Indy Transponder 31-MAY-2011 1924z

Blue Angels Return to Florida for Training Following Commanders Resignation (With Video) - WKZO | BATTLE CREEK --  The Blue Angels were scheduled to headline in Battle Creek on the 4th of July, but that may be in jeopardy. They were booked to return to the Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival in Battle Creek in about a month...

Despite weather, second Hollister Airshow dazzles crowds - Hollister Free Lance | Vietnam Veteran Vince Luna said it was great to hear so many people at the second annual Hollister Airshow thank those who risked their lives. "It's good that Hollister has an event like this that celebrates what Memorial Day is all about," he said Sunday, day two of the event...

Black Cats in action at RAF Cosford air show - Birmingham Mail | CROWDS at the RAF Cosford Air Show on June 12 will get to see the Royal Navy helicopter display team in action. Lieutenant Chris Chambers, last years No 2 Black Cat Pilot, has assumed the role as the Lead Pilot for 2011 and will be joined by Lieutenant Dave Fleming and Lieutenant Mike Curd...

First Scottish display for craft at airshow - Scotsman | Tickets have gone on sale for the National Museum of Flight Airshow at East Fortune near Edinburgh on Saturday 23 July. This year's Airshow display will include aircraft that have never been displayed in Scotland before and a further four that are new to the National Museum of Flight. Around 10,000 visitors are expected...

Glitch doesn't deter crowd from enjoying Flower Drop - My Desert | Patriotic colors fly at the Memorial Day Flower Drop at Palm Springs Air Museum. The event included music, the “missing man” formation by four T-34s and a flower drop. “Your heart just swells up,” when the flowers are dropped, said Palm Springs resident Kathleen Schultz, who wore a T-shirt that read, “Freedom is not Free” to her 10th Flower Drop...

Air Force Veteran Recalls WW2 Service - My Fox Atlanta | An 86-year old Air Force veteran spent this Memorial Day remembering his service during World War II. Marion Smith of northeast Atlanta had quite a story. He pointed to a photo of a B-17 bomber he flew in during World War II...

Fond du Lac pilot among first on Memorial day honor roll - FDL Reporter | DETROIT, MICH. — Though he is now mostly forgotten due to the passage of time, a former Fond du Lac resident was among the first to have his name added to the honor roll for the holiday we now call Memorial Day. Army pilot 2nd Lt. John Patton Boyle died in an aircraft crash as the United States was preparing to enter World War I...

The Vanishing Generation (with VIDEO) - WGRZ | Buffalo businessman Jerry Kelly never heard his father tell war stories. Lt. Col. Robert Kelly was shot down in a B-17 bomber while doing reconnaissance for D-Day in 1944. Jerry was just two. "My brother who was five does remember him a little bit, but I didn't..." He pauses to regain composure. "But I never knew him. Yeah."...

Aviation a long tradition for Wharton family - IV Press | If Donald Lee Wharton IV ever becomes an Air Force aviator, it’s likely the result of planes and military service being in his blood. On his father’s side, his grandfather Donald Lee Wharton Jr. was a captain for American Airlines...

EAA AIRVENTURE—HERE I COME! - AOPA Blog | Rain, rain, rain…and more rain. Only a very few brief windows for flying. I try to keep myself from severe flying withdrawal by reading anything to do with flying and watching movies featuring great flying. Then the phone rings. A good friend of mine in Tennessee has bought a Maxair Drifter...

"Immagini di volo" exhibition at "Caproni" museum in Trento (Italy) - Avio News | It is called "Immagini di volo" ("Images of flight") the photographic exhibition that showed, on Sunday, May 29, from 10:00 am, a glance to Andrea Pozza's shootings, an expert author of air photography. The exhibition’s opening happened together with the previous presentation of the homonymous photographic book published by the Air Museum...

Stolen Valor (with VIDEO) - TD Barnes | Memorial Day 2011, a day for remembering the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. For many of us who listened to Coast-to-Coast radio last night, it is a day that we Roadrunners of Groom Lake, a.k.a. Area 51 realize that our valor has been stolen by an author who refuses...

Caption Contest #58 Winner - Early Burt Rutan? - Martt | It was the avgeek and caption expert 'Race 5' that came thru once again with this brilliant caption for the 5 person hang glider in contest #58. It's a truly inspired piece of work. So, it's another bacon sandwhich at OSH11 for Race 5! And, just in case you don't get it... Burt Rutan's first really big success in the airplane design biz back in the mid 70's was called the VariEze...

Pentagon Looks to Double Its Unmanned Air Force - Wired | Think the U.S. military has a lot of drones now? Just you wait. The Pentagon has just released its 30-year plan for buying and developing warplanes. And in a development that should come as no surprise, the future the military anticipates for its Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps air fleets — together numbering more than 5,500 warplanes — is more robotic than ever...

Able Flight Sets Record!

