Got back from the big annual formation training clinic at Porterville earlier today - not a lot of photos or video this year but couple highlights:
- Highest headwinds I have ever flown in, more than 50 knots at times - took two fuel stops and nearly 4 hours to cover 240nm - ground speeds as low as 68 knots
- Flew in first mass formation, total of 28 aircraft in the formation (T-34, CJ-6, Yak-50 and Yak-52), one fast mover for top cover/dressing (L-39), and a photoship (Bell Jetranger)
- Awards Dinner had Shuttle Commander Col. Rick Searfoss (USAF Ret., NASA Ret.) for keynote - amazing talk
Every time I attend these kinds of events I am amazed at the level of dedication and professionalism on display, as well as the experience-base and knowledge-base out our disposal - truly a blessing.
For our arrival we did a 6-ship delta flyover, then separated into a 2-ship element and a 4-ship element for the diamond drop out.
Shot of our delta arrival
Images from my plane of the Diamond Drop Out
My pitot-cam view of the Mass Formation
Mass formation from inside (#1)
https://www.facebook.com/rich.martindell/videos/10211786001313029/
Mass Formation from inside (#2)
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP_QjAtBpezkJTNz6PNn8s3uBiFbGLnV6P9JOmqkdXbwOg2O5qqLsbqt_ctJ0WgeQ/photo/AF1QipM3gKNHY-OpyyM9SVP2yuNwaQaALCcMYj-SF-0r?key=WjFKeHk2b1lUblhwck5yNzhPVzJLQm1KbkREN1RR
Mass formation from ground
I am Foxtrot 2 (far left side, right side of this video)
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRbV6N80oZQ&feature=share
Mass formation from ground (#2) I am Foxtrot 2 (far left side of this video)
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6H3zMqlDcQ&feature=share
'Gimp
- Highest headwinds I have ever flown in, more than 50 knots at times - took two fuel stops and nearly 4 hours to cover 240nm - ground speeds as low as 68 knots
- Flew in first mass formation, total of 28 aircraft in the formation (T-34, CJ-6, Yak-50 and Yak-52), one fast mover for top cover/dressing (L-39), and a photoship (Bell Jetranger)
- Awards Dinner had Shuttle Commander Col. Rick Searfoss (USAF Ret., NASA Ret.) for keynote - amazing talk
Every time I attend these kinds of events I am amazed at the level of dedication and professionalism on display, as well as the experience-base and knowledge-base out our disposal - truly a blessing.
For our arrival we did a 6-ship delta flyover, then separated into a 2-ship element and a 4-ship element for the diamond drop out.
Shot of our delta arrival
Images from my plane of the Diamond Drop Out
My pitot-cam view of the Mass Formation
Mass formation from inside (#1)
https://www.facebook.com/rich.martindell/videos/10211786001313029/
Mass Formation from inside (#2)
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP_QjAtBpezkJTNz6PNn8s3uBiFbGLnV6P9JOmqkdXbwOg2O5qqLsbqt_ctJ0WgeQ/photo/AF1QipM3gKNHY-OpyyM9SVP2yuNwaQaALCcMYj-SF-0r?key=WjFKeHk2b1lUblhwck5yNzhPVzJLQm1KbkREN1RR
Mass formation from ground
I am Foxtrot 2 (far left side, right side of this video)
Mass formation from ground (#2) I am Foxtrot 2 (far left side of this video)
'Gimp
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