Indy Transponder 14-MAY-2011 1200z

Indy 2011: Friday - Part 1  from Airspeed by Stephen Force |  Indy is one of my favorite shows. This is my third year covering it. It's at Indiana Regional Airport (formerly Mount Comfort) (KMQJ), which has excellent surroundings that offer performance lines that can accommodate almost anything you'd want to fly in the airspace. It's reasonably accessible. Firebase Airspeed this year is at the Super 8 in Greefield, which is only a few miles to the east. But for the construction on the main highway that has things down to one lane for much of the going, it's easy access. And I'm getting to the show around 0700 each morning, so it's no big deal for me…

Reminder of our mettle - Greenfield Daily Reporter | The most moving scene at this weekend's Indianapolis Air Show won't take place in the skies over Mt. Comfort. It will be on the tarmac at Indianapolis Regional Airport, where two beams from the World Trade Center will be on display today and Sunday as ...

Indy 2011: Friday - Part 2 - A Ride on Fat Albert Airlines  from Airspeed by Stephen Force | The Blue Angels are back again at the Indy Airshow. And that means that the ubiquitous blue and gold C-130, Fat Albert, is on the field supporting the Blues and thrilling spectators. And fanboys like me.  Fat Albert is operated by an all-Marine aircrew. I had the opportunity once again to ride on Fat Albert. The first time (2009) was great. But I learned a few things that allowed me to prepare much better for this ride…

100 years of naval aviation on display in NC show - Myrtle Beach Sun News | AP MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC -- A century of naval aviation goes on display when the Marine Corps puts on an air show at the New River Air Station in eastern North Carolina. The two-day air show takes off on Saturday. ...

Solar Impulse Flies Over Four Countries on First International Flight  from CAFE Foundation Blog by Dean Sigler - Supporters of the Solar Impulse gathered to celebrate the giant solar-powered airplane’s landing in Brussels, Belgium today after the craft had crossed Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, and Belgium in its 630 kilometer (340 nautical mile), 12 hour, 59 minute flight…

Aircraft of the 'Tiger Meet'  from Bayou Renaissance Man by Peter | The 2011 Tiger Meet is under way at the Cambrai air base in northern France…

High in the Sky - Jennings Daily News | The second annual Barnstormers Air Festival took over the Jennings Airport on Saturday, allowing 64 area youth to have their first chance at hitting the friendly skies for free. Nearly 50 guest planes flew in to enjoy the event from as far away as ...

Hang Gliders Soar into Spring Air Festival in Sylmar - Examiner.com | Now, as Activities Director for the Sylmar Hang Gliding Association, McLaughlin is among those who have helped organize the association's annual Spring Air Festival, which takes place Saturday, May 14. The day's activities include a hang gliding ...

EDITORIAL: TN Air Show flying higher in Smyrna to delight of all - The Daily News Journal | Shortly after the United States Air Force's Thunderbirds soared and roared through Smyrna's skies at this year's air show, the Smyrna Airport announced that the United States Navy's Blue Angels would be coming to the air show in 2012. ...

Michigan Aerobatic Open  from IAC88 Blog by Don Weaver | Go here to register for the competition!  Game on!  We have sponsors, we have staff, we've got a waiver for the aerobatic box approved.  Airport is on board, as is ATC and the county safety folks.  Hotels arranged.  Gotta plan the Saturday evening banquet food - yum.  We have a speaker - Steve Tupper of Airspeed will speak about military rides, AcroCamp movie and AcroCamp II plans and other fun stuff and might have a few clips to show.  We are off to order shirts and trophies next week.  So far so good - and thank goodness the IAC gives us a big checklist so that we don't forget anything.  Potties.  Gotta order the potties…

Pilots converging on Quincy as part of annual Fly-In - Tallahassee.com | Pilots from around the Southeast are converging today for the annual Quincy Fly-In, sponsored by Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 445. The event is 9 am to 4 pm at Quincy Municipal Airport. You can eyeball the aircraft and talk to the pilots. ...

B-25 Mitchell Bomber - Video - Jay Leno's Garage  from http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/  At The Garage The most versatile aircraft of World War II...

Veterans take flight down memory lane - WVEC.com | More than 65 years ago, 16 B-25 Mitchell bombers launched off an aircraft carrier to conduct the famed Doolittle Raid over Japan. 84-year old Walter Dandridge of Williamsburg said just seeing the Panchito was like a sight for sore eyes. ...

VIDEO: World War II B-17 bomber visits Napa - Napa Valley Register | The Register tours a restored B-17 Flying Fortress bomber that will be on display at the Napa County Airport until Sunday. The goal of the story comments section at NapaValleyRegister.com is to have an open, thought-provoking, civil community forum for ...

World War II-era B-17 coming to town - Record-Searchlight | The B-17 was donated to the EAA Aviation Foundation in 1981 under the condition that it be maintained in airworthy condition. After being displayed at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis., for a decade, it made its national tour debut in 1994. ...

Iconic WWII plane touches down in Edmonton - Global Winnipeg | This C-46 Commando, originally used to transport supplies to allied troops during WWII, is now used as a rugged cargo transport. There was some unusual air traffic at the Edmonton International Airport Friday afternoon, as a legendary WWII-era ...