When you donate to the Able Flight Scholarship Fund...you become more than a donor...you become a partner in its mission. You, too can wear the AF Champion shirt! Be an Able Flight Champion and you'll have the chance to win a great prize from one of our sponsors! Just visit the Champions page to sign up! WHO DO YOU HELP WHEN YOU DONATE TO ABLE FLIGHT? People like Jessica Cox. Born without arms, Jessica has proven that no goal  is too far, and she is now a licensed pilot thanks to the supporters of Able Flight. Donate today to help inspiring people like Jessica become a pilot! Able Flight thanks Landmark Aviation for their generous support  that provides training for our pilots. _________________ New website showcases the good works of aviation nonprofits...visit Flying For Good to see stories on Able Flight and others who use aviation for the public good. (L-R front row) Eric Ingram and Kevin Crombie (L-R back row) Instructor Justin Lowe, Jermaine Strachan, Korel Cudmore and instructors Aaron Michaels and Derek Stewart   FIVE PEOPLE TRAINING AT THE SAME TIME SETS A RECORD FOR ABLE FLIGHT!    When Eric Ingram, Korel Cudmore, Kevin Crombie and Specialist Jermaine Strachan began their training at Purdue University on May 22, they joined Paul Lampasso who is now training in California (see story below) in the largest class of Able Flight students ever.  Powerful storms and low ceilings dominated the weather in Indiana for the first week, so the students concentrated on their ground training, including learning cockpit procedures. When the weather finally cleared over the Memorial Day weekend, they all logged their first flights, and they and their instructors are working very hard to make up for lost time.  FIRST CAREER  SCHOLARSHIP WINNER IN TRAINING Former NYC firefighter and 9/11 first responder Paul Lampasso has nearly completed training to become a licensed Light Sport Repairman with Maintenance Rating.  Paul has been in intensive daily training since the Rainbow Aviation course began in mid-May, and will graduate in early June. Paul Lampasso (on right) with Rainbow Aviation instructor Brian Carpenter  Befitting his previous career, Paul has likened the volume of the material covered to "drinking from a fire hose", and is greatly enjoying the experience. Visit Flying High Coffee's website to order for your home, business or hangar, and let them know Able Flight sent you! FLYING HIGH COFFEE SUPPORTS ABLE FLIGHT! Pilots love coffee, so why not enjoy a premium coffee that gives back to  charitable aviation organizations?  Flying High Coffee donates 15% of its net profit to Able Flight's Scholarship Fund! 91 Oak Leaf Lane | Chapel Hill, NC 27516 US

Indy Transponder 31-MAY-2011 1030z

Canadian Snowbirds fly in to help celebrate Armed Forces Day - Bay Today | From a young age Canadian Snowbird Dan Rossi knew he wanted to be a pilot. "The first time I saw the Snowbirds perform it was in Lethbridge, Alberta at the Lethbridge Air Show when I was just a small boy," said Rossi, now an Advance and ...

Snowbirds make presence known - The North Bay Nugget | The Snowbirds arrived in North Bay to celebrate Armed Forces Day in the city with an air show over Lake Nipissing. The nine airplanes of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, the Snowbirds, make a low pass over Jack Garland Airport, Monday, May 30, 2011. ...

Palm Springs Air Museum Hosts Memorial Day Flower Drop – KESQ | PALM SPRINGS -- To mark Memorial Day, the Palm Springs Air Museum once again held a flower drop with thousands of carnations falling from the sky. Before the drop got underway four T-34's made a pass over the air ...

Hundreds watch flower drop at Palm Springs Air Museum - The Desert Sun | About 1800 people gathered at the Palm Springs Air Museum on Monday to celebrate Memorial Day and watch the 13th annual flower drop. Four planes flew over the crowd in formation before a B-25 Bomber dropped 3000 red and white carnations in honor of all ...

Eighty-four people in wheelchairs pull C-130 cargo plane 100 meters, set Guinness World Record - via PhotoBlog - PhotoBlog's Column - Articles and Seeds by Katie Cannon on 5/29/11

Memorial Day Ceremony in Hecker, IL Included Local Pilots  from The Aero Experience by Carmelo Turdo

Thousands Thrilled Over Cullman Airshow Video-Gallery  from Alabama Aviator - Aviation News  | Last weekend the first Wings Over Cullman drew over 13,000 fans and many smiles, according to Airport Manager, Bob Burns. A large contingency of vets turned out for Armed Forces Day and there was ample military displays and demo support. It was an airshow with a mission, to help a small town heal and the crowd was cranked up for show time…

Jets the job! The Red Arrows give city a lift - Cambridge News | The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team flew into Cambridge Airport yesterday lunchtime. The team was using the airport as its base airfield for the day as it was due to conduct air displays at an event in Northamptonshire. However, the displays were ...

Experiencing The Spectacular Air Craft Display At The Paris Air Show - The anticipation is sky rocketing as the world's largest air show for the Air travel Industry is about to take off. Paris with all its sophistication and hospitality is holding this show this year at the Le Bourget ...

On this day: birth of an aviation pioneer - Australian Geographic | The short flight John achieved on 16 July 1910, in front of six witnesses, is recorded as the first powered, controlled flight of an Australian-made aeroplane. The Wright brothers had made their first flight almost seven years earlier in Kitty Hawk, ...

