Saturday, August 14, 2010

Airshow Acrobatics

Air shows have a lot of acts to see.  While maybe all of them don't have the superstar status of The Thunderbirds, they are very very cool.

Like a demonstration by a C-17.  These planes are HUGE!  See the flare on the end of the wing?  That flare is 9' tall!  Huge!  And they can get in the air like nobody's business!
There are also demonstrations like this - a US Navy F4 Hellcat and a Japanese Zero (one of only 3 left flying in the world).  Truly a blast from the past!
The acrobatic planes are exciting to watch.  I would love to go for a ride with one of these guys!  A maneuver called Hammerhead Stall is my absolute favorite.  They fly straight up until their airspeed goes to zero, which makes their engine stall.  And they start to tumble back towards the earth.  Somehow they are able to get the engine started and the plane back under control.
There was even an acrobatic helicopter.  Seriously.  Helicopters aren't supposed to be able to fly upside down.
This guy called his paint scheme, 'Air Show Camoflage'.  He just blends right in, doesn't he?
I told Vol Fan that I want to be a wing walker when I grow up.  He didn't think it would be such a good idea, given my lack of balance and coordination:)
Sometimes there are silly acts like The Alabama Boys.  Yes, he is landing that plane on top of a truck!  Not only did he land it but he took off from there as well.
Did you know that Red Bull gives you wings?
Next up - the A-10 Warthog.  Not the prettiest plane ever but still pretty cool.
Mainly it is cool because it can do things like this...
And this...
Which lead to the need for this.

4 comments:

Linda said...

Your pics have been great!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a fabulous air show you all saw, Woody.... What caused the fire???? Hope a plane didn't crash--like they sometimes do... Yipes!!!

I love watching the wing walkers too.. But unlike you, that is not a 'dream' of mine. I always wanted to be a pilot ---so I'll fly the plane while you stand on the wing.... ha

Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy

Busy Bee Suz said...

so many amazing shots...the fire scares the pee out of me!

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