirVenture Oshkosh from Flight Image of the Day

OSHKOSH: PICTURES - B-17 Anniversary from Flightglobal Events
The Boeing B-17 joins the Douglas DC-3 in celebrating its 75th anniversary at AirVenture 2010.

Oshkosh 2010 Pic Stream #3 - Getting Settled In (16 pix) by Martt [pictured]

"Sloshgosh" Was Like No Other Airventure I have Attended from Av8rdan's World of Flying 
As I sit here Tuesday night in a rented room about 5NM north of KOSH, I am thinking about the people who somehow managed to convince both Mother Nature and EAA officials to let them pitch a tent on the airshow grounds. Why? Because a serious-looking, well-defined squall line called "severe" by Accuweather was moving towards their tent stakes at 35 mph with embedded hail and strong winds. ...

#OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10#
So Much More Airventure News - Click Here
#OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10##OSH10#
Blue Angels to perform at Arctic Thunder air show - Juneau Empire
ANCHORAGE - The Navy's Blue Angels and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds are the featured performers in next weekend's air show at Joint Base ...

Rockford Airfest 2010 - Rockford - 07/31/10 from FenceCheck Forums

When your stomach says hello to your brain - Baker County Oregon's News Leader
Have you ever seen Baker City upside down?
It is just as beautiful, though it may be hard to appreciate the view while you're trying to hold in your breakfast.
"OK, now I'm going to do a barrel roll," Pilot Tim Decker said just before he spun the Pitts S-2B stunt plane upside down.
The view, though temporary, was spectacular.
"Now we we'll just go upside down for a bit," he said.
Flying 800 feet above ground in a plane that has flipped over is one thing most people will likely never do. Most would be thankful for that. Others will be envious of those who have.
For a brief moment the Baker Tower seemed to hang there, suspended over my head.  ...

Excitement growing over 2010 Wetaskiwin Air Show - Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser
With less than two weeks to go before the 2010 Wetaskiwin Air Show, the event's public relations and marketing spokesman said the switch has been flicked ...

Air Show with the Patrouille de France  - Frequence Sud.fr (translated)
Cannes hosts a large air show Saturday, August 14 above the beaches of Mourillon with the Patrouille de France, Breitling and military aircraft in the air.
This Saturday, August 14, swimmers will first explore an example of intervention by the lifeboat and a helicopter with a spotlight, then it will in turn stunts the Patrouille de France, followed by the Patrouille Breitling.  ...

JASDF Hyakuri Air Base Airshow 2010 - Hyakuri Air Base from FenceCheck Forums

Cool Shot.......... from Theo Spark [pictured]

CAF's B-29 FIFI & Aaron Tippin Get Red, White & Loud - Indy Transponder
...the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) unveiled plans for an extraordinary teaming of two American treasures, the CAF's Red, White & Loud Tour starring Aaron Tippin and the B-29 FIFI.
The world's only flight-worthy Boeing B-29 Superfortress FIFI, and country music star/patriot Aaron Tippin will launch the CAF's Red, White & Loud Tour celebrating America's freedom through song and the roaring radial engines of one of the world's most famous warbirds. ...
   
B-17 makes memorable landing in Keltys - Chandler Brownsboro
And speaking of pastures, longtime reader Ray Jayroe called recently to tell me about a day in the 1940s when the pilot of a B-17 plane ran out of gas and ...

Collings Foundation receives FAA flight exemption, allowing rides in the F-4 Phantom and A-4 Skyhawk
...and more from the July news letter.

CAF Minnesota Wing Updates
Viet Nam Warbird gets new life from Lakeside company - White Mountain Independent
... to the fully restored, again proud and operational chopper that will be among the featured aircraft in the Warbirds in Review segment when it arrives at ...

July 28 from Cut and Paste Aviation 
   
US aviation lovers in awe of Canadian skies - Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser
The pair from a suburb of Memphis, Tenn., was among dozens of other aviation lovers who touched down at the Wetaskiwin Airport as part of the 2010 Yukon ...

Boy Scout Jamboree from AF.mil Photos
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates chats with Boy Scout Vanas Ayyar and his father, Air Force Col. Balan Ayyar, on board a helicopter flying to the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree at Ft. AP Hill, Va., July 28, 2010. The massive group of Boy Scouts from throughout the United States came to the 12,000-acre site for 10 days to celebrate the organization's 100-year anniversary.

Space shuttle workers receive layoff notices from AIA dailyLead
Houston-based NASA contractor United Space Alliance issued layoff notices to 1,394 workers on the space shuttle this week as  -More-

Fire Bombers (fixed wing) from FenceCheck Forums
VIDEO: F-35 birdstrike test (via F-16.net) from The DEW Line
A U.S. Marine Corps F-18 patrols the skies during Red Flag-Nellis 10-4 from Air-Attack.com - Latest Images
CVW-7 Homecoming 2010 - NAS Oceana (VFA-103, 143, 131, 83) from FenceCheck Forums

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Reno 2010 Preview

From the Pylon Place. We are still waiting for the final numbers and participant lists, but let’s cover what we know now.