Flying, Horse Farms, and Memorial Day  from Nordo News by Rich Davidson | Ginger and I were fortunate enough to have Memorial Day off this year and when our friend Myles Buhlig asked us over to Silo Field for a BBQ, we said yes. Every year, our friend Art Francis, who owns one end of the runway, and Mr. Boone who owns the other, hold a small intimate event on the field. Historically it has always been in the fall but this year they decided to hold another one in the spring and from the looks of it everyone had a great time…

Pilots of a feather fly together - Salisbury Post | He noted with pride that even some members who have moved out of state still maintain their membership and fly in for some of the chapter's many activities. And the activities put on by the EAA are numerous. Neubacher explained that in addition to the ...

Former Blue Angel happy with F-11's overhaul - ENC Today | He remembered its deep, blue shine, its speed and power, air bases and air shows all over the country and Europe when it was an elite symbol of the Navy's Blue Angels. Gandia wrote the Cherry Point commander to tell him about the neglected jet but ...

Collections that really fly high - The Province | Named in honour of Heritage Flight Museum co-founder Valerie Anders, “Val-Halla” is a beautifully restored P-51 Mustang that takes part in fly days. BELLINGHAM, Wash. — One is owned by a software ...

de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd. History Part 2  from AirSpace by flyvertosset

Master Sgt Red Erwin, One of Many Heroes  from Tails Through Time by JP Santiago - In coming up with a suitable blog post for Memorial Day, I had scoured my aviation library for a historical event- given that I've long been interested in military aviation history, there's no shortage of material in that department, believe me. However, I'm currently reading Barrett Tillman's outstanding book Whirlwind: The Air War Against Japan 1942-1945 and came across the story of a red-headed Alabaman, Master Sgt. Henry "Red" Erwin…

Preparing the next generation - Northern Nevada Business Weekly | He is the education outreach chairman for the Reno Air Racing Foundation, and his passion is to help foster programs throughout northern Nevada that will open the world of aviation to scores of young people. Hill says this means reaching young kids ...

Today in Aviation History – May 31  from Calgary Recreational and Ultralight Flying Club by bikeal

Indy Transponder 30-MAY-2011 2051z

Photos: Air Show Flying Machines - Massapequa Patch | Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air was another incredible success this weekend as more than 100,000 people flocked to Jones Beach for each session. The aircraft at this annual event are spectacular, and the spectacle is breathtaking. Many representatives of  the U.S. Armed Forces were on hand as well...

Photos: Home Base at the Air Show - Farmingdale Patch | A look at the Bethpage Air Show weekend events from its launching grounds in Farmingdale...

Updated: Thousands turn out for Southend Air Festival - Echo-News | BARREL rolls, nosedives and loop-the-loops became familiar sights in the skies above Southend as aviation fans lapped up two days of aeronautical stunts and displays. The 2011 Southend Airshow attracted about 300,000 people to the town’s seafront to watch the spectacular sights overhead on Saturday and yesterday...

Honor Flight | For the WWII Vets (with VIDEO) - OkcHomeSellers | We need to honor the World War II vets. Unfortunately, we are losing them at a rate of 1,000 per day. My dad was one of those vets and great Americans, but unfortunately I lost him in 1964. I miss hearing his stories of the war in the Pacific, specifically Guadalcanal, where he served in the Navy Seabees. He had an influence on me that has lasted a lifetime...

WWII pilot, POW finds joy in life - The Spectrum | ST GEORGE - At 95 years old, Harold "Bud" Cannon is enjoying his life too much to stop for Memorial Day observances. "I usually don't participate," said the retired Army Air Corps bomber pilot and World War II prisoner of war. "I hold back and be quiet."...

History comes alive; WWII vet honored in Missoula - KAJ18 | MISSOULA- The Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History honored a handful of former pilots and ground personnel on Sunday to kick off their Memorial Day celebrations, and one of the men they honored is a 94-year-old combat pilot from World War II...

Last shall be first: World War II POW to lead 91st annual Corvallis Memorial Day Parade - Missoulian | Chuck Duus has always considered himself a lucky man. As an 18-year-old, Duus' luck held for 16 bombing missions as a tail gunner in a B-17 Flying Fortress that struck deep over German territory in World War II...

Memorial Day Memories: Tosa Veterans Recall Service in WWII - Wauwatosa Patch | Some 16 million Americans served in World War II. Most of them were very young men and women when they entered their country’s service in the largest conflict the world has ever seen. We are now entering the year that, on Dec. 7, will mark the 70th anniversary of the United States’ entry into that war...

Inside a Flying Fortress - Air & Space | Compared with the B-29, the B-17’s navigation equipment was basic. The navigator’s principle tools were the air position indicator (an electromechanical dead reckoning computer), a drift sight, and an astrodome to take sextant sightings...

American good deed remembered -- and appreciated -- 70 years later - Star Advertiser | Military Appreciation Month in Hawaii seems the perfect time to recount a recent experience that defines military appreciation. As an American with a busy international travel schedule, I'm often drawn reluctantly into political discussions with citizens of countries I am visiting...

