The Arrows paid a very rare visit to Ireland yesterday and stopped in here on the way to the annual airshow celebrating Alcock and Brown’s first Trans Atlantic flight.
After 9 years in the RAF it was good to see the short display they put on in my home town before they went to the main display near Galway.
They also took off in 3 groups of 3 simultaneously - a rare sight in this part of the
world.
Gotta go with the Blues.
everyone has seen the Brews & the Chickens do their thing but I feel that a real airshow is done by just the single demo, F-14’s, F-15’s, F-16’s, F/A-18’s & B-1B’s, and hands down it’s the BONE that’ll drop you jaw below sea level, I’ve seen her twice do the same circuit as the fighters but being a 400 ton bomber at low level she’ll rock your world and she even does something the fighters cant is follow the terrain at 150 ft without flinching, I even seen the BONE fly between goal posts at the AFA stadium scaring the skiddles out of everyone, now that is an airshow and then come roaring by you at trans-sonic that’ll sound like a 100 car coal train, now that’s impressive
That just inspired me to a possible fantasy subject.
How about an F16 in Blue Angels colors sitting next to a T-Bird F/A-18?[;)]
that’ll blow some minds at the next show
I dare you to do it matter of fact I double dars you
You’re on!
BLUE ANGELS, naturally.[:)]
kick butt; I’ve got to see them when your done, Tally HO
I would love to see that trade a plane. To go into the land of never were. During our gas crunch days of T-38s and A-4s we never got to see Tomcats and Eagles in their services colors. Prior to this the Navy opted to stay with the F-11 before converting to the F-4. An F-8 Blue would would be awesome also.
or how about an A-10 in T-Bird scheme?, or even an F-104, or F-86 that’ll be an intresting thing to see also how about a F4U in Angels colors or an A-1 or FJ’s in gloss angel blue
hey merlin are you up for another dare?
Oh yes, the possibilities are almost limitless.
I really like the ideas of a Blues F-8 and FJ.
How about a row of Thunderbird…SR-71s!
Hey, it is a fantasy, right?
Also agree that Blues put on a better show. A few years ago at the Latrobe ¶ airshow, one of the BA solo planes did a snap roll right on takeoff and then did his crosswind right over the spectator area at the end of the runway - the jet was so close I swear you could feel the heat from the engines, and you could definitely see every little detail on the top of the fuselage as he passed over us. Unfortunately, the airport authority closed this section off during the last (and probably last ever) airshow at Latrobe. (they’re too worried about security now, and never have planned a really good show).
But you can have your chance to compare at the Dayton Airshow this coming weekend (7/19-20), when they will have Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, and Snowbirds.
Hey Merlin;
sorry for the delay kinda got some projects to be done over here in Iraq but that sounds fantastic so when are you going to show the now Show Birds?
I’d love to see’m
Both are great teams but I’m a little partial to the Snowbirds.
When I was a student in Pensacola, I had an opportunity to see one of their periodic “head to head” semi-private shows. I think they do it annually or every other year and alternate between doing it at Nellis and Pensacola. Anyway, like most have said they both put on good shows. For my $.02, I found the T-birds’ show to be a little more graceful and the Blues’ show was a little more agressive. And yes, having been trained in a “joint” environment, having served with USAF officers, and worked with USAF assets in both operational and exercise settings, it DOES to a certain degree reflect the different types of flying each service does. That’s not a value statement at all - just the way it is. Both branches are good at what they do. It’s just that flying around an Air Force Base and flying around the boat are rather distinct experiences!!! 
Over the years, I’ve also had the chance to work with RAF officers and, with what exposure to the RAF that’s given me plus the fact I’m a fan of “The Few” anyway, I’m very eager to see the Red Arrows someday. I also went through flight school with some Italians and their pride in their service has me interested in seeing “Frecce Tricolore” (sp?) as well.
And finally, I’ll agree that for the sheer impressiveness of seeing a whole LOT of airplanes moving around as one, it’s tough to beat the Snowbirds. They have a formation of what, NINE planes? something crazy like that Wacky Canucks 
For me it’s just got to be the Red Arrows.
But then I’m just a little biased!
Ladies and Gentlemen, Running in from your left, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team…
A couple Prowlers tried that at the new stadium in Seattle last year. Seems a Congressman was none too pleased.
Hello 72cuda
It’s going to be a while yet I’m afraid.
I’ve got so many other unfinished projects going on but I’m doing a lot of planning and scheming on it!
Thanks for “takin’ care of business” over there and I pray you’re able to come back home to family and friends soon.
Merlin