International Formula 1

In IF1 this year, lots of changes have taken place. Invictus, last year’s Gold Champion, will be flown by another different pilot, Phil Goforth. Second place, Scarlet Screamer will be raced by her new owner, Vito Wypraechtiger. Steve Temple should be back in Madness. That’s our top three from last year. The rest of the gold finishers are a different story. Sly Dog is for sale, Doug “Jethro” Bodine’s Yellow Peril is doubtful. But, Quadnickel and Outrageous will be back with their regular drivers. In fact, Lachie Onslow attended PRS to get some extra time on the pylons and hopefully this will bode
well for his efforts.

More about Goforth, you may remember him from last year. He was a fan favorite as a Rookie. Finishing only 7th in the Silver, he was better known for activities off the race course. He charmed the fans in Section 3, delighted a group of grade school kids by letting them polish his airplane. He is definitely a character and a fun addition to the sport. He will be bringing two racers this year. Invictus will be in the Gold and Knotty Girl, in her new memorial paint scheme, for the Silver.

Phil was so touched by Al Goss’ generosity and friendship last year; he has decided to paint Knotty Girl to match Warlock this year. Just for one year, before she goes through a major reconstruction next year.

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Phil Goforth’s Knotty Girl will be dressed up in Warlock colors this year.

And a late entry, Gary Davis will be there in Miss USA. Since last year’s winner in Invictus and owner of Miss USA, Thom Richard moved to the Jet Class he really wanted someone to race his plane. Gary was able to step up and take the reins. Off season networking really makes the difference.

That’s the good news. The bad news is – we currently only have 13 aircraft registered for IF1 this year! It seems just a few years ago, we were turning them away at the door, now we can’t fill the seats. I’m sad to say the least, but believe that with the right programs in place, the IF1 Class will be back to its previous luster soon. Every racer I’ve spoken with has a different reason for not coming this year. Can it just be a coincidence? I hope so.

Biplanes
While all the classes are downsized slightly, Biplanes actually has increased their number from last year. We had such a great rookie class this year at PRS, we seem to have a great future ahead of us.

Tom Aberle and team will be back with Phantom, while Jeff Lo is bringing his speedy racer Miss Gianna back again this year. Norm Way will be there, with the World’s Fastest Pitts while Rookie, Karl Grove will be flying Dennis Vest’s old ride, Drag Racer.

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Biplanes provide some great racing - you should wake up early and come to see us sometime!


Zip Andre will be there and I can’t wait to see what he has been up to in the off season. Actually – nearly everyone from the Gold last year will in attendance, including Kirk Murphy, Tony Higa, and Dave Roelofs.

The real fun will be watching the Rookies come to life and watching the battle for first in the Gold between the two purpose-built racers. Which will take the fire truck ride on Sunday? Only time will tell, or as Kerch always says – Ask me on Monday!

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Look at those hard working Biplane Crews


Super Sport
Last year, in order to create a larger differentiation between Super Sport and Sport, the class edited the rules. Super Sport will no longer be limited to production, kit airplanes and anything that has been properly tested and signed off is eligible as long as the engine is less than 1000 CID.

This rule change has created some interesting entries. Team Driven is back on the potential participants list with their Suburu-powered Lancair IV. We also have the Dassault Systems sponsored Diesel NXT Racer from Big Frog Racing. This French Team will add more International Color to the races.

Both Thunder Mustangs will be there, John Parker in his Blue Thunder II and George Giboney in his highly modified Rapid Travel. John and George have put together a great group of people to make the Thunder Mustangs a great racing platform.

Kevin Eldredge will be there in Relentless. He has been quite busy in the off season becoming a test pilot and unintentional spokesperson for the Super Sport Class and the NXT. Mike Dacey should be there in Bad Intentions his Questair Venture, aka The Egg.

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Kevin Eldredge's beautiful NXT, Relentless

Darryl Greenamyer will likely be back with Crew Chief, Andy Chiavetta’s help. Andy has been incredibly busy in the off-season. He completed his tenth Lancair Legacy and finished his new design, the Aerochia LT-1 , a light weight carbon fiber kit built aircraft.

Okay, now the bad news. We are short one NXT. Jon Sharp will be taking a one year hiatus. We currently have seven Super Sport participants registered. I’m very excited to see the innovation in this class and look forward to some awesome races.

Sport Class
The Sport Class is getting more exciting with Dave Sterling, Tom Reynolds and Lee Behel battling for first place in their Lancairs. Jeff Lavelle is looking to pass them all in his Glasair, without any pylon cuts.
Ernie Sutter and Vince Walker in their Lancairs, Tony Crawford in his Questair Venture and Gary Mead in his Glasair should round out the Gold Race.