Aviation Inspiration Day Recap - Life on the Road as a Pilot | Last Saturday, May 28th, was the first ever Aviation Inspiration Day - a joint effort between Girls With Wings, Inc., and the Commemorative Air Force - Minnesota Wing, led by Squadron Commander Col. Amy Lauria. Amy and I had talked at EAA Airventure in Oshkosh about "someday" coordinating an event at the CAF museum... 

Love of aviation led to illustrious career - Winnipeg Free Press | George Elliott is being remembered as an icon in Manitoba's aviation history. Elliott, who was general manager of Winnipeg International Airport and later the executive director of the Western Canada Aviation Museum, died suddenly on Thursday of a heart attack...


Still Time to Register - Big Muddy Air Race | We will be taking registrations right to the end. Claude Hendrickson just entered with his beautiful P-51, Sarah Jean, so I just had to post this photo from the Texoma race...

“Piston” pack reaches 5,000 feet - AOPA Blog | The Martin Jetpack, really a piston-engine pack powered by a derivative of a Mercury motorboat engine, has reached 5,000 feet above New Zealand with a mannikin simulating the pilot. It should be ready for delivery, the company says, in 18 months...

Space Shuttle Endeavour Returns to Earth for Final Time Wednesday - NASA | Space shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to return to Earth for the final time on Wednesday, June 1, completing a 16-day mission to outfit the International Space Station. If Endeavour lands Wednesday, it will have spent 299 days in space and traveled more than 122.8 million miles during its 25 flights. It launched on its first mission on May 7, 1992...

Endeavour is Coming Home: Amazing Photos From the Shuttle’s Last Voyage - Mashable | NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour has undocked from the International Space Station at 11:55 p.m. ET Sunday, embarking on its last voyage towards home. After undocking, Endeavour flew around the station at distances of about 450 to 650 feet, with crew members taking videos and photos of the station...

Indy Transponder 30-MAY-2011 0900z

Air show provides thrills for spectators in Millville - Cherry Hill Courier Post | Air Force veteran Billy Werth and Navy veteran Dan McClung, both Red Eagles pilots, fly within a few feet of each other during the Millville Wheels & Wings Airshow 2011 held at Millville Airport over the weekend. / CODY GLENN/New Jersey Press Media ...

Parachuters, World War II planes highlight air show's second day - Columbia Missourian | Nathan said they were his favorite part of the air show. Nathan's dad, Bryan Lantermant, said they like coming to the Memorial Day air show every year because it has a "nice flavor" and because there are so many different aircraft to see...

Flying high - BBC News | Tens of thousands of spectators lined the seashore to watch the flying displays, which included the rare Vulcan bomber on day one and the Red Arrows on day two. A wide range of aircraft took to the skies for the 26th Southend Air Festival, ...

Letter: Continue air show tradition - Historic City News | The St. Augustine Air Show was a great American way to celebrate the Memorial Day holiday and a military service salute for our community. It was a fantastic show, loaded with family fun and full of exciting aerial entertainment for all ages...

PHOTO GALLERY: Audience enjoys second day of Salute to Veterans Airshow - Columbia Missourian | Joe "Rifle" Shetterly prepares for a slow-motion barrel roll in front of the crowd in his A-10 West Thunderbolt II fighter jet at the 23rd annual Salute to Veterans Airshow at Columbia Regional Airport on Sunday, May 29. In addition to rolls, ...

Adventurist Boone was WWII pilot, entrepreneur - San Antonio Express | In 1944, Boone put his flying skills to the test by serving as a B-17 pilot during World War II. He flew 30 bombing missions over Europe. Boone died Saturday of complications from a fall. He was 88. Boone was a fortunate B-17 bomber pilot, ...

Martin Jetpack hits the 5,000 feet milestone, could come to market within 18 months (video)  from Engadget by Amar Toor | OK, so the Martin Jetpack may not have gone into commercial production quite as soon as we'd anticipated, but there's still hope on the horizon. Over the weekend, Glenn Martin's flying machine successfully climbed some 5,000 feet above sea level, marking a new milestone in the 30-year, $12 million project. Remotely controlled by a tailing helicopter, the 250-pound craft used its two "superfans" to power itself skyward at about 800 feet per second minute, before safely parachuting back to Earth from a height of about 3,000 feet…

Post Area 51 book and video releases  from Special Projects by tdbarnes | The National Geographic Channel documentary Area 51 Declassified released on May 22, 2011 has generated acclaims worldwide, however the Annie Jacobsen book, Area 51 an uncensored history of America’s Top Secret military base has generated a whirlwind of controversy concerning the author writing and Little Brown publishing the heroics of the Area 51 veterans in a manner that for many affiliates their sacrifices and contributions to the atrocities of the Nazis and Cold War Russia while mixing the activities of DOE at Area 51 with the sourly depicted atomic events and activities of the AEC (now DOE). This is an ongoing and highly volatile debate with the potential of going global. Listed below are various videos appearing in the media… 

