I think you got it wrong my friend, based on: (deleted)
Anwar,
When you used the term "smoking weed" to describe actions of Thunderbirds personnel that set off numerous personal alarms. I am happy to hear that you were using the term as a metaphor, and not describing actual events.
I would encourage you to see the Thunderbirds again. At an airshow with clear blue sky, and unlimited visibility, where their performance isn't limited by things they can not control.
In late October they will be in Houston, Texas. That's only a couple hundred miles from Jim's. Be willing to bet he could find some good bar-b-que if you were to attend.
kwbarnes wrote:
When you used the term "smoking weed" to describe actions of Thunderbirds personnel that set off numerous personal alarms. I am happy to hear that you were using the term as a metaphor, and not describing actual events.
I deeply apologize if my use of that term did mean something alarming
I would encourage you to see the Thunderbirds again. At an airshow with clear blue sky, and unlimited visibility, where their performance isn't limited by things they can not control.
In late October they will be in Houston, Texas. That's only a couple hundred miles from Jim's. Be willing to bet he could find some good bar-b-que if you were to attend.
Great idea for that
Meeting Jim, and the rest of you of course, is in my top priorities. The moment I am able to, you and all will find me knocking your front door with this face ( )
last year i attended the Nellis Aviation Nation, Steve was there, i was suppose to meet up with Steve friday watching practice day from the speedway in Vegas.
things didn't work out as planned though, near the end of the day i was headed out to go shopping for some memory cards as the Thunderbirds were practicing, while driving down the road i finally found where Steve was parked and pulled over for a few minutes and watched the Thunderbird routine, i had left my camera back in the car as it was all packed up to head back to my room.
as we all talked, don't know if Steve had this planned or he just got lucky on where he was parked, but we turned away from the show, the sneak pass was headed our way, i could hear Steve kept saying "this is going to be close"....well the sneak pass came in right above our heads, felt like i could almost touch the jet and he was hauling ass, it was the kind of thrill that made every hair on your arm stand up
if i could live that over a million times i'd be a happy man and yes, i kick myself for not having my camera with me but, at the same time i had an unobstructed view of the pass without a camera in front of my face
Go4Long wrote:
...The Thunderbirds.....flew a rehearsal on Wednesday and ended up in the penalty box because a few of their passes didn't meet the UK regs (their sneak pass was too low, too fast, and too close to the crowd for example).
WOW!
I am amazed by that comment.
I have never heard of either of the US teams being accused of being too low, too fast and too close.
That says a lot about the current airshow atmosphere in the UK.
Sad that it has come to a point that they are so risk adverse that even the most professional of flyers are ham-stringed by the health and safety gang.
Zane Adams wrote:
WOW!
I am amazed by that comment.
I have never heard of either of the US teams being accused of being too low, too fast and too close.
That says a lot about the current airshow atmosphere in the UK.
Sad that it has come to a point that they are so risk adverse that even the most professional of flyers are ham-stringed by the health and safety gang.
If the Canadian Snowbirds flew like the Canadian fighter pilots I use to launch and recover, the Snowbirds would stay in the penalty box and be airshow fans favorite demo team.
Slowly working my way towards Heathrow for my departure tomorrow. Staying outside London tonight and working on pictures. Still haven't made it through all of the airshow yet, but got to some from departures today because I couldn't wait anymore.
New Mirage 2000D display team Couteau Delta
This year I decided that I would rent a new body and lens combo for the show
I have used a 5Dmk4 and a 500 4.0 II.
In the past i always struggled with exposure but not this time what a amazing set drawback is the retail prize but at the other hand renting is much cheaper if you only use your equipment a couple of time's a year...
Forgot to mention that this a 100% crop as I was off base
Pleasure to meet you James. I'm booked in for mach 3 next year as well. I signed up for 4 of them...not sure who's coming with at this point, but I'm sure I'll drag some photographers along.
JamesG wrote:
Great shots Steven, good to meet you at the weekend!
Have a safe trip back & may see you next year! Am planning on MACH3 package especially as it conflicts with Flying Legends.
Zane Adams wrote:
WOW!
I am amazed by that comment.
I have never heard of either of the US teams being accused of being too low, too fast and too close.
That says a lot about the current airshow atmosphere in the UK.
Sad that it has come to a point that they are so risk adverse that even the most professional of flyers are ham-stringed by the health and safety gang.
Dear Zane,
This is intended to explaine. If it inflames please ignore!
The current UK MAA display rules are different to the US rules that the tbirds have meticulously prepared for over many, many years. This years RIAT theme was to celibate 75 years of the USAF. Accordingly, mountains where moved and rivers diverted to make that celebration work – and work it did – big time (IMHO). Part of that work was to have the tbirds (and everyone else) get a display authorisation.
Now the MAA display rules are different to the US rules. As I understand it the MAA is tighter in some respects but less restrictive in others. I presume that the tbirds rehearsal on Wednesday was their standard routine(s), and that from the resulting observations the team worked with the Display Director and his / her staff to resolve discrepancies and make adjustments. Long story short they did just that, and got their authorisation. Frankly I think that was a very big deal! They took apart the Swiss watch they'd been using for years – rearranged the parts – put it back together..... and made it work! May I suggest that any American persons pride in the tbirds achievements is entirely justified?
Yes, the UK air show industry and it's regulators – MAA and especially CAA – have come under close scrutiny following recent accidents. IMHO the CAA regulatory framework was a smouldering dung heap and its not going to smell of roses any time soon.