Magnificent women in their flying machines - Cambridge News | The visit also kick-started the Celebrating Women in Aviation exhibition, which honours the role played by women. The Air Show, which takes place on Sunday, May 22, will present stunning aerial displays by the women pilots.

Herald photographer wins second National Newspaper Award - Lethbridge Herald | A photographer at The Herald for almost a decade, Martens' photograph from the crash of a CF-18 fighter jet warming up for the Alberta International Airshow was named winner of the News Photography category at the 2010 National Newspaper Awards, ...

Today in Aviation History – May 14  from Calgary Recreational and Ultralight Flying Club by bikeal

ICE PILOTS on National Geographic Channel (begins Fri 4/22)

Ice Pilots, which begins this Friday, April 22, chronicles the extraordinary adventures of the Buffalo Airlines crew - true Arctic aviators in every sense of the word - who fly WWII-era classic propeller planes to deliver food and fuel to far-flung locations in the Northwest Territories (NWT) of Canada.

Ice Pilots: Nightmare Landing Friday, April 22, 2011, at 10 PM ET/PT
Rookie co-pilot Scott and Buffalo Airlines captain AJ face their worst nightmare when low fog and engine malfunction of the Curtiss C-46 Commando result in one of the toughest landings of their lives.  Ambitious young flyer Alex must prove himself when Buffalo’s chief pilot, Arnie, gives him control of the 20-ton Douglas DC-4 for the very first time.  And the boss’ son Mikey gets in hot water when Joe, his father and president of Buffalo Airlines, needs the Douglas DC-3 for backup, but it’s nowhere near ready to fly.

Ice Pilots: Deadly Winds Friday, April 29, 2011, at 10 PM ET/PT
Christmas is just around the corner, and the Northern Territories in Canada depend on Buffalo Airways more than ever to fly in food and supplies.  But the engine in the C-46 freezes up in the tiny town of Norman Wells, stranding Scott and AJ, while mechanic Chuck must attempt a bare-handed engine swap in the minus 30°C deep freeze — on a remote tarmac.  Back at Yellowknife, pressure from customers and co-workers pushes cargo manager Kelly Jurasevich to reroute the Christmas food and goods.  But when the landing gear on the backup C-46 gets stuck, captain Devan Brooks must turn back.  Meanwhile, the crew struggles to get the goods out of Buffalo Airlines headquarters to meet the demand of NWT residents. 

Ice Pilots: Deadly Cargo Friday, May 6, 2011, at 10 PM ET/PT
A string of bad luck turns chief pilot Arnie’s 66th birthday run into the flight from hell when the exterior of the plane threatens to stall as it ices up while in flight — and unfortunately, the plane doesn’t have deicing equipment built in.  Will they make it?  Fresh out of flight school, Jeremy is desperate to move up the ranks, but newbie Audrey Marchand’s enthusiasm and “can-do” attitude impresses the boss and could throw a wrench into Jeremy’s plans to move up.  After the team works all night to turn the DC-4 into a flying gas tanker, new co-pilot Alex flies a tricky fuel haul and grabs the chance to execute his first takeoff and try some rare “low flying” over the spectacular northern landscape.

Ice Pilots: State of Emergency Friday, May 13, 2011, at 10 PM ET/PT
When a power failure leaves the tiny region of Rankin Inlet exposed to the brutal northern elements, DC-4 captain Justin races to deliver two massive generators to the secluded community before sundown.  Jeremy is determined to become a co-pilot — and beat co-worker Audrey into the seat by training a new hire from India to replace him.  When the recession nips at Joe’s heels, he organizes a $7 million sale of two Canadair CL-215 water bombers to the Turkish government that could save Buffalo Airlines.

Indy Transponder 22-APR-10 2200z

Flying circles in the sky - Tulsa World
As spectators cast their eyes heavenward at the inaugural QuikTrip Air & Rocket Racing Show this Saturday, there will be ...

Vidalia Onion Festival - Augusta Chronicle
The Blue Angels will be the featured performers at an air show that will begin at 9 am Saturday. They will be joined by the United States Army Silver Wings ...

Clock ticking toward Oshkosh from General Aviation News
The clock is ticking toward the July 26 opening day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, which is now fewer than 100 days away. The 58th edition of EAA's fly-in convention takes place July 26-Aug. 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Featured programs and attractions include: ...

Cape Girardeau to host Blue Angels at air show - Mexico Ledger
Cape Girardeau businesses are expecting a boost from the summer appearance of the US Navy Blue Angels at the Regional Air ...

Win A Flight With Thinderbirds At The Martinsburg Air Show ... - Daily Monitor
This September one lucky individual will get the ride of a lifetime at the "Thunder Over the Blue Ridge" open house and air show hosted by the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg WV. The two day event will feature the precision flying and ...