Area 51 Unsensored History  from Special Projects by tdbarnes | AREA 51 An Uncensored History of America’s Top Secret Military Base - AREA 51, An Uncensored History of America’s Top Secret Military Base by Annie Jacobsen was released on 17 May 2011, five days prior to the release of the National Geographic documentary “Area 51 Declassified” on the National Geographic Channel. Several of the veterans featured in the book participated in Annie Jacobsen’s book signing at the Paseo Verde Library in Henderson, Nevada on 26 May 2011. Hosted by Arlene Caruso, Assist Branch Manager, Area 51 and Atomic veterans Harry Martin, Jim Freedman, TD Barnes, Roger Andersen, Richard Mingus and Al O’Donnell all engaged in a fascinating Q & A with a huge crowd that ended up being standing room only… 

Today in Aviation History – May 30  from Calgary Recreational and Ultralight Flying Club by bikeal

Indy Transponder 29-MAY-2011 1700z

Blue Angels' safety review won't affect plans to honor them in Dayton - Dayton Daily News | The Navy Blue Angels flying team has canceled several air show performances during a safety review of a potentially dangerous mistake during a recent flight, but it won't affect plans ...

Blue Angels cancel Rockford performance - Chicago Tribune | The US Navy Blue Angels have canceled their headline performance at an upcoming northern Illinois air show as they continue a safety review. The Navy's air demonstration team announced Saturday it won't perform at the annual Rockford ...

Air Force leaders issue Memorial Day message from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. | Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz send the following Memorial Day message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force and their families:  As we pause this Memorial Day to honor those who have died in service of our great nation, it also is useful to reflect on what this day of remembrance reveals about the character of our nation and its people. History records that Maj. Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, formally designated May 30th, 1868, as a day to decorate the graves of the fallen. ...

Updated Gone West: Amanda Franklin - Tributes and Farewells
  
Memorial Day air show at Jones Beach, Long Island thrills thousands - Examiner.com | Tens of thousands thronged to Jones Beach State Park, Long Island, for the 8th Annual Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show, May 28 and May 29, to honor those who have given their lives in service, as well as veterans and troops still serving. ...

1st Annual Hawai’i Airshow Invitational Finally Gets Off the Ground (w/video) - Big Island News Center | Hundreds gathered for the 1st Annual Hawai’i Airshow Invitational at Kona International Airport on Saturday. The dream child of Terri Thomas, this show had its beginning in 2003 when Thomas asked Hilo airport manager if she could have an air show. Research and development began immediately, but, ultimately, Thomas determined that the Kona International Airport would provide a better location ...

Monticello Airport, IN Open House 2011 Photo Review - Warbirds and Airshows | Warbirds at White County Airport - May 28-29, 2011 (Photos taken Saturday May 28) | This was the second open house at the Monticello airport, with the first being held in 2009 to celebrate the opening of the new terminal at the airport.  In spite of the rain and clouds there was an excellent crowd that came out to see the aircraft on display on Saturday.  Sunday should be even better as the sun decided to come out for one of its rare appearances this spring. ...

Vulcan stars in little and large airshow: Falklands bomber takes to the skies ... - Daily Mail | It is an image that aviation fans will treasure: the sight of the last airworthy Vulcan bomber flying over a huge Victor tanker aircraft. The two jets operated in tandem during the Cold War and Falklands when the Victor, ...

Terre Haute 2011 - Warbirds and Airshows | This Airport Open House was held on another overcast and rainy day that has been the norm for the state of Indiana in the months of April and May.  Despite this there was an excellent turnout for the event by the local citizens to visit their airport and view not only the warbirds below but see the local aircraft that were put on display by their owners to assist the effort.  The Missouri Wing of the CAF was giving rides in "Show Me" which provided the heavy metal flying that was complemented by several local Cessna trainers that were giving rides and taking passengers up to drop "Flour Bombs" on the marked target.  It was a great way to spend part of or an entire day at the Terre Haute Airport. ...

Sarin Witchayakul a top rookie aerobatic pilot - The Daily Telegraph | Screen Grab Shot from GoPro of Aerobatics pilot Sarin Witchayakul preparing to fly a Pitts Special biplane at Action Aerobatics at Maitland Airport in the Hunter Valley. Picture: Liam Driver Source: The Daily Telegraph FORMER air hostess Sarin ...

Geico SkyTypers - 2011 Jones Beach Airshow - YouTube

From Vietnam to Blue Angels, retired admiral at home in sky - The Daily News Journal | Taylor served in the US Navy for 34 years, flying 170 missions as a fighter pilot and later becoming the boss of the Blue Angels. / Taylor Loyal/DNJ Family: Wife of 53 years, Annette; daughter, Tracy Condy; sons, Todd and Jim (both deceased); brothers, ...

Former bomber pilot does his bit on Memorial Day - Jackson County Floridan | These are some of the medals Albert Lane earned during his time in service as a B-17 bomber pilot. – Deborah Buckhalter/Floridan An artist in Italy drew this caricature for bomber pilot Albert J. Lane while Lane was stationed there ...