Rob Monaghan is known to many race fans as “The Voice of the Sport Class”, but many fans do not know that he owns/flies a beautiful Glasair. Because of his occupation, he is unable to participate as a racer. However, his airplane is not under such constraints, so Rob’s plane will be part of the action this year. I’m hoping he choices me to fly it. Too late? Really? Maybe next year. Good luck, Rob.

T-6
Nick Macy and Dennis Buehn will be battling for the right to wear the Yellow Jacket but John Lohmar, John Zayac and Gene McNeely will be giving them a run for their money.

Scott Dockter will be racing both Deuce of Hearts and Margarita. Carter Clark is back, flying both Daring Diane and Midnight Rendezvous. Lee Oman is scheduled to fly Eros and Race 90. That’s a lot of pilots flying double duty this year. I hope they eat their Wheaties and drink plenty of Red Bull.


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The Jet Provost will premiere this year at Reno

Jets
The Jet class continues to attract new racers with new and interesting aircraft, with 5 Rookies making it through PRS this year and a full roster ready to take the course in September. Curt Brown and Mike Mangold will likely be battling it out in the front again this year. A little birdie told me that Mike has done some top secret upgrades this year in the hopes of dethroning the king.

Look for some interesting aircraft in the Silver including the Jet Provost flown by Steve Picatti and the Iskra (Polish for “spark”) flown by F1 Champion, Thom Richard.


Thom Richard and the Iskra

Heather “Lucky” Penney, daughter of John Penney, will be racing #21. She is currently an F-16 pilot for the DC ANG and quite an accomplished aviator. Her team is quite supportive and should make a splash while at the races.

Unlimited
Yes, Strega will be back. Tiger says LD Hughes and the team have been working on “secret squirrel s#it” to make Strega go even faster. Recent college graduate, Steve Hinton, Jr will be in the pilot seat once again. They are clearly the team to beat.

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Strega and Stevo Hinton will be back to take on challengers this year.


Rare Bear is ready. Last year, they were working late nights to get her flying again in time for the races. This year, they were flying in June. John Penney will be in the pilot’s seat once again. Expect to see long time Alternate Pilot, Stu Dawson, in the seat for at least a qualifying session or even a heat race. Stu spent several days working with John and has flown The Bear a few times. Both are accomplished pilots and will make it interesting in September.

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Rare Bear is ready for the challenge

Dan Martin will likely be back in Ridge Runner and Hoot will be flying Riff Raff. But, what will Matt Jackson fly? Will it be Furias or Dreadnaught? Both are on the list and both are capable of Gold numbers. I guess we’ll wait and see.

Will Whiteside will be back in Voodoo. The Voodoo Team has been making some major changes to the Purple Princess. And with Bob Button as their leader and Bill Kerchenfaut watching over the mechanical bits, this will be one to watch.

Now, for some bad news, Czech Mate will not be there. They are looking to make some changes for speed and safety in the future. I hope to see her back again soon. Also, Howard Pardue apparently meant it this time when he retired. So, Howard and Nelson Ezell will both be out of the action. Also, Stu Dawson is not going to bring Spirit of Texas this year, terrible news for the Texans in the crowd.

I’ll continue the bad news by saying that Bad Attitude has been sold and Argonaut is taking the year off. And it looks like neither of the P40s from last year will make it this time.

But, there are bright spots, for example – all of the fans who were hoping to see a Tigercat back on the pylons, well, get ready, because now there will be TWO Tigercats. Rod Lewis heard your pleas and will be bringing both Here Kitty Kitty and Bossman.

There is also a FW190 on the participant list. I believe it is the Planes of Fame FW190 and should attract the crowds in the Pits. Also, John Maloney will be racing Steadfast this year. I’m glad such a talented pilot/racer will be with us again this year.

Now, before you ask, YES – Galloping Ghost is on the list and there is photographical and video evidence that she is not actually a ghost. She has been seen flying through the skies near the Minden Airport. And let me just say, the fans are THRILLED! Good luck, Jimmy!

Other Information
The Canadian Snowbirds are back this year, along with David Martin. Kent Pietsch with his comedic aerobatic act will thrill the crowds again this year. Bill Braack with the Jet Car will also be there. Greg Poe will be back. This year he will be flying his Ethanol Powered Fagen MX2. Is this a nod to the green fans?

But, the star of the show will be the SIX P-38s that will assemble in the high desert in September. This will be quite an event. My understanding is every flying P-38 will be there at Reno. Now, that’s pretty exciting stuff.

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I hope you can make it. As always, Ruby Red Racing is looking for sponsors to help defer the costs of participating in the National Championship Air Races. Contact me through the magazine for more information about how you can get involved.

Until next time, Fly low, Fly fast and Turn Left.

Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing
Dash-Air, LLC

Pictures are courtesy of Rob "Phred" Miller and NAC/Tim Neubert