Sank 'eaven fur leetle gurlz... from Unusual Attitude

...and once in a while they become leader of one of the world's premier jet aerobatic teams.
So chapeaux off to Commandant Virginie Guyot, first featured in this blog just about a year ago, and who is this year leading the Patrouille de France.
Apparently those more in the know than I realised this was going to happen when she was named as number four last year - the standard route to the leadership in the Patrouille. Intriguing explanation from illustrious airshow commentator Sean Maffett here.
Anyway, she's now well and truly the boss...

Air festival set for take off - without Red Arrows - Yellow Advertiser
ACE: Pilot Peter Teichman will be flying a historic P51 Mustang at this year's Air Festival. Picture by Mark Cleveland By Karen Davis THE Southend Air ...

Military fly-past in Moscow on - The Voice of Russia
More than 125 Russian dual-purpose and combat aircraft will take part in the military fly-past during the May 9 Victory Day celebrations in central Moscow, ...

Hannes Arch back in the game From www.redbullairrace.com
Nick Fellows and Steve Jones analyse the race action from the first stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Abu Dhabi. Defending...

Curtiss Flying Boat fetches $506,000 at auction from General Aviation News
On April 13 Bonhams New York held a special day of auctions celebrating the history of flight and space exploration, from the earliest experiments to the present day.
Starting the day was the sale of a 1917 Curtiss MF Seagull Flying Boat. Sourced from the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland, Ohio, this was the first time a vintage plane had been auctioned in Manhattan. Designed by one of the leading pioneers of American aviation and archrival of the Wright brothers, Glenn H. Curtiss, the Seagull represents a significant period in aviation history. Following a round of competitive bidding, the Flying Boat brought $506,000 against an estimate of $300,000-$500,000. ...

Disabled American Veterans Air Show Highlights Veterans - DAV
During the course of 25 air shows nationwide the Disabled Americans Veterans will reach over 3 million air show spectators, spreading the awareness of disabled veterans and the sacrifices they have made. The DAV Airshow Outreach Program ...

CoolPix - Vintage Military: Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando Cockpit by Martt
 Here's a really neat picture of a Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando cockpit for another CoolPix entry in the 'Vintage Military' category.  Big versions of pictures like this are particularly good for spending some time studying how things are laid out.  I especially like how you can imagine how open this cockpit would feel since there are second row of windows at the knee and hip areas.   
 When I was a kid I learned quickly to tell a C-46 from a Douglas C-47 (DC-3) by looking for the crease that runs along the fuselage, the smoothly integrated cockpit windows, and by its chubbier overall look.  But back then I ...

Jack And Jeb's Excellent Adventure from UCAP Fodder
As regular listeners know, Jack has been at my house for a few days while attending Sun 'n Fun. (Dave Higdon was here for a while, too, and listener Luca Berta also is here while stranded because of the volcano.) Jack mentioned some time ago how he's never been in an Aeronca Champ. Since there happens to be one based ...

April 22 from Cut and Paste Aviation
... 1962 -- Jacqueline Cochran claimed 49 world records for her 5,120-mile, three-stop flight in a Lockheed Jet Star from New Orleans to Hanover, Germany, via Gander, Newfoundland and Shannon, Ireland. ...

Kids break F-16 jet exhibit - NBC-2.com WBBH News
Some kids are awfully tough on an F-16. A science and technology museum in Syracuse, New York, has a full-size F-16 cockpit that controls a one-fifth-scale model of the fighter jet.
But the $145,000 exhibit takes a beating from the sixth-to-eighth graders who visit it.
It's been broken several times since opening in January. ...

EAA Chapters, Airports Primed for International Learn to Fly Day from EAA News
The first International Learn to Fly Day - an open house for aviation - is gaining momentum as we approach Saturday, May 15. The latest count of scheduled aviation events across the country is approaching 300 as EAA chapters, airports, flight schools, and others attempt to introduce the earth-bound public to the wonder of flight.
ILTFD was first announced at AirVenture last summer at a joint ceremony conducted by EAA, AOPA, Remos Aircraft, NAFI, and others. International Learn to Fly Day is based on a simple idea: raise interest in flying and ...

Aviation academy gets students up in the air from www.state-journal.com
Aviation Academy students at Frankfort High School have planned fights, climbed into simulators – they've even built their own airplanes.
But they couldn't fly. The school couldn't sponsor flights because of liability concerns.
So Tim Smith, director of the program, and other local aerospace enthusiasts created the Kentucky Institute for Aerospace Education.
The institute hopes to build a $1.5 million facility at the Capital City Airport, to include ...

Embry-Riddle's Summer Academy offers programs for teens from General Aviation News
The Summer Academy at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Daytona Beach campus offers teens hands-on exploration of aviation and aerospace topics.
This year the Summer Academy offers the following camps, some of which may be taken for college credit: Aerospace I, Aerospace II, Aviation Career Exploration, Aviation Discovery for Women, Aviation Voyage, Flight Exploration, Generations, and SunFlight. The Summer Academy runs from June 7 to Aug. 9, with individual camps ranging in length from five days to 49 days. Application is required a month before the start date of each camp. ...

F22 raptor from TAKEOFF TUBE
Photo essay: Red Flag-Alaska takes off from Air Force Link Top Stories