HH-60 crews rescue Army pilot, fallen comrade - Air Force News | This rescue mission had it all: an urgent call to pluck downed Army pilots from enemy territory, a firefight that wounded the flight engineer and forced a return to Bagram Airfield, and five pararescuemen left behind on the ground for nearly six hours.  In the end, no one was left behind. ...

Tupolev Bear at Ukraine State Aviation Museum by Wayan Vota | Today we went to the Ukraine State Aviation Museum and checked out the best in Soviet era planes and helicopters. My highlight was this quad turboprop Bear. --

Weekend Warships 3: Submarines - is the old becoming new again? - Bayou Renaissance Man | ... She experimented with carrying two Sopwith Schneider (two-seat) or Baby (single-seat) floatplanes on her foredeck, launching them to intercept Zeppelins as they approached the English coast.  The tests were successful, but were not further developed for operational use, because in rough seas the planes would break free from the deck and be destroyed. Also, of course, the submarine could not ...

Legal claims filed in Cottonwood Airfest balloon collision - Verde Independent | The City is once again planning its third air related activity, recently dubbed a "fly-in." The Airport Administration and the city are considering hiring a specialist or "air boss" to administer the 2011 show rather than handle all details themselves.

Kiwi Invented Jetpack Reaches New Heights from Planenews Aviation News | Christchurch inventor Glenn Martin has finally turned science fiction into reality, with a contraption that's got the whole world talking. Up until now his experimental Jetpack has only ever ground-hopped, but his flying machine has finally soared 5000 feet above sea level, albeit with a crash test dummy in the pilot's position. ...

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Indy Transponder 29-MAY-2011 1045z

U.S. military to be honored on Indianapolis 500 Race Day, including historic second flyover!
... After the checkered flag falls, a special second flyover recognizing the 100th anniversary of U.S. Navy aviation will take place. A formation of U.S. Navy aircraft consisting of one A-4 Skyhawk and a T-2C Buckeye will soar over the track followed by the Navy flyover of four F/A-18E Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadrons 105 from Oceana, Va. and 137 from Lemoore, Calif. Representing the Navy at the Indianapolis 500 will be Vice Admiral Al Myers, USN, Commander, U.S. Naval Air Force. ...

No Blue Angels? No problem for Millville air show - Press of Atlantic City | The Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team was grounded this week, preventing them from participating in this weekend's Wheels & Wings Airshow in Millville. But thousands of onlookers still flocked Saturday to Millville Airport for the first day ...

   
A soaring performance - St. Augustine Record | Four arctic camouflage-schemed jets swoop down from the skies over the Northeast Florida Regional Airport, Saturday, during a stunt performance at the St. Augustine Air Show. The Heavy Metal Jet team is made up of five aerobatic pilots from Lancaster, ...
Photo via Heavy Metal Jet Team

Rockford AirFest not just a show in the sky - WREX-TV | "Unlike at some other air shows in the region, you can walk right up to and inside many of our aircraft during the show," said Dave Lindberg, Rockford AirFest's static-display coordinator. "Most people don't get a chance to be this close to any of ...

Honoring our heroes - Monroe News Star | Claire Chennault's Flying Tigers, including once being shot down on a sea sweep in the South China Sea. "Any day that you can remember our veterans is what we need," Sherman said. "Memorial Day is wonderful. I'm one of the last Flying Tigers . ...

Tuskegee Airmen honored at Unity Day in Hickory - Hickory Daily Record | Jefferson was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen and spoke during Saturday's Unity Day program at the Hickory Air Museum. A children's parade marched and carried signs welcoming the five Tuskegee Airmen who attended Saturday's Unity Day program at the ...

WASP trainer plane restored to 1940s glory - Reporter News | Elizabeth Strohfus looked admiringly at the sleek lines of the 1942 Boeing Stearman PT-17 biplane parked outside the hangar at Avenger Field.  The last time the onetime pilot and the airplane had been in the same location was in 1944, when Strohfus — known then as Betty Wall — was in training with Women Airforce Service Pilots. ...

Habersham resident shares harrowing tales of WWII bombing missions - Gainesville Times | As the nation marks Memorial Day nearly 70 years later, the World War II veteran remembers the moments inside of the B-17 bomber with the US Army Corps like it was yesterday. "For my first mission, we bombed a target in Frankfurt, Germany. ...

Veteran B-24 Pilot Recalls the War and Comments on US in Middle East - Patch.com | Hattrup trained on the B-17 out of what is now called Edwards Air Force Base. He also went to Langley Field Air Force Base in Virginia for radar training. It's one of the largest and oldest bases in the country. "Every time I went up, ...

WWII Chinese translator denied U.S. veterans status but says record speaks for itself - Denver Post | ... But half a world away, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration had authorized a secret unit that would change the course of the war in Asia. Soon, Yee would find himself working as a translator to Claire Lee Chennault and the American Volunteer Group, the aviation legends who became famously known as the Flying Tigers. ...

Heroes of the air in the RAF - Passionate about aviation | During the last war, aviation was a critical element of the Allied victory. Two of the main heroes of the Royal Air Force have left accounts of their exploits.  "Johnie" Johnson, who was all the fighting since the Battle of Britain is the British driver who has the table of the most spectacular game with 38 official victories.  ...
   
World War II bomber bore name of a local woman - Youngstown Vindicator | While 8-year-old tomboy Dixie Lee played at Warren's Third Street School in 1944, a B-17 bomber bearing her name was flying over Europe. Today, Dixie Lee Kosovec, 75 and still lively, keeps shelved in her McDonald home the photo of ...

Crowd at museum salutes those who gave their all - Monroe News Star | Amid rows of veterans of the armed services, 8-year-old Jacob Porter played with his toy plane Saturday in the shadows of the fighter planes at Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. Being around the aircraft was a “cool” experience for Porter, ...

Long-lost WWII pilot gets proper burial - WAVE | The body of a long-lost World War II Veteran finally reached his final resting place this Memorial Day weekend. A B24-D Liberator, flown by First Lieutenant Jack Volz lost radio contact and crashed during a mission over the Bismark Sea in 1943. ...

The theme is JATO - Planeshots

Soviet Air Force I - War and Game | In Western countries, typically known as the Red Air Force—one of the largest and most powerful air forces of the twentieth century. The rise and fall of the Soviet air force (1918–1991) reflected Soviet military might yet contributed enormously to the history of airpower. ...

RAW VIDEO: Homemade Plane Rolls Out Of Basement - WGAL | Dan Reeves spent 9 years building a plane in the basement of his Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, home. On Wednesday, May 25, after removing a wall and part of the foundation, the plane rolled out.

Where is Jackie Cochran's Monocoupe? from You Fly, Girl by Cathy Gale | ... n 1937, she [Jackie Cochran] had a Monocoupe custom-built to fly as her personal aircraft. ...
Today in Aviation History – May 29 - CRUFC

Shuttle Crew Packs Up Endeavour to Leave Space Station for Last Time from SPACE.com | The space shuttle Endeavour is set to undock from the orbiting outpost for the last time tonight.

Gone West: Amanda Franklin - Tributes and Farewells

As reflected in the posts below, many in our community have eloquently expressed their respect to Amanda, however; we at the Indy Transponder just want to add our heartfelt condolences to Kyle and the rest of Amanda's family.  Amanda has touched us all ... the responses we see from the aviation community below are proof.  She will be missed by all of us.


Also, we were contacted by the organizers of the Aviation Roundup that will be held August 27-28 at the Minden/Tahoe Airport.  To quote what was shared: We want to honor Amanda and help Kyle .... We know that Kyle and his family still face many challenges and we want to support him.

June 4:  Funeral Information is available HERE on ASB.

A Note from Kyle: For those who would like to participate in a mass fly over at Amanda's grave site service. (added 5/29)

Photos from many fans along with heartfelt condolences from fans across the country have been shared at Airshowbuzz and you are encouraged to go there and add yours.
Update 5/29:  The link to this amazing tribute video at ASB as well. 

Added 5/29:  Honoring Amanda - Missing Man Formation - YouTube | The 2011 Wheels and Wings Airshow at Millville Municipal Airport in Millville, New Jersey added a Missing Man formation to their show to honor Amanda on May 28.

Amanda Younkin Franklin, May You Rest In Peace - AirPigz | Amanda Younkin Franklin passed away on Friday May 27, 2011. May God rest her soul.  After 75 days battling to survive after the forced landing and fire during the Franklin Flying Circus wingwalking performance March 12, 2011 in Brownsville, Texas, God has taken Amanda Franklin from this earth.  Continued prayers go out to the Younkin and Franklin families, and especially to her loving husband Kyle Franklin. ...
added 6/4: A video tribute

Amanda Franklin…. A Flying legend from photorecon.net  | As we all know Amanda and Kyle were involved in a tragic fire and forced landing several months ago in Texas. Tragic is a word that is overused in our language, but it really fits here; there are few other ways to describe what has happened. Kyle suffered burns and some traumatic injuries. Amanda was [...]

Added 5/31:  Tribute page from the Indianapolis Air Show and another from Friends of Aviation.

In Memory of Amanda Franklin from Alabama Aviator - Aviation News

Amanda Younkin Franklin - A tribute video posted by earshottank22



Added 6/24:

Amanda Franklin: Friday's Fabulous Flyer from Flight To Success | Amanda Franklin recently passed away, leaving a huge hole in the sky and the hearts of many. The rain poured from the heavens as tears flowed with the passing of this beautiful and talented woman. She will be missed by many, but her memory and imprint on this world will last forever.  | Christine Hollingsworth shared Amanda's story with me, and I asked her is she wanted to write it. Christine sent me the following post of how this amazing woman, Amanda Franklin, lived and inspired many, and is the reason Christine flies today. ...>>



You can still donate:  please visit ICAS or ICAS Foundation
And as mentioned above, don't forget the Minden-Tahoe Airport Benefit Air Show

Indy Transponder 29-MAY-2011 0130z

Civilians get glimpse of military history at annual air show - Columbia Missourian | Truman Varns, 4, of Columbia and his father, Curtis, get a moment in the cockpit of a P-3 Orion anti-submarine aircraft during the 23rd annual Salute to Veterans Airshow at Columbia Regional Airport. Truman told the plane commander, Lt. Kyle Vannatta, ...
PHOTO GALLERY: Soaring spirits at 23rd annual Salute to Veterans Airshow

Salute to Veterans Airshow Underway in Columbia, MO from The Aero Experience | The Salute to Veterans Corporation Airshow is underway in Columbia, MO.  Aero Experience contributor Mark Nankivil provided these awesome photos of participating aircraft: ...

Two former aviators show support at Salute to Veterans Airshow - Columbia Missourian | Jean McCreery sits next to Joe Bacon, a veteran aviator in Vietnam, during the Salute to the Nation Solemn Ceremony during the 23rd annual Salute to Veterans Airshow at Columbia Regional Airport . McCreery, 87, is one of the remaining ...

NASA Astronauts to appear at Rockford's 2011 Airfest - Examiner.com | Earlier today, just prior to Airfest organizers discovering that the Blue Angels had cancelled their appearance, Rockford announced that NASA will have also have a presence at the 2011 Airfest air show. With the help of US Rep. ...

Hawaiian Air’s first plane on display at air show (AP) - Papa Travel | HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines’ first airplane is to be displayed a Big Island air show.  Company founder Stanley Kennedy acquired the Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker in 1929 and began offering sightseeing tours over Oahu, but it was never used for interisland flights.  The airline says the artifact of Hawaii aviation history is to make its Big Island debut Saturday and Sunday at the air show at the Kona International Airport.  It was sold in 1933 and shipped to the mainland before Hawaiian reacquired it 75 years later. ...

Contest: Go to Oshkosh AirVenture 2011 with Southwest Airlines - Reuters | Last year when I had the opportunity to fly with Southwest Airlines to the Oshkosh AirVenture was easily one of my favorite things I have done with my blog. It was great being in a Boeing 737 full of excited ...

Updated: Southend Airshow takes to the skies - Southend Standard | The first day of the 2011 Southend Airshow finished with a bang as the Avro Vulcan filled the skies above the town with the sound of roaring jet engines. The 1950s bomber drew admiring cheers from the thousands of people stretched out along the ...

Duxford Spring Airshow 2011 Highlights - The spitfire Site | Planes TV has recently posted these video highlights from the windy 2011 Duxford Spring Airshow.

Memorial Day Ceremony in Hecker, IL to Include Aircraft from The Aero Experience | ... A multi-aircraft Fly-Over during the ceremony including B-25 J Mitchell Bomber, Grumman TBM Avenger Torpedo Bomber, Nanchang CJ-6, T34, Cubs, SNB 1 Twin Beech Navy Bomber; Champs, Cessna 172 Sky-hawks, Fly-Baby's, Cessna 120 & 150, RVs, Stearman.  Aircraft are privately owned and operated.  Many of them are members of  ....

Commemorative Aero Museum hosts Memorial Day celebration - Daily Herald | The Commemorative Air Force is a non-profit corporation that attempts to preserve a representation of each aircraft flown during World War II. The CAF currently owns around 156 aircraft with more than 9000 members worldwide. The Utah Wing was formed in ...

A Fair Child - the Cornell's First Flight - Vintage Wings of Canada | Isn't she lovely... Isn't she beautiful... Isn't she precious?” So goes the happy and proud lyrics of Stevie Wonder's song about his new born baby girl. Well, we feel the same way about our just-completed Fairchild Cornell. After a gestation period not much longer than a human's, she emerged shiny and new from the warmth and love of the Vintage Wings Hangar into the light of day for the first time no more than a couple of weeks ago. Little Cornelia Regina Fairchild was born Friday, May 20th, 2011, at the Verdugo Memorial Hospital, weighing in at a little over 2,565 pounds. Baby Cornelia and the Vintage Wings mothership are ...

Mustang Monday Part II – Scooter Yoak – Warbird Radio LIVE! – 10am (EASTERN) from WarbirdRadio.com | MONDAY – Last week Scooter was unable to come on due to bad weather and a late flight from Andrews, AFB.  This week he’s ready and on deck for the show.  Call in and join the conversation for this special episode of Warbird Radio LIVE, devoted entirely to the P-51.  If you love the Mustang [...]

from AIRBOYD.TV
U.S. Army Fliers Rescued In The South Pacific (1943)
Dutch Ration Drop (1945)

Plane Pull Challenge tugs along - Castanet.net | The second annual Plane Pull Challenge took off Friday May 27. The United Way hosts the annual event at the Kelowna International Airport. The fundraiser challenges 25 groups to pull a Convair 5800, 20 feet across ...

Spaceman - Air & Space Magazine | Sometimes an entire era is represented by a single career.

A new beginning for America’s Space Programs – Spacevidcast Live SVC-12M from Spacevidcast | In tradition of not wanting a launch (or live show) to end in the number 13, this episode has been re-named to SVC-12M. Why that numbering system? Well, we explain it in the open of the show! A lot of amazing stuff is happening within America’s Space Programs on the 50th anniversary of JFK’